The Under-19 Chess Tournament for the Blind was held on July 4 and 5, 2025, at the Helen Keller Memorial Blind School in Karimpuzha, Palakkad, bringing together 45 students from various special schools across Kerala.

Patron Satyaseelan represented Zendalona at the event, extending warm greetings to the participants and organizers. In his address, he highlighted the role of inclusive technology in enriching accessible chess experiences. He emphasized the use of chess support solution like Accessible Chess – XBoard, developed by Zendalona, to enhance gameplay accessibility for visually impaired users.

He also encouraged the organizations such as the Kerala Federation of the Blind (KFB) and the Kerala Chess Association for the Blind to collaborate with Zendalona to enhance digital accessibility such as voice support features in online chess platforms.

This event marks another step forward in Zendalona’s continued mission to empower the visually impaired community.

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Marking Helen Keller’s birth anniversary, Zendalona, in collaboration with the Enabling Unit of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (University of Delhi) conducted webinar on the Sharada-Braille-Writer (SBW)  product demonstration.

The session mainly focused on introducing and demonstrating the Sharada-Braille-Writer (SBW) – a versatile text editor that supports multiple language, six-key Perkins-style input, Nemeth code for math, customizable features etc for enhanced accessibility.

Sathyaseelan K started by introducing SBW, its major features, advantages, followed by the real-time typing in SBW demonstrating its easiness and features such as creating custom abbreviations, support of typing in multiple language, toggle between Braille input and system default input, file management options and preferences settings.

Nalin and Mukundhan Annamalai also provided context on Zendalona’s open-source approach and its broader range of accessibility tools. The session also covered Zendalona’s other initiatives—Accessible-Coconut(AC) OS, Advanced-Braille-Keyboard (A.B.K), Math Mantra, World Map Explorer!, Accessible-Bluff and more—designed to support education, communication, and entertainment for the visually impaired.

The event was well-received by attendees across the country and concluded with an interactive Q&A.

Zendalona was invited to be a lead panelist  in the Symposium on Special Education, held on June 12, 2025, at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH). Organized by the Centre for Visual Information Technology (CVIT) and the event brought together experts, educators, technologists, and policymakers to explore the transformative role of technology in inclusive education.

Zendalona was represented by Sathyasheelan and Mukundan, patrons, who  significantly contributed to all the discussions and shared invaluable insights. This event opened meaningful conversations and collaborative possibilities with researchers, educators, NGOs, and innovators.

Zendalona was excited to get invited and present in the Technology Exhibition for the Visually Challenged, a three-day event held at VIT, Vellore, from May 10th to 12th, 2025. The event was organized by the Vellore Blind School Old Students Association and received overwhelming support from the visually impaired community across Tamil Nadu.

Zendalona presented the array of our products and their features, among which Sharada-Braille-Writer (SBW) , Advanced-Braille-Keyboard (A.B.K) , World Map Explorer! drew attention from attendees and fellow innovators alike. Sathyasheelan and Mukundan, the patrons, along with Nalin Sathyan, Product Head, represented Zendalona at the event.

The event provided Zendalona with the opportunity to connect with initiators, educators, and academicians, opening up new avenues for collaboration aimed at the betterment of the visually impaired community.

We are delighted to share that our organization has been selected as a mentoring organization for the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2025!

Google Summer of Code is a global, online program focused on bringing new contributors into open-source software development.

As part of GSoC 2025, Zendalona will be mentoring six innovative projects that align with our mission to promote accessibility, inclusive technology, and open-source development.

The projects that are part of GSoC 2025 are:

•  Accessibility in the Ubuntu Installer for Visually Impaired Users – Support Accessible-Coconut 24.04
•  AI-Powered Agent to provide support for Zendalona products
•  Accessible-Bluff Bot
• Linux-Intelligence-OCR-Solution (LIOS) – Enhancement
• Maths-Mantra Enhancement
• Liblouis Table Editor – Enhancement

World-Map-Explorer is a web application designed to make maps accessible for the visually impaired. Built on OpenStreetMap, it is a free and open-source tool with screen reader support, available at map.zendalona.com.  

Visually impaired individuals primarily rely on tactile maps, as most digital mapping systems are not compatible with screen readers or keyboard navigation. World Map Explorer bridges this gap, offering an intuitive and accessible way to explore maps. 

This initiative was developed by Jyothir Adithya P, Azhar Abdullah CK, Athuldas S, and Saju Suresh, students from the Computer Science Department of Sreekrishnapuram Government Engineering College, Palakkad, with guidance of Zendalona, an organization dedicated to creating assistive technology for the visually impaired.  

The platform was inaugurated by Dr. R. Bindu, the Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice of Kerala, at an event held at the office in the presence of MLA Adv. Prem Kumar. Representatives from Zendalona, including Sathyaseelan, Nalin Sathyan, Mukundan Annamalai, Reji Joseph, Kavya, Vinod B (President of the Kerala Federation of Blind Youth Forum), and Manoj Karingamadathil (OpenStreetMap Kerala), also participated. 

We’re excited to share that Zendalona was a part of LAZARUX, an event held on February 22 and 23 at Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad. Jointly organized by the IEDC – Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Centre and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the event brought together aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts for a collaborative and inspiring experience.

We were proud to have Mukundhan Annamalai, Zendalona, as the chief guest, sharing valuable insights on technology and innovation.

Various colleges, including NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad and MES College of Engineering, participated in the event, making it a dynamic and enriching experience.

We are incredibly proud to share the remarkable achievements of our talented interns at Matrix 2.0, the prestigious hackathon organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Student Chapter, Government Engineering College, Palakkad. Their innovative projects, designed to drive positive change, received well-deserved recognition and accolades. 

Our Winning Projects & Recognitions: 

Government Officials Review System 
By: Gouri Nandana & Ribin 
An impactful solution promoting transparency and accountability by allowing the public to review government officers based on their behavior. This system can influence promotions, transfers, and conduct certificates, ensuring better governance and public trust. 

PDF to Braille Converter 
By: Musthafal Mukthar, Abhijith S & Jyothir Adithya 
PDF to Braille (.brf) Converter! This tool is designed to make digital content more accessible by converting PDF documents into Braille Ready Format (.brf), a widely used format for Braille transcription and printing.. 

Akshaya Connect 
By: Abhiram P S 
A user-friendly accessibility platform that bridges the gap between visually impaired individuals and Akshaya Centers, enabling seamless certification requests and feedback collection through screen-reader compatibility, voice navigation, and simplified user flows. 

Special Mention: Benefit Access 
By: Saju & Aiswarya 
An intelligent system that personalizes government scheme suggestions based on user needs, making it easier for individuals to access the benefits they are entitled to without complex navigation. 

Special Mention: Hazard Updates on Maps 

By: Azhar & Jinu 

A system providing real-time hazard updates on maps for floods, landslides, and roadblocks. It integrates crowdsourced data, official alerts, and AI analysis for timely emergency responses. Users get instant notifications, can report incidents, and access historical data and predictive analytics for better disaster preparedness. 

Empowering Digital Accessibility: 

Zendalona made a notable contribution at the Wiki Conference Kerala 2024 on December 28, 2024, held at Kerala Agricultural University in Thrissur, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of Malayalam Wikipedia.

K. Sathyaseelan presented “Fostering Collaboration: Building a Community Around Accessibility,” introducing Zendalona’s innovative tools for empowering visually impaired individuals to contribute to platforms like Malayalam Wikipedia. These tools include:  

 Sharada Braille Writer (SBW): Enables text creation in multiple languages using a 6-key braille mode.

 Linux Intelligent OCR Solution (LIOS): Allows access to printed materials in over 100 languages.

Additionally, Nalin Sathyan led a session on “From Vision to Reality: Enhancing Digital Experiences for All,” focusing on improving digital accessibility.

This conference emphasized the importance of accessibility and digital inclusion within the Wikimedia ecosystem, encouraging broader participation in Malayalam Wikipedia and similar projects.

Zendalona is delighted to share our experience at the ICEVI Conference held at Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) November 14th to 17th, 2024, where enthusiasts gathered to discuss accessible technology for the visually impaired. International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) focuses on promoting inclusion and equity in education for individuals with visual impairments through innovative solutions.

Nalin Sathyan presented a paper on “Digitally Empowering the Visually Impaired through FOSS,” showcasing 17 innovative projects developed by Zendalona. This session was chaired by Mr. Ranchhod Soni, Technology Head of the Blind People’s Association (BPA).

Some of the key projects mentioned were:

1. Accessible-Coconut: A fully accessible GNU/Linux operating system with a suit of Zendalona products tailored for visually impaired users.
2. Sharada-Braille-Writer (SBW): A tool enabling users to create text in multiple languages with a 6-key braille mode.
3. Linux Intelligent OCR Solution (LIOS): This solution allows users to scan and read printed materials in over 100 languages.
4. World Map Explorer: A tool to improve accessibility in navigating geographical information which is currently in development.

Nalin discussed the importance of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in enhancing accessibility, emphasizing that accessibility is a matter of compassion along with intellect.
Nalin outlined strategies for designing inclusive software and hardware while also noting the need for specialized software.

Bogusław ‘Bob’ MAREK, the Patron of Zendalona, conducted a pre-conference workshop titled “Tactile Graphics” on 13-Nov-2024, which emphasized the importance of tactile visuals in enhancing understanding through touch. Bob made a presentation on “From Objects to Drawings: Simple Tools for Explaining Complex Problems for Understanding and Confident Use of Tactile Drawings, Maps, and Diagrams” on 14-Nov-2024.

Emiley H White, Regional President of the Pacific Chapter of ICEVI, along with Dr. Sean Richards Tikkun, Assistant Professor of North Carolina Centra University, USA and Mr. Ranchhod Soni, expressed their appreciation for Zendalona’s presentation and conveyed their positive feedback to Nalin.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Blind People’s Association, India  for hosting this impactful event.

Empowering Future Leaders: 

On 25th September 2024, Zendalona had the privilege of conducting an insightful session titled “Navigating the Transition from Campus to Corporate” at Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram. The event, organized by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, saw Mukundhan Annamalai and Nalin Sathyan providing guidance to students on employability and essential skills for success in the corporate world.

Our talented interns, Viswanatha Kartha V, Jyothir Adithya P, and Meghna Suresh, shared their personal experiences, offering valuable insights into how their internships at Zendalona are helping them bridge the gap between academia and the professional environment.

We extend our gratitude to Prof. Hariprasad B for facilitating this meaningful session and to Amal T K for seamless coordination.

This event reflects Zendalona’s continued commitment to empowering the next generation with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers.

We were honored to present at Sakshama – Drishti Prakosth, held on September 1, 2024, at Hotel Mahnami, Aluva. Our team members, K. Sathyaseelan and Nalin Sathyan, took the stage to discuss “Leveraging Technology to Enhance Education and Employment for Differently Abled Individuals.”

Our presentation highlighted how Zendalona is making a difference with free and open-source solutions such as Accessible-Coconut, Sharada-Braille-Writer, Project Kanmani, LIOS, etc. We were inspired by the support and feedback received, reaffirming our mission to continue pushing boundaries in assistive technology.

On August 24, 2024, the Government Higher Secondary School in Karaparamba, Kozhikode, hosted the Darsana Ignite 2024 event. The program drew nearly 100 participants, including students, educators, and tech enthusiasts who shared their groundbreaking ideas.

The exhibition was a standout feature of the event, where our team— K. Sathyaseelan, Mukundhan Annamalai, Nalin Sathyan, Sishna Anand, Anand Krishna, Ashwathy P, Harri Jose, Shafi Kakathadam and Nizar Ahammad— presented our work on enhancing digital accessibility for the visually challenged. Highlights included Products like  LIOS and Kanmani, which are designed to improve accessibility on digital platforms. Our contributions were a perfect fit for the event’s theme of inclusivity and sustainability.

It is evident from the feedback received over the past few years that the Accessible-Coconut GNU/Linux operating system represents a significant advancement in enhancing the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Zendalona is pleased to announce the release of Accessible-Coconut 22.04.03, which integrates all the valuable feedback provided by our users. Such responses are expected to continue.

The new version comes with two interesting new games: Maths-Tutor and Snakes-and-Ladders. Additional updates in the new version encompass system upgrades, enhanced support for Pidgin Telegram via libpurple-telegram-tdlib, updates to Coco-Patcher, fixes for eBook-speaker, and refreshed files within the User-Guide

Accessible Coconut Download Link

Project Page Link

Accessible Coconut Forum Link

Accessible Coconut Telegram Group Link

Having participated in the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) on numerous occasions, Zendalona has now, for the first time, ascended to the role of a mentoring organization. Two members of Zendalona, Mr. Nalin Sathyan and Mr. Anwar Nassar, have made significant contributions to free and open-source projects through GSoC four times. Their contributions were to,

Project 1:  “Accessibility Extensions for TuxMath and TuxType,” involves enhancing Tux Typing, an educational typing program for children. This project was developed under Tux4Kids.

Project 2: “Alternative Approaches to Inputting Text Using Braille Combinations,” is an input method for GNU/Linux based on the six-key approach of braille, developed under Swathanthra Malayalam Computing.

Project 3: “XBoard Enhancement and Accessibility” involves making XBoard accessible for visually impaired users. XBoard is a graphical user interface chessboard for chess engines. This project was under developed  Portland State University.

Project 4, ‘IBus-Braille Enhancement,’ provides enhancements to IBus Braille, such as libloise integration. It was developed under the Indic Project.

Maths-Tutor is an innovative game aimed at revolutionizing math education for the visually impaired. By leveraging inclusive game design and being both free and open source, it strives to make learning mathematics an engaging and enjoyable experience for all learners. This initiative not only helps individuals in judging their abilities but also enhances their mathematical skills in a supportive environment. 

The fact that visually impaired people can now use Abacus and Taylor Frame, along with some software Maths-Tutor underscores the commitment to accessibility and effectiveness in teaching mathematics. The development of Maths-Tutor fills a crucial gap by providing a relevant and accessible alternative to currently used software, ensuring that everyone, regardless of visual ability, has access to quality math education. 

Maths-Tutor Download Link

The launch event for five software tools, developed by the final-year M.Sc. Computer Science students of V.T. Bhattathirippad College in collaboration with Zendalona, took place on December 20, 2023. These software tools were part of the students’ final-year project work.

Adv. Prem Kumar, MLA, Ottappalam, graced the inauguration ceremony as the official inaugural guest. The event began with a welcome speech by Assistant Professor Subha I.N, Head of the Computer Science Department. Dr. Saritha Namboothiri, the principal, delivered the presidential address, and Mr. Krishna Kumar K, the District Project Officer (SSK), served as the chief guest for the occasion.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of five innovative projects by the students: Jithesh. M, Greeshna P, Roopasree A.P, Aswathy P, and Archana V.S. The projects featured an Online Braille-Translator, Braille-Translator GUI, Accessible Maths-Tutor, Accessible Bluff Game, and Accessible Snakes-And-Ladders Game, each providing unique solutions to address accessibility needs.

During the celebration, facilitation speeches by Associate Prof. Haridas, Professor M.K. Narayanan Namboodiri, Dr. Sandeep Narayanan, Dr. Aravind, Mr. K. Sathyaseelan, Mr. Chandramohan, Mr. Mukundhan Annamali, Mr. Nalin Sathyan, Mrs. Nobel Mary Chacko, and Mr. Gokul Krishnan shared words of encouragement, recognizing the students’ hard work and dedication. Concluding the event, Mrs. Jyothi extended a heartfelt vote of thanks.

The collaboration between the Kerala Federation of the Blind, Zendalona, and V.T. Bhattathirippad College underscored the importance of community engagement and partnerships in driving positive change. Through the exhibition, they contributed to the ongoing dialogue on accessibility and inclusivity in the realm of technology. This event served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and further collaboration in the pursuit of creating a more accessible and inclusive future for all.

The Graduate Research Department of Malayalam at Nedumangad Government College hosted a comprehensive three-day workshop titled TouchTech 2023: Braille and Screen Reader Possibilities and Awareness, held from December 18 to 20.

During the event, on December 19,  Satyaseelan from Zendalona delivered an insightful presentation on ‘Producing Ordinary Text Using Braille Patterns: A Reverse Contribution from the Visually Challenged World.’ In addition, Nalin Sathyan from Zendalona shared expertise on ‘Advanced Technological Intervention in Braille Production: A Presentation on OCR and Braille Translator.’

The workshop provided a platform for participants to delve into the latest advancements in Braille technology and screen readers, fostering awareness and collaboration within the visually impaired community

On November 17, 2023, Mr. K. Sathyaseelan from Zendalona attended the inauguration session of the ‘Braille Literacy program organized by the Palakkad District Panchayath. He also participated in the interview board to select Braille literacy promoters in the district. The Braille literacy program is a prestigious initiative of the Palakkad District Panchayat aimed at promoting Braille literacy, serving the cause of the visually challenged.

Explore the OSM Kerala Community Meetup 2023, held on November 4th at the Kerala Sahithya Academy Changambuzha, Thrissur. With a participation of nearly 75 individuals, the event featured presentations on various OSM-related topics. Notable among them was the session by K. Sathyaseelan, Nalin Sathyan, and Goutham Krishna from Zendalona, addressing the enhancement of “Accessibility to OSM services for visually challenged individuals”.

‘Kanmani’ is a special Braille system designed for Malayalam, created by Sishna Anand and her father, Anand Krishnan, and developed by Zendalona. Sishna, who faces both visual and hearing challenges, embarked on this project to create a more accessible Braille system.

On October 17, 2023, Sishna, accompanied by Raman, who shares similar challenges, visited Zendalona to discuss the Kanmani project. This meeting served as a platform to explore how this innovative Braille system could positively impact individuals with dual challenges. Kanmani’s development exemplifies the power of thoughtful design in significantly improving accessibility for a broader audience, making reading and writing more manageable for those with disabilities.

Salini Sathyaseelan, the President of Zendalona, received a Ph.D. from the Central University of Kerala in the Department of English and Comparative Literature with the title ‘Disability and Self in Select Narratives’ on October 13, 2023. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Salini’s academic journey, showcasing her dedication and contributions to the field of literature and comparative studies, under the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Asha S.

Dr. Asha S. is an Associate Professor at the Central University of Kerala with a Ph.D. in English & Comparative Literature. She has extensive teaching experience, conducted two UGC Minor Research Projects, and authored a book titled “Introducing Literature,” which is used in the BA English program at the University of Calicut.

On 5 October, 2023, the FOSS club had organized an  event which was addressed by the Principal Dr.Meenakshy K, Dr. Rani, Mukundhan Annamalai, K Sathyaseelan, Salini Sathyaseelan, Nalin Sathyan & Manikandan. They had three FOSS related sessions that were pretty interesting.

First up, Mr. Mukundhan Annamalai talked about “FOSS in the Real World.” He explained how open-source software is like the superhero of the tech world, helping out in real-life situations. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about giving power back to the people and organizations.

Mr. K. Sathyaseelan dived into “FOSS Changing the Life of the Visually Impaired.” This one’s right up your alley, especially with your work sponsoring software for the visually impaired. Open-source tech is making life easier for folks with visual impairments, and it’s all about levelling the playing field.

Lastly, Mr. Nalin Sathyan had a talk called “How Assistive Technology is Customized/Built.” This one’s all about making assistive tech that suits individual needs, and doing it with open-source software makes it more affordable and flexible. this ties into many peoples efforts to help visually impaired folks access learning through tech.