For not only are these children sightless, they are little better than orphans. Coming primarily from economically-backward families and mostly from villages around Pune, this residential school is more like a home for the girls, with the parents dropping in to meet them only once or twice a year.

Providing the girls free education, specialised training, boarding, lodging, medical aid and recreational activities, the school is heavily dependent on government grants and donations from industrial houses and social work organisations. And as it continues with its commendable task, overcoming myriad hurdles like rehabilitation of the students and periodic financial crunches, the school and its dedicated staff have certainly done much to bring a ray of light into the lives of those who know only darkness.