Sat Jun 28 13:20:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Tiruchi District Central Library and its Readers’ Forum commemorated Helen Keller Day with a special event for visually challenged individuals. A visually challenged history teacher, I. Abdul Jabbar, received the Helen Keller Award for his contributions to the library’s programs for the disabled. Jabbar praised the library for providing screen readers, which have assisted visually impaired individuals in education and career preparation. The event included cultural performances by visually challenged persons.

**News Article:**

**Tiruchi Library Celebrates Helen Keller Day, Honors Visually Impaired Educator**

**Tiruchi, June 28, 2025** – The Tiruchi District Central Library celebrated Helen Keller Day on Saturday with a special function honoring the achievements and contributions of visually challenged individuals in the community. The event, organized in conjunction with the Readers’ Forum, served as a tribute to the life and legacy of Helen Keller, the renowned American author and disability rights advocate who overcame her own blindness and deafness.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Helen Keller Award to I. Abdul Jabbar, a visually challenged senior government school history teacher and coordinator of the library’s differently abled section. Jabbar was recognized for his dedicated efforts in promoting the library’s initiatives aimed at supporting persons with disabilities.

“We are incredibly grateful for Mr. Jabbar’s tireless dedication,” said S. Dhanalakshmi, Grade 1 Librarian. “His work has made a significant impact on the lives of many visually challenged individuals in our community.”

In his acceptance speech, Jabbar lauded the District Central Library for installing the NVDA screen reader on its computers. He emphasized how this free software had empowered visually challenged candidates to pursue higher education and prepare for competitive exams by accessing a vast audio database of learning materials.

“Thanks to the library’s resources, 75 visually challenged individuals who utilized these facilities are now employed in government positions,” Jabbar stated.

The event also featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing the talents of visually challenged performers, who presented poems and songs to an appreciative audience. Social activist and Readers’ Forum head Allirani Balaji also spoke at the event.

The Tiruchi District Central Library continues to be a vital resource for the visually impaired community, providing access to education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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