Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Drishti Library Opens Textbooks for Visually Impaired
Imagine you're a student who can't see very well.
For you, reading a textbook might be really hard because there aren't many books in Braille or good audio versions, especially for college-level classes.
A new project called Drishti Library is trying to fix that.
It's making textbooks available in Braille and as audiobooks, starting with the Punjabi language.
The library was created by researchers in India who are part of a bigger project called Bhashini.
They're using special technology to scan books, turn them into Braille or audio, and make sure they're easy to use.
The best part?
They're working with visually impaired users to make sure the library meets their needs.
Right now, there are a few audiobooks available, but they plan to add more, including books for big exams like the UPSC.
The goal is to make sure every student, no matter their vision, can access the education they need.
Drishti Library is a digital initiative providing higher-education textbooks in Braille and audiobook formats for visually impaired students.
Developed at IIIT-H under the Bhashini initiative, it focuses on Indian languages, starting with Punjabi.
The library uses OCR and text-to-speech technology to convert textbooks into accessible formats.
Designed with input from visually impaired users, it offers features like adjustable playback speed and audio-based navigation.
Currently, the library hosts a limited number of audiobooks, with plans to expand content and include materials for competitive exams.
- Who
- Visually impaired students, IIIT-H researchers, Bhashini initiative
- What
- Drishti Library, a digital initiative providing accessible textbooks in Braille and audiobook formats
- When
- Recently unveiled at a symposium on Language AI for accessibility
- Where
- Developed at IIIT-H, India
- Why
- To provide accessible educational content for visually challenged students, addressing the scarcity of available materials
- Initiative Name
- Drishti Library
- Developed By
- IIIT-H researchers under Bhashini initiative
- Primary Focus
- Higher-education textbooks in Braille and audiobook formats
- Initial Language
- Punjabi
- Key Features
- Adjustable playback speed, audio-based navigation, Braille-ready file creation
- Accessibility
- Free of charge, designed with user input
- Current Status
- Limited audiobooks available, expanding content
- Future Goals
- All Indian languages, including competitive exam materials