Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS): Actor-filmmaker Dia Mirza Monday unveiled “B for Braille”, a musical short film that aims at promoting Braille literacy in the country, and called it a “benevolent initiative”.

An initiative of White Print, India's first English Lifestyle Magazine in Braille, the film revolves around a 10-year-old visually impaired boy who is intrigued by a book that he accidentally finds leading to a profound connection that he develops with his father's storytelling.

His earnest connection with books and the stories in them drives his parents in pursuit of a way to teach their child how to read. The innocent joy and happiness on their son's face when his little fingers touch the raised dots, makes them realise the value it would add to his future life.

Praising the effort, Dia said that “B for Braille” is a “benevolent initiative”.

“We tend to ignore the issues that don't concern us directly, but it is important that we introspect and take the more humane step. Reading is something the sighted take for granted while it opens a whole new world for the visually impaired community,” Dia said at the film's screening at the Light Box Theatre here.

“It's time we strongly address the lack of awareness that exists, not only promote the beautiful art of reading but help elevate literacy levels. I am extremely proud to be associated with the cause and spread the message of Braille literacy to every part of India,” she added.

Upasana Makati, founder and publisher, White Print, said that the ratio of visually impaired and the literate visually impaired is skewed.

“There is an urgent need to educate and empower, to reach out to smaller towns and villages and generate awareness regarding the Braille script.

"Beautiful music, powerful lyrics and some emotional visuals captured in the film can be the best medium to spread the word. 'B for Braille' is our way of taking a step towards making a difference," said Makati.