“Thirupurasundari Sevvel of Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai suggested this idea of developing tactile models exclusively for visually challenged people. If they can touch and feel the model, they will get an idea of the structure. This way, the visually challenged can also learn about the city’s rich heritage. We have made two 2D models and a few 3D models. The 2D models are a tram and a cargo boat. We gifted them to veteran artist Manohar Devadoss, who celebrated his 84th birthday recently,” says Vidhya who runs Thali Foundation.

Elaborating on how the models are developed, she continues, “First, we recreate the image of the structure into a 2D image and then get it engraved from a woodshop. Once it is done, we assemble it and work on different layers. For eg; the 2D model tram has four different layers -- first is the rear side (background), the middle portion has curtains and windows, the third layer has seating and the fourth layer has the front facade of the tram. If a blind person, holds the tram model, he/she will get an idea of how a tram will look like. They will get to know the seating, platform, etc. We have plans to make more tactile models that are related to heritage. Next in the pipeline are Chennai High Court, Anna Arch, Chennai Fort, rathas of Mahabalipuram. People can keep it as souvenirs as well.”

When called Manohar Devadoss to know his opinion of the tactile models, he was extremely happy about the initiative. He tells us, “I couldn’t believe when they said about this project. This is a great idea and I am happy that visually challenged children and adults will also get to know about Chennai’s heritage structures. They won’t feel left out.”