The University of Hyderabad (UoH) distributed 100 Smart Vision Glasses (Ultra Version) to visually impaired beneficiaries as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving accessibility and independent living through assistive technology.

Organised by the University’s Empowered Committee for Differently Abled Persons (ECDAP), the programme brought together beneficiaries from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. In addition to participants from across Telangana, the recipients included students studying at higher education institutions in Hyderabad who had travelled from states such as Haryana, Odisha and West Bengal. Each Smart Vision Glasses device, valued at approximately Rs 48,000, is equipped with features that enable users to read printed text in major Indian languages and English, identify people and objects, recognise currency notes, and detect obstacles while walking, supporting greater independence in everyday activities.

The initiative was supported by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under its CSR programme and implemented by the Blind Vision Foundation, Bengaluru. The devices were developed by SHG Technology Private Limited.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Pammi Pavan Kumar, Coordinator of ECDAP, highlighted the university’s continued efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities, particularly students pursuing higher education and career opportunities.

Prof. Sai Prasad, Co-coordinator of ECDAP, said advances in assistive technologies are creating new opportunities for inclusive education and independent living. ECDAP member Sri N. Annavaram noted that innovations such as smart vision devices are transforming mobility and day-to-day navigation for visually impaired individuals.

During the programme, Gopi Krishna, Vice-President (CSR & Corporate Communications) at the Blind Vision Foundation, demonstrated the capabilities of the Smart Vision Glasses, while Project Manager Navneet Kumar explained how user feedback continues to shape improvements in the technology.

The event was attended by faculty members, disability support professionals and representatives from collaborating organisations, including Prof. Rajsekhar Veshwarapu, Director of the Cell for the Disabled at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad. The organisers acknowledged the support of NPCI, the Blind Vision Foundation, the University administration and student volunteers in conducting one of the university’s significant accessibility-focused outreach initiatives.