Blind since birth, Yamuna Jivana Das discovered Krishna consciousness early in life. A deep yearning for understanding and engagement shaped his spiritual path. Despite the challenges of navigating a predominantly sighted world, he immersed himself in devotional service, studying scripture through audio recordings and learning from personal interactions with senior devotees.

“In the beginning, I was just listening to classes and kirtans, and that was it,” he shared. “I always wondered, how can a blind person be engaged more practically?”

This question remained with him as he moved to Sri Vrindavana Dham, where he encountered other blind devotees facing similar struggles. “When we sit together, we discuss Krishna consciousness, but access to books and temple programs—just being able to move around—are challenges,” he said.

Creating Accessible Awakening 
Recognizing the need for change, Yamuna Jivana Das took action. Through the Accessible Awakening initiative, he created a Bhagavad Gita study group specifically tailored for blind devotees. The sessions incorporate audio technology and structured discussions that allow participants not only to hear but also actively engage with the teachings.

“We now have the Bhagavad=gita in a digital format with screen-reader compatibility, and we take turns reading verses aloud and discussing them,” he explained. “This allows us to be more independent in our study.”

The idea for Accessible Awakening arose from Yamuna Jivana’s personal experiences and his interactions with other blind devotees. He noticed that many struggled to fully participate in temple activities and wanted to create a space where they could engage in devotional study more meaningfully. Over time, he connected with local devotees in Vrindavana who supported his efforts by providing resources and accessibility tools.

Beyond study groups, Accessible Awakening also extends to improving temple accessibility. Yamuna Jivana has worked with local devotees to enhance physical navigation within Vrindavana, advocating for guided assistance and designated areas where blind devotees can participate in kirtans and lectures without obstruction.

Challenges and Growth
While Accessible Awakening has provided valuable support for blind devotees, Yamuna Jivana acknowledges the challenges of expanding the initiative. “Not everyone has access to digital tools,” he admitted, “and we’re still figuring out the best way to make these resources widely available.”

When asked about existing support networks, he explained that the initiative is still in its early stages. “Right now, it’s just a few of us trying to make this work. But I’m hoping we can collaborate with others who have experience in this area.”

To address these challenges, he is exploring partnerships with individuals and organizations that specialize in accessibility for visually impaired individuals. One of his goals is to secure more devices with screen-reader compatibility and to find ways to distribute them to blind devotees in need. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential collaborations with Krishna Balaram Mandir – ISKCON Vrindavan to improve accessibility for visually impaired devotees within the temple community.

Bridging the Gap Between Sighted and Blind Devotees
While the initiative primarily supports visually impaired devotees, Yamuna Jivana hopes it will also serve as a bridge to the sighted community. “This is not just about accessibility; it’s about inclusion,” he noted. “A lot of people want to help but don’t know how. Even simple things, like being aware of our presence in a kirtan or helping us navigate, make a difference.”

Looking ahead, he aims to expand Accessible Awakening beyond Vrindavana, connecting with blind devotees in other countries. “I’ve been getting messages from blind devotees in other places who want to be part of this. The challenge is figuring out how to reach them practically.”

As part of this expansion, he is researching ways to provide remote study sessions and resources for blind devotees outside India. He also envisions organizing training programs where sighted devotees can learn how to assist their visually impaired peers more effectively.

A Vision for the Future
Yamuna Jivana Das remains steadfast in his mission despite the challenges. His goal is to see a world where Krishna consciousness is truly accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.” Experiencing Vrindavana isn’t about sight—it’s about connection,” he said. “That’s what I want for others.”

For those interested in supporting or collaborating with Accessible Awakening, Yamuna Jivana Das can be contacted via email, Facebook or WhatsApp at +917037295962.