By George Joseph
Thrissur, April 9, 2026: Trichur Archdiocese in Kerala has taken another step in expanding services for people with disabilities, inaugurating the first fully accessible Via Crucis Tactilis for blind and visually impaired devotees at the Our Lady of Dolours Shrine Basilica.
The launch, held in connection with Holy Week, allows participants to experience the Way of the Cross independently using tactile, audio and navigational aids.
Inclusive faith experience
The project was developed for the Archdiocese by the SAMNITA Social Inclusion Lab in collaboration with Punarjeeva Technology Solutions.
Organizers said the initiative integrates academic research, assistive technology and social innovation to make a traditionally visual devotion accessible to all members of the faith community.
“Faith must be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability,” said Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur. “This project ensures that visually impaired individuals can undertake the Way of the Cross independently and with dignity.”
Designed with community input
Robin Tommy, senior scientist at Tata Consultancy Services and founder of the SAMNITA Social Inclusion Lab, said collaboration with visually impaired participants was critical.
“Designing this initiative in close collaboration with visually impaired participants was essential,” he said. “Their feedback helped ensure the stations are navigable, meaningful and authentic.”
Smitha George, chief executive officer of Punarjeeva Technology Solutions, added: “Our goal was to ensure that no one is left out of this spiritual journey. By combining technology with empathy, we have created an experience that allows visually impaired devotees to engage with the Way of the Cross independently and meaningfully.”
Basilica leadership and support
Father Thomas Kakkassery, rector of the Basilica, said the project reflects how religious spaces can embrace inclusivity. “This initiative demonstrates how religious spaces can embrace inclusivity, allowing all faithful to engage with devotion on their own terms,” he said.
The launch brought together clergy, educators, technologists and members of the visually impaired community, underscoring collaboration between the Church, academia and social innovation partners.
Global model for accessibility
Organizers said the project could serve as a global model for inclusive religious spaces, extending accessibility principles into spiritual life.
The tactile Via Crucis Tactilis now enables blind and visually impaired pilgrims to undertake the Way of the Cross independently, demonstrating how empathy driven innovation can transform traditional religious experiences.
Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, a minor basilica of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Thrissur, Kerala, stands as one of India’s most striking landmarks of faith.
Consecrated in 1940 and elevated to basilica status by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1992, it is recognized as the tallest church in India and home to the tallest continuous church tower in Asia.
(Photo by Eren Li / pexels.com)