Mitra Jyothi

What Mitra Jyothi does

Mitra Jyothi is a registered charitable trust based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, founded in 1990 by Ms. Madhu Singhal to empower visually impaired individuals through education, training, counselling, and placement services. The organization operates two physical facilities in Bangalore: a self-contained headquarters at HSR Layout (operational since 2008) housing training labs, dormitories, the Braille Transcription Centre, and an auditorium, and the Centre for Empowerment of Women with Disabilities (CEWD) hostel in Electronic City established in 2016 with support from The Hans Foundation to accommodate approximately 50 women with disabilities. Its core programs span an Education Resource Centre providing 4,500+ accessible books in eText, ePub, DAISY, MP3, Braille, and large print formats (with 280+ editions of the Sanchaya audio magazine produced over 20 years); an Independent Living Skills residential training program (4-6 months, started 1997) covering mobility, home management, and assistive device usage; a Computer Training Centre using NVDA screen reading software and NIIT Foundation-certified since 2018; a Placement Cell that has facilitated 1,000+ job placements since 1999 with corporate partners including IBM, Cisco, TCS, and Accenture; and a Women Empowerment program supporting visually impaired girls from disadvantaged backgrounds for higher education.

The underlying technology stack is built on industry-standard accessibility infrastructure rather than proprietary AI: NVDA screen readers for computer training, DAISY-compliant audio book production systems, and two NV Interpoint 55 Braille Embossers in the Braille Transcription Centre for high-volume Braille printing including tactile diagrams and maps. The organization is a key contributor of Kannada-language content to Bookshare (global) and Sugamya Pustakalaya (India), and distributes Braille books and audio CDs to subscribers via India Post.

The business model is a non-profit charitable trust with diversified funding streams: individual donations accepted via QR code, online bank transfer, cheque, and platforms such as Give India and Global Giving (with 50% tax exemption under Section 80G); corporate CSR funding from 35+ partners including IBM, TCS, Cisco, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Dell, Adobe, and others; nominal membership and subscription fees (Rs. 100 lifetime individual library membership, Rs. 100-180 annual magazine subscriptions, subsidized computer training fees); and government support via Niti Aayog registration, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment funding for the Braille Press, and NIEPVD collaboration. The trust is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Shri G.P. Goyal with Ms. Madhu Singhal as Managing Trustee.

Name

Mitra Jyothi

Legal name

Mitra Jyothi

Website

https://mitrajyothi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mitra Jyothi is a Bengaluru-based charitable trust founded in 1990 that provides education, training, counselling, and job placement services for visually impaired individuals through programs including an accessible library, residential life-skills training, computer literacy, and a women-with-disabilities hostel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services and Inclusive Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Deaf/Hard of Hearing & Vision Services (Audiology, Interpreting, Orientation & Mobility) (EDAJAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reading & Literacy Intervention Materials for Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Decoding, Comprehension) (EDAGAMAH), Foundational Computer & Device Literacy (EDAAAIAA), Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services (EDALAGAD)

Keywords

• Disability empowerment services
• Accessible book production
• Braille transcription services
• Vocational training programs
• Assistive technology training

Headquarters

HQ city

Bangalore

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Mitra Jyothi operates primarily through donations from individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations. The organization accepts donations via QR code, online bank transfer, cheque, and through platforms like Give India and Global Giving. Indian donors receive 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funding: Partnerships with corporations for funding and support. Major corporate partners include IBM (initial capital for Computer Training Centre), TCS (Advanced Computer Training Course partnership), and numerous others who provide CSR funding.
3. Nominal Membership and Training Fees: Nominal charges for services including library membership (Rs. 100 for individuals, Rs. 250 for institutions), magazine subscriptions (Rs. 100-180 annually), and computer training programs. These fees are minimal and subsidized to ensure accessibility for economically weaker beneficiaries.
4. Government Grants and Support: Support from government bodies including NITI Aayog registration (KA/2017/0161323), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for Braille Press establishment, and National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) collaboration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Mitra Jyothi is a registered charitable trust providing education, training, counseling, and accessible technology services for visually impaired and print-disabled individuals. Its core offerings include a 4,500+ book accessible library (Braille, audio, DAISY, eText, ePub), residential independent living skills training, computer literacy training using NVDA screen readers, job placement assistance, and a hostel facility for women with disabilities.

Product overview

Mitra Jyothi is a charitable trust offering a comprehensive suite of empowerment programs for visually impaired individuals. The core programs include: the Education Resource Centre providing accessible reading materials in multiple formats (eText, ePub, DAISY, mp3, Braille, large print) through its Talking Book Library and Braille Transcription Centre; the Independent Living Skills residential training program for life-skills development; the Computer Training Centre using NVDA software for digital literacy; the Placement Cell for job placement assistance; the Centre for Empowerment of Women with Disabilities providing safe accommodation; Building Awareness programs for sensitization; and Collaborative Projects contributing to Sugamya Pustakalaya and Bookshare. The organization also publishes audio and Braille magazines including Sanchaya, Spardha Shrunkala, Jnaana Samhitha, and Insight.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Centre for Empowerment of Women with Disabilities (CEWD): A state-of-the-art disabled-friendly, safe and secure accommodation facility for working/studying women with disabilities located in Electronics City, Bangalore. Started in 2015-2016 with support from The Hans Foundation.

Products and services

• Education Resource Centre (ERC) Dedicated to advancing education of individuals with vision impairments by providing accessible reading materials in multiple formats (eText, ePub, DAISY audio, mp3, Braille, large print) through Digital Accessible Books Production (DABP), Talking Book Library (TBL), and Braille Transcription Centre (BTC) programs for visually impaired and print-disabled individuals.
• Independent Living Skills (ILS) Training Program A residential 4-6 month hands-on life-skills training program that enables persons with visual disability to achieve self-reliance through training in orientation and mobility, home management, social consciousness, health and hygiene, personality development, craft work, and assistive device usage. Open to any visually impaired candidate with food and accommodation provided.
• Computer Training Centre (CTC) Imparts basic and advanced computer usability skills to visually impaired and low-vision students using NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) screen reading software. Offers Basic Computer Training (2-3 months) and Career Centric Computer Training (6 months), with NIIT Foundation certification since September 2018. Over 1,000 individuals have been trained since inception.
• Placement Cell Provides job placement assistance to persons with disabilities including grooming, soft skill training, resume preparation, and logistical support. Facilitates employment in IT sector and government/private sectors, with partnerships with companies like IBM, Cisco, TCS, and Accenture. Over 1,000 beneficiaries have received job placement assistance since inception.
• Centre for Empowerment of Women with Disabilities (CEWD) A state-of-the-art, disabled-friendly, safe and secure hostel facility in Electronics City, Bangalore for working/studying women with physical disabilities. Provides accommodation, education support, and empowerment programs for visually impaired girls from remote villages and economically weaker sections.
• Building Awareness Program Conducts awareness sessions, sensitization programs, and workshops for schools, corporates, NGOs, and communities to foster inclusivity and understanding for people with disabilities. Includes activities like blind fold walks, tactile identification games, and presentations on disability awareness.
• Collaborative Projects (Sugamya Pustakalaya, Bookshare, Radio Udaan) Works in partnership with other NGOs to extend reach, including contributions to Sugamya Pustakalaya (India's largest online library for accessible books), Bookshare (world's largest online library for print disabled), and Radio Udaan for northern outreach and community engagement.
• Accessible Audio and Braille Publications (Sanchaya, Spardha Shrunkala, Jnaana Samhitha, Insight, Industry Mitra) Monthly and quarterly audio and Braille publications including Sanchaya (Kannada audio magazine covering current affairs, health, culture, travel, entertainment, sports), Spardha Shrunkala (Kannada audio magazine for competitive exam preparation), Jnaana Samhitha (Kannada monthly Braille magazine on science, culture, health, cooking, stories), Insight (English quarterly Braille magazine authored by visually impaired persons), and Industry Mitra (audio magazine covering specific industries with focus on disability employment).

Quantifiable outcome

• 1000+ individuals trained in Independent Living Skills living independent lives in government and private sectors
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TCS (Tata Consultancy Services)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015TCS conducts Advanced Computer Training Course (40-45 day program) in partnership with Mitra Jyothi for the past 8+ years. Provides job placement support for trainees in liaison with technology companies like Cisco, IBM, and Accenture.
• BooksharecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMitra Jyothi is the main contributor of books in Kannada to Bookshare, the world's largest online library for persons with print disability. Books are available in ePub format for download on various devices.
• Sugamya PustakalayacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey contributor to India's first and largest collection of accessible books. Mitra Jyothi's audio books are available online through this collaborative effort to end the book famine faced by people with print disabilities.
• NIIT FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMitra Jyothi partnered with NIIT Foundation to structure and certify computer courses. NIIT trained Mitra Jyothi trainers to follow their methodology. Courses are now NIIT Foundation certified since September 2018.
• Radio UdaanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRadio Udaan is an online radio station produced by persons with visual challenges. Mitra Jyothi supports Radio Udaan's projects like Udaan Idol and conducted matrimony extravaganza in collaboration.
• DAISY Forum of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMitra Jyothi is a member and active participant of DAISY Forum of India. Received DFI Quality Certification with double and triple star ratings for three consecutive years. Active in defining and maintaining quality standards for audio libraries.
• Nasscom FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for industry engagement and accessibility awareness. Mitra Jyothi participated in NASSCOM Foundation Conference on 'Ability in Tech'.
• NIIT FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComputer courses structured and certified by NIIT Foundation. Trainers trained by NIIT to follow their methodology.
• Credibility AllianceminorOthersCredibility Alliance accreditation under desirable norms. Member organization for nonprofit credibility verification.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Bengaluru-based NGO providing education, livelihood, and placement support for persons with disabilities including visual impairment. Comparable to Mitra Jyothi in mission, geography, and corporate partnership-driven model, with broader disability coverage and higher media visibility.
• National Association for the Blind (NAB) India: One of India's oldest and largest NGOs serving visually impaired individuals across education, rehabilitation, and employment. Directly comparable to Mitra Jyothi as a multi-program service provider with national reach and donor-funded operating model, though NAB operates at substantially larger scale.
• CBM India: Indian arm of international disability inclusion organization CBM, working on visual impairment, rehabilitation, and inclusive education. Comparable as a donor-funded disability NGO with similar programs in assistive technology, education access, and empowerment of persons with visual disabilities.
• Cheshire Homes India: Indian disability services organization providing residential care, education, and livelihood support for persons with disabilities. Comparable to Mitra Jyothi's CEWD hostel and residential ILS program, with broader disability and pan-India footprint.
• Association for Persons with Disability (APD): Bengaluru-based disability NGO providing therapy, education, training, and livelihood services across disability types. Comparable as a multi-program disability service provider in the same Bangalore geography, partnering with many of the same corporate CSR donors.
• Eyeway: Indian knowledge and resource hub for the blind and partially sighted, providing information services, helplines, and educational resources. Comparable to the Education Resource Centre and Talking Book Library offerings of Mitra Jyothi, with a national rather than Karnataka focus.
• Score Foundation: India-based organization focused on enabling independent living and economic empowerment of persons with visual impairment. Closely comparable to Mitra Jyothi's Independent Living Skills program and employment focus, though operating primarily in northern India.

Broad incumbents

• Sight Savers India: Large international disability NGO operating in India focused on visual impairment and avoidable blindness. Comparable mission but operates at significantly larger scale with stronger international donor base and a broader preventive eye-health orientation.
• NIEPVD (National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities): Autonomous government body under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment providing rehabilitation, education, and training services for visually impaired persons. Mitra Jyothi is an explicit collaborator with NIEPVD, and NIEPVD represents a much larger government-funded institutional counterpart.

Others

• Perkins School for the Blind: Historic US-based institution serving blind and deafblind individuals through education, accessibility production, and global programs. Comparable in programmatic scope (accessible content production, teacher training, assistive technology) and as a sector benchmark, though operating in a fundamentally different regulatory and funding environment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MitraJyothi
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/MitrajyothiTrust/playlists
• Facebookfacebook.com/mitrajyothi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mitra-jyothi
• Instagraminstagram.com/mitrajyothi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mitra Jyothi