THE BLIND BOYS’ ACADEMY IS THE BRAINCHILD OF SWAMI LOKESWARANANDAJI MAHARAJ

The Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys’ Academy traces its origin to the inspiring life and achievements of Shri Bhabani Prasad Chanda, whose extraordinary academic success and self-reliant life demonstrated that visual impairment can never limit human potential. His remarkable personality, intellect and determination deeply inspired Swami Lokeswarananda, the founder and first Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur. Realising that visually challenged students could excel equally when provided proper guidance, opportunities and care, Swami Lokeswaranandaji Maharaj envisioned a dedicated institution for their education and rehabilitation.

After the Ashrama shifted from Pathuriaghata in North Kolkata to Narendrapur, a small hostel named “Students’ Home for the Blind” was established in early 1957 with only seven visually impaired students, including college and music students. Shri Bhabani Prasad Chanda was appointed as its first Superintendent. This humble beginning gradually evolved into a pioneering institution through the untiring efforts of Swami Lokeswaranandaji Maharaj. The institution was subsequently transformed into the Ramakrishna Mission Blind Boys’ Academy, with Shri Bhabani Prasad Chanda becoming its first Principal.

The Academy began with education up to the Upper Primary level and steadily expanded its academic horizon. In 1987, Madhyamik education was introduced under the affiliation of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, and in 2011, Higher Secondary education commenced under the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education. Guided by the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, the Academy has continued its dedicated journey of empowering visually challenged children through education, rehabilitation, vocational training and value-based living, enabling them to become self-reliant and dignified members of mainstream society.