They could not see him, but heard him with rapt attention

The sound through the speakers was often difficult to discern, but students made their own judgements.

At 3 pm on Friday, JPM Senior Secondary School resembled many other institutions across the country. As PM Narendra Modi settled into his seat at the Manekshaw Auditorium, close to 200 children assembled at Gandhi hall at the school.

One group of 50 children sat on the floor, dangerously close to the television. But, to them the images didn’t matter. They were watching with their ears and painting images of Modi. As always, they had found a way around being visually challenged.

For the students at the school, run on the premises of the Blind Relief Association, September 5 has always been a day to look forward to. A student of Class XII, Deepak Mittal, played principal for the day with his classmates acting as staff.

But at 3 pm, the school congregated at Gandhi Hall. When Modi’s baritone came through, first there was applause, and then, silence.

“Even though he said nothing especially for us, I am glad that I am listening to the PM like other children around the country,” Rahul, a Class VIII student, said.

The sound through the speakers was often difficult to discern, but students made their own judgements. “All the questions are so simple, so rehearsed. Why don’t the students ask anything about his policies?” one student said.

Another student made his way to one of the teachers “What does Modi look like?”. The answer was short, full of irritation. “He is a little old, very fair, and a little portly.” It didn’t matter. He had an image to go with the voice.

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