Cop who braved tsunami translates Bhagvat Gita into Braille

Port Blair, May 22 (UNI) A policeman who made headlines by saving nine tribals from the brink of death in the December 26 tsunami nearly 29 months ago, is back in the news.

This time for a different reason.

Bipin B Chaudhary, now posted at FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office), New Delhi, is busy translating the Bhavat Gita into Braille.

He has already etched out his name by translating the Jataka Tale and Panchatantra.

''Religious scriptures like the Bhagvat Gita will not only enlighten their (visually handicapped) life but also bless them with peace,'' Mr Chaudhury said.

He is presently associated with CRADLE (The Centre for Rehabilitation and Advancement of Disabled).

''The beauty and magic of the lush green archipelago inspired me to do something for society, especially for the visually challenged,'' Dr Chaudhary said.

Elaborating on what prompted him to undertake this work, he said, ''The devastating tsunami rekindled the humane side of me.'' Citing a heartless act by some people, he said, ''A blind person was conned by a trader and nobody protested.'' Concerned with the alarming rate of such incidents he suggested, ''The Centre, in addition to printing the denomination in all languages, should emboss it in Braille as well.'' With an urge to make this people self-assured besides involving them in other activities, Dr Chaudhary said he plans to organise a theatre workshop for them soon.

''Instead of feeling sorry for such people, one should try to do something for their welfare. I derive solace when I am in their company,'' he stated.

He said as a police officer, he hardly finds any leisure time.

''To ease the fatigue of my day to day life, I indulge in story writing,'' he asserted.

Mr Chaudhary has almost finished his translation of the Gita, which he hopes would be published by August 15.

He had rescued nine tribal people, who had swept away into a no-man forest, 38 days after the tsunami hit the islands in 2004.

The 40-year-old cop was later posted in Campbell Bay island, the southernmost landmass of India.

UNI