Kolkata: Many commuters travelling via Sealdah may be familiar with the voice announcing the train timings and platform numbers but not many are aware of the people working behind it. One such person is Paritosh Biswas, who is a visually challenged announcer currently posted at Sealdah Station.
Inducted in Railway in 1989, Biswas’s visual impairment hardly held him back. He completed 34 years of service. He was initially posted at Sealdah and then at Naihati and returned to Sealdah.
During this time, he relied heavily on his memory and auditory skills to remember and recall train details. With the passing years, he familiarised himself with various train routes, timings, and other related information to provide accurate and timely announcements. Moreover, Biswas is also apt in Braille language and mobile gadgets amongst others to communicate.
According to Eastern Railway authorities, they have appointed many differently-abled persons to key posts as a part of social responsibility vis-a-vis providing them the opportunity to laud their inner potential. “Their presence could help challenge societal stereotypes and promote inclusivity,” the authorities stated.
Amar Prakash Dwivedi, General Manager of Eastern Railway said that ER feels proud of such differently-abled employees who in spite of physical challenges have successfully continued their duties in serving the nation.