Selection of Speeches by Bapin
Spirit and technology join to expand life options

By Shinobu Tateuchi
Forum staff

Many people say that if they lost their sight or hearing, they would probably be too scared to go on with their normal lives. But UALR political science major Anindya (Bapin) Bhattacharyya, who is both vision and hearing impaired, hasn't let it stop him from going to college.

Bapin, one of about 375 UALR students with disabilities, had no hearing at his birth in India. Although he was born with normal vision, he became blind in the second grade when he accidentally got ash-like dirt in his eyes.

"I was terribly shocked to learn that I could not see," he said. "I froze into a deep thought about how this all happened."

Bapin said his disabilities frustrated him at a young age because he didn't understand how to talk out his problems. Instead of working through his problems, Bapin became angry and mischievous.

"I often sneaked out of the house to make troubles while everyone was having a siesta," he said. "I would sometimes throw hay through my neighbors' windows. I would lock their doors from outside by hooking up chains, which meant no one could come out. My father got so furious."

Although Bapin was troubled as a child, he was able to find a little peace in creative expression. He had a hobby of making statues of Indian gods and goddesses through woodworking and ceramics, which his mother encouraged.

When the schools for the blind in India did not accept him because of his hearing disability, he decided to come to the United States to get an education.

Bapin moved to the states with his father in September 1983, and he attended Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts. His father translated from English to Bengali, which was his native language. He learned English, Braille, and American Sign Language at the same time.

Bapin has now lived in the United States for 12 years. He often reflects upon the drastic turns his life has taken.

"I realize the many changes I have made in my life; especially from being an innocent child in India to coming to the United States where my knowledge has been broadened," he said.

For his college education, the state of Arkansas provided him with financial aid through rehabilitation scholarships, and Bapin also has some private scholarships.

Many students at UALR wonder how Bapin learns in regular classes.

A translator from Disability Support Services translates his lectures. He reads American Sign Language by touching his interpreter's right hand with his left hand, much like Helen Keller did many years ago.

Developing computer technology has also benefitted Bapin's process of learning. He uses a scanner to allow him to read printed or typed materials. The computer translates the letters into Braille.

Although modern technology adds to Bapin's life, he still faces some problems. The computer skips hand-written materials and pictures, and the scanner sometimes doesn't recognize all the characters correctly. But volunteers from Disability Support Services help to edit Bapin's scanned files.

One of the most amazing things Bapin does is just walk around. Passersby often stop and stare in wonder at how he is able to independently get around campus.

Bapin said a mobility instructor from the state services for the blind showed him around the campus, and he memorized where everything is located.

When he crosses a street, he stops for about five seconds and allows the cars time to stop for him.

"A few times, they [cars] ran over my cane. It's better than running over my feet," Bapin said.

He wears a vibrator -- that looks like a large pager -- to know when the phone rings, the doorbell buzzes, and when a fire alarm goes off. It can also be used for a sleep alarm, which Bapin compared to an "earthquake vibration."

"Many great technologies here enabled me to be as independent as those who are hearing and [can see]," he said.

One of Bapin's most difficult tasks is distinguishing paper money.

"I have to ask someone who I can trust to tell me what each bill is," he said. "Then fold them in different shapes."

Despite his disabilities, Bapin has no shortage of hobbies.

"I love computing, woodworking, traveling, obtaining new cultural experiences, creative writing, cooking, sewing, participating in sports, and the list goes on," Bapin said.

And most people ask: "Cooking? How?"

"Once you know where all the buttons are to turn the stove on, you use your hand to check if the fire is on. Then I use my watch to see how long to take for cooking," he explained. He cooks Chinese, Mexican and Indian food.

Bapin communicates with people who don't know American Sign Language by having them draw print capital letters on his palm. And he replies back in the same manner or by writing on paper. People who do know American Sign Language sign to him while Bapin feels the hand making the signs.

Although it's been a long road, Bapin's college life won't end with a bachelor's degree. He plans to go to law school.

"Through my life, I have developed a strong interest in helping others who are in my situation. Knowing all about law and becoming a lawyer myself, I want to be able to lobby and convince the government to look into the possibilities of establishing various services to meet the needs of people with disabilities," he said. "This includes my goal to work with those with disabilities to ensure their civil rights and provide equal opportunities for achievement."

He said he used to think it is unfortunate that he lost his sight.

"But now I no longer regret what has happened," Bapin said. "No one of us should give up on anything, but rather have strong faith in God and ourselves.

"I have a favorite thing that I would like to share with everyone: persistence, ambition, and enthusiasm," Bapin continued. "If [they] take these principles, I can guarantee that they will be surprised at how much progress they have made, no matter what their difficulties or weaknesses are."

UALR Disability Support Services needs student volunteers for typing, note-taking and reading. For more information, contact Christy Owen at 569-3143.

Photo by Tsuboi Naoki

ADAPTING WITH TECHNOLOGY: A Braille reader machine replaces a conventional computer display, converting letters into raised dots so Bhattacharyya can "read" computer text with his fingers.

Photo by Tsuboi Naoki

Gettin' by with a little help from my friends: Vision and hearing impairment can make communication between students like Shinobu Tateuchi (left) and Anindya (Bapin) Bhattacharyya (right) difficult, but computer technology and willingness to put forth the effort can result in high-spirited exchanges of everything from abstract ideas to the latest jokes. Sign language interpreters help Bapin in class; volunteers, e-mail and finger-writing open communication lines outside the classroom.

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