### From Braille to AI: Dr. Deepak Kumar Shrivastava Delivers Inspiring Keynote at National Tech Conclave 2025

Kota |Dr. Deepak Kumar Shrivastava, Divisional Librarian and Head of Government Divisional Public Library, Kota (Rajasthan), delivered a powerful keynote address on the topic “From Braille to AI: The Evolving Landscape of Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired” at the National Online Technology Conclave 2025.

Organized jointly by the Library Professional Foundation (LPF), New Delhi, and NorthCap University, Gurugram, the conclave brought together renowned library science experts, educators, and researchers from across the country.

📘 A Journey from Tactile to Tech

In his thought-provoking address, Dr. Shrivastava charted the remarkable transformation in assistive technologies—from the traditional Braille system to advanced AI-driven tools like JAWS, NVDA screen readers, LAX30 and Pearl camera-based OCR-TTS devices, Focus 40 Braille display, and Seeing AI mobile applications. He emphasized how these innovations have empowered the visually impaired and transformed their interaction with information.

📚 Libraries as Hubs of Digital Inclusion

Highlighting the pivotal role of public libraries, Dr. Shrivastava stressed the need to make them epicenters of digital inclusion by ensuring access to Braille resources, DAISY formats, audiobooks, and assistive technologies. “Libraries must champion accessibility,” he declared, “as it is not a special provision, but a basic human right.”

🤝 Acknowledgments and Global Recognition

Dr. Shrivastava extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anil Jharotia, President of LPF and University Librarian at NorthCap University, for his visionary leadership in making the event possible. He also expressed gratitude to Mrs. Manju Kant, former librarian at AICTE and current LIS counselor at IGNOU, for delivering an impactful inaugural session.

Notably, Dr. Shrivastava serves as a Standing Committee Member for the Government Libraries and Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Sections of IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations). His work has earned him a place in the IFLA Wall of Fame, cementing his status as a leading advocate for inclusive library development in India.

🗨️ Final Word

In his closing remarks, Dr. Shrivastava stated:
“Accessibility is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right. And it is the responsibility of libraries to lead this transformation.”