What if you are blindfolded as you navigate the lanes of Khan Market or Qutub, crossing the road as vehicles continue to come from multiple directions? Well, that is what a visually impaired businessman in Delhi-NCR, Baldev Gulati offers in Blindfolded Walks, which is part of upcoming Delhi Walk Festival that begins in November.
In a preview held last Friday, participants were blindfolded and provided with a cane. "Be careful of the hanging boards, they are impossible to figure out which results in getting bumped on head or shoulders," informed 45-year-old Gulati, ahead of the walk which included walking across the Khan Market.
While one participant could figure out the cuisine being cooked in several food joints lined together, most were trying to walk without colliding into anything. It was after the walk that participants realised how uneven roads, ongoing construction, constant honking, shops extending out on footpaths or hawkers make it more difficult to walk for people who are unable to see.
While the participants walked just for a while, it is a struggle for visually impaired people to walk on such roads. "I knew I would see in a while but how do you remain optimist," asked a participant. In response, Gulati, who trains differently-abled people, informed that optimism is crucial for visually impaired people. "At times, pessimism and irritation dominate you, but one has to overcome that quickly; there is no way out.," he said and added, "One has to learn ways to enjoy their own company. Last year, I went to Juhu beach by myself. If you complain and cry, the world will further ignore you. Whatever is available, enjoy it to the maximum."
While the city is not accessible friendly, Gulati advised people to not pity anyone with disabilities or assume that they are in need of help. "Don't assume that they need your help. At times, they want to experience it themselves and if you will join, you might spoil it. It is also important to make them feel comfortable."
Describing his experience of walking in the city, he appreciates Delhi Metro, which has yellow tactile paths, that help visually impaired people to walk with independence. "Footpaths are used for everything except walking," he chuckled, adding that unauthorised parking is another issue that makes walking difficult. But, when it comes to enjoying a walk, he finds himself comfortable in Lodhi Garden. "The walk from the India Habitat Centre to the metro station is very soothing."
The 11-day festival, which begins on November 2, includes around 170 walks by people from various walks of life, including Shashi Tharoor, Vinod Dua and William Dalrymple.
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