The images of a V.V.S. Laxman interacting may not have registered . But, the message from the great Indian cricketer to the visually challenged seemed to have clearly touched the emotional chord if their response to the encounter was any hint.

No doubt, it was a special moment for Mahender Vaishnav (partially blind), the vice-captain of the Indian team in the recent cricket series for the blind against Pakistan. His felicitation was not only a special occasion for him but also for the students of the Devnar School for the Blind on Thursday, when the elegant India star walked into the premises to spend an hour with them.

For someone who has been guiding the destiny of Indian batting middle-order with such ease and class, Laxman was visibly surprised at the very existence of such a school and so many students showing a spark of brilliance in academics and vast depth of general knowledge.

“I feel proud to be here and come to know about these young kids. It is indeed very touching experience,” remarked Laxman. “Well, when I was shown the software developed to help these students in academics and other related subjects I was stunned and honestly it also reminded me about my ignorance too,” the cricketer said.

“The fact that even Bhagavad Gita and Sai Satcharitra are translated into Braille is something remarkable and laudable. The students' perception and intelligence levels in replying to queries on different subjects are fantastic, clearly braving the adversity and still keep their heads and morale high,” said Laxman.

It was obvious that he struggled to control his emotions when he sat among the students to exchange pleasantries. “Do you know who is Laxman?” was the query by Dr. Sai Baba Goud of Denver School. And, the spontaneous response with the students giving details about the cricketer clearly floored the star of the afternoon.

The India star also stressed the need to have role models and work hard to emulate them. “Right now you have your own Mahender and I wish some of you follow his footsteps and win laurels to yourself and to the country in different fields,” he said .

Mahender, who was felicitated appealed to Laxman to convince the BCCI to get recognition for blind cricket in India. “This will help us a long way and move around with a sense of pride,” Mahender said. To the delight of the school officials, Laxman promised to be back and help them in his own way.