Central Braille Press
Mission & History: Established in 1951 by the Government of India, the Central Braille Press (CBP) is the first and oldest Braille press in India and one of the oldest in Asia: Its mission is to produce and distribute Braille literature and other accessible materials for persons with visual impairme nt (PwVI): Production & Technology: The press produces an extensive range of materials, including NCERT and SCERT school textbooks, religious scriptures, and general interest books in over 14 Indian languages: It utilizes both traditional stereo-typing methods and modern, high-speed computerized Braille embossers (Braillo 440SW and 650SW models): Inclusion & Democracy: The CBP plays a crucial non-educational role by printing Braille ballot papers and voter slips for visually impaired citizens in several Indian states, ensuring democratic participation.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Institutional & EducationalEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: None, but access is highly restricted and requires prior official permission from the NIEPVD Director or relevant authority for a tour:
Permission Process: Visitors must contact the institute via phone or email well in advance to a...Entry Fee: None, but access is highly restricted and requires prior official permission from the NIEPVD Director or relevant authority for a tour:
Permission Process: Visitors must contact the institute via phone or email well in advance to arrange a visit/tour:
Group Visit Requirement: Group visits are generally preferred and must be scheduled to avoid disrupting the production workflow:
Photography Rules: Strict photography rules apply, especially near classified government/sensitive documents (like ballot papers).Timing:
Regular Timings: Generally functions during office hours, 9:00 am to 5:
30 pm (Monday to Friday): Check for specific opening times for visitors with prior permission:
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (10:00 am to ...Regular Timings: Generally functions during office hours, 9:00 am to 5:
30 pm (Monday to Friday): Check for specific opening times for visitors with prior permission:
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (10:00 am to 1:00 pm) is best for observing the production process in full swing before the lunch break:
Closed Days: Generally closed on weekends and all government holidays: Always confirm timings before a scheduled visit.Special Events:
World Braille Day Celebration: The most significant annual event on January 4th (Louis Braille's birthday), featuring the launch of new codes, books, and public awareness campaigns:
Conferences & Workshops: The NIEPVD campus frequently hosts ...World Braille Day Celebration: The most significant annual event on January 4th (Louis Braille's birthday), featuring the launch of new codes, books, and public awareness campaigns:
Conferences & Workshops: The NIEPVD campus frequently hosts national-level conferences and Residential Faculty Development Programmes on special education and rehabilitation:
Book Launches: Periodic events are held for the launch of major new publications, such as the 'Standard Bharati Braille Codes' book.Best Photo Spots:
The NIEPVD Main Gate/Signage: The grand entrance and the official boards provide a great institutional photo op:
The Press Floor (Machinery): Close-up shots of the powerful, high-speed Braille embossers in action (essential to seek permission...The NIEPVD Main Gate/Signage: The grand entrance and the official boards provide a great institutional photo op:
The Press Floor (Machinery): Close-up shots of the powerful, high-speed Braille embossers in action (essential to seek permission and maintain distance):
The Book Display Racks: A photo showing the immense volume and variety of finished Braille and Large Print books ready for distribution is a powerful visual of the press's impact:
The Historical Equipment: The older machines on display offer a historical contrast for a 'before and after' image of the technology evolution.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Guided Tour of the Press: Arrange a visit (with prior permission) to observe the fascinating process of converting print to Braille using the high-speed embossers and translators:
Learning about Accessibility: Engage with staff (if permissible) to understand the technical challenges and solutions involved in producing truly accessible content:
Visiting the NIEPVD Campus: Explore the broader campus to see the research and training facilities for visual impairment:
Observing the Binding Process: Watch the intricate manual work of binding the embossed sheets into finished, durable Braille volumes:
Photography of the Machinery: Capture the precision and scale of the modern printing machinery (seek permission before taking photos):
Information
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Why Famous:
Pioneering Role in India: It is celebrated for being the first Braille press in the country and a cornerstone of accessible education for the visually impaired since 1951:
Technological Hub: It is one of the most technologically advanced pres...Pioneering Role in India: It is celebrated for being the first Braille press in the country and a cornerstone of accessible education for the visually impaired since 1951:
Technological Hub: It is one of the most technologically advanced presses in Asia, utilizing cutting-edge computerized embossers and also producing Large Print and E-Pub (digital accessible) materials:
Service to Democracy: Its role in printing election materials (Braille ballot papers) makes it a unique and unsung pillar of Indian democratic inclusion:
Holistic Approach: It's part of the respected NIEPVD campus, a hub for research, rehabilitation, and training, adding to its prestige. -
Architecture:
Industrial & Institutional: The architecture is functional and institutional, part of the larger NIEPVD campus, focused on efficiency and production flow rather than historical monumentality:
Machinery & Production Lines: The 'architecture' i...Industrial & Institutional: The architecture is functional and institutional, part of the larger NIEPVD campus, focused on efficiency and production flow rather than historical monumentality:
Machinery & Production Lines: The 'architecture' is best described by the layout of its workshops, which house the highly specialized machinery: This includes Duxbury Braille Translator software systems, modern computerized embossers, and binding/finishing units:
Dimension: The production area and storage are substantial, designed to handle large-scale volume, with the main press hall potentially spanning over 5,000 sq.
ft: The design prioritizes accessibility for its visually impaired staff and visitors, featuring clear pathways and tactile indicators: The focus is on the functional, high-tech industrial process. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), ~30 KMS away: Take a taxi towards Rajpur Road;
the institute is a well-known landmark:
By Train: Nearest railhead is Dehradun Railway Station, ~6 KMS away... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) (5 KMS) 2. Forest Research Institute (FRI) (12 KMS) 3. Robber's Cave (Guchhu Pani) (10 KMS) 4. Tapkeshwar Temple (11 KMS) 5. Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park) (5 KMS) 6. Sahastradhara (18 KMS) 7. Paltan Bazaar (6 KMS) 8. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (nearby) 9. Mindrolling Monastery (10 KMS) 10. IMA (Chetwode Hall) (14 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Follow the instructions of the staff and guides implicitly, especially near large machinery: Maintain a safe distance from industrial equipment:
Packing: Carry a valid ID proof and the permission letter for entry: Dress forma...
Reviews
Central Braille Press Tourism:-
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