Reliance Foundation’s Drishti Braille newspapers go weekly, expand access to news for visually impaired

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

MUMBAI, OCTOBER 13, 2026

Reliance Foundation’s Drishti programme will increase the publication frequency of its Hindi and Marathi Braille newspapers from fortnightly to weekly, strengthening access to news, current affairs and information for people with visual impairment.

The newspapers, published in partnership with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) India, are described as India’s only registered fortnightly international Braille newspapers in Hindi and Marathi. With a readership of more than 30,000, the move to weekly editions is expected to provide readers with more timely information and expand the initiative’s reach among the visually impaired community.

The initiative underscores Reliance Foundation’s continued focus on inclusion and accessible information, recognising the role of newspapers in enabling people with visual impairment to stay informed and participate more fully in society.

Launched in 2003, the Reliance Foundation Drishti programme extends beyond accessible publications to encompass vision care, eye health and awareness about eye donation. Through partnerships with NAB India, Sankara Eye Foundation and Aravind Eye Care System, the programme has reached more than two lakh people through various services, including free eye consultations, spectacles and corneal transplants.

Over the past two decades, its interventions have helped restore sight to more than 22,500 people, providing them with greater opportunities to lead independent and confident lives.

In January 2026, Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita M. Ambani announced a funding commitment of Rs 5 crore at the 75th Foundation Day celebration of NAB India in Mumbai, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to supporting people with visual impairment.

The transition to weekly publication marks another step in the Drishti programme’s efforts to combine vision care with access to information, reinforcing the importance of accessibility, dignity and equal participation for people with visual impairment.