On Friday, August 2, 2024, Ex President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi, Mrs. Samina Alvi, and a group of volunteers from the Samina Alvi Foundation (SAF) met with Mr. Umer Farooq, CEO of Boltay Huroof, and his team, including Mr. Tabish and two other members, at Dr. Alvi’s Dental Clinic in Shahbaz Commercial, DHA Phase 6. The focus of the meeting was on discussing the advancements and potential collaborations for Boltay Huroof, a startup committed to making education and information more accessible to the visually impaired through innovative Braille translation technology.
About Boltay Huroof
Established in 2019 by Mr. Umer Farooq, Boltay Huroof has been at the forefront of developing software that translates text into Braille. This groundbreaking software facilitates the creation of inclusive books, enabling both sighted and visually impaired individuals to access educational materials and other texts seamlessly. The goal is to support visually impaired individuals in both academic and professional settings.
The soft launch of Boltay Huroof’s technology took place at the Governor’s House in Sindh in November 2021, with the then President Dr. Arif Alvi and First Lady Mrs. Samina Alvi in attendance. The event marked a significant milestone in promoting accessibility in education and information for the visually impaired community in Pakistan.
Technological Advancements
Boltay Huroof has introduced Pakistan’s first desktop application capable of accurately translating Urdu and English text into Braille. The user-friendly interface allows for rapid conversion of text to Braille, supporting multiple native languages of Pakistan. This innovation stands as a testament to the team’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Current Achievements
So far, Boltay Huroof has successfully developed the following as proof of concept:
- Braille translations of the Noorani Qaida.
- Braille certificates of appreciation for various banks.
- Braille recognition of animals and their descriptions.
- Braille translation of the national anthem.
- Several other texts.
Collaborative Opportunities
During the meeting, Mr. Umer Farooq sought assistance from Dr. Arif Alvi and Mrs. Samina Alvi in connecting Boltay Huroof with individuals and institutions that could benefit from this technology. The aim is to integrate Braille translation software into educational institutions, ensuring visually impaired students have access to Urdu and English subject books.
Dr. Arif Alvi and Mrs. Samina Alvi proposed potential collaborations with the following organizations:
- Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
- National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for Braille CNICs
- Higher Education Commission (HEC) for Braille mark sheets
- National Book Foundation for producing Braille documents
- Pharmaceutical companies for Braille prescription labels
- National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) / Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA)
Mrs. Samina Alvi further assured Boltay Huroof of her support in connecting with the Bohari Community in Karachi and the Agha Khan Foundation to explore the application of this software in their schools for visually impaired students.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with Mr. Umer Farooq presenting samples of the Braille translated texts to Dr. Arif Alvi and Mrs. Samina Alvi. The interaction highlighted the importance of accessibility in education and the transformative potential of Boltay Huroof’s technology for the visually impaired community in Pakistan. With the continued support and collaboration of key stakeholders, Boltay Huroof is poised to make a significant impact in creating an inclusive society where education and information are accessible to all.