About Us
HI ! my name is Hunny Bhagchandani
As an eager engineering student, I embarked on an eye-opening journey during my internship at a Blind School. The experiences I encountered there left an indelible mark on my heart. Witnessing Visually Impaired navigating their daily lives and bumping into obstacles ignited a fire within me. It was a wake-up call to the stark reality that amidst the rapid advancements of smart cities, smartphones, and automated cars, there was a glaring absence of solutions to assist visually impaired individuals in maneuvering through their surroundings safely.
Motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference, I turned to my mentor at the NGO, a remarkable individual who happened to be Visually Impaired themselves. He shared with me the disappointing truth that many interns before me had expressed grand plans of developing a solution, only to fall short on commitment and follow-through. Determined to break this cycle, I resolved to turn my vision into reality.
With unwavering dedication, I delved into the world of engineering and innovation, drawing inspiration from an obstacle-avoiding robot. It occurred to me that the same technology could be harnessed to assist the visually impaired. I envisioned a device that could detect obstacles, provide real-time feedback, and empower Visually Impaired to navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence.
Our Products
SAARTHI
Thus, the seed of Saarthi was planted. Driven by passion and guided by empathy, I embarked on a relentless journey of iteration and refinement. The road was filled with challenges, requiring countless prototypes and iterations to achieve the desired result. Sixteen attempts later, the final product emerged, encompassing the essence of precision, accuracy, and simplicity.
However, Saarthi’s impact transcended the boundaries of technology. It became a beacon of hope ‘Saarthi as empowering lives’, igniting a sense of empowerment within the community. The device not only reduced collision rates but also heightened obstacle awareness and instilled newfound confidence among the visually impaired. The accolades and recognition that followed were both humbling and affirming. Saarthi’s ground- breaking innovation captured the attention of prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide. National award, including incubation and acceleration from esteemed institutions like IIC, PDPU, and CIIE, IIMA, validated the profound impact we were making. Recognition from renowned entities such as MIT Labs, World Bank, Facebook, and Lockheed Martin, to name a few, further reinforced the significance of our mission.
In our pursuit to create a more inclusive society, we have been incredibly fortunate to receive support from esteemed organizations and corporate entities. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ONGC, Infosys, OIL, Petronet, IndusInd Bank, HDFC, Bank of India, BPCL, Marico, and Cognizant have played a pivotal role in our journey. Their generous CSR funding has enabled us to extend our reach and impact to visually impaired individuals in rural areas, empowering them with the transformative power of technology.
With the support of these organizations, we have been able to bring Saarthi to the doorsteps of those in need, bridging the gap between technology and accessibility. Their commitment to social responsibility has not only made it possible for us to develop and refine our innovative solutions but has also facilitated training programs, awareness campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.Today, as the founder of Torchit, I stand humbled and grateful for the opportunity to witness the transformation in the lives of countless individuals. The stories of Priya Sharma and Abdiwahid Mohamed, among many others, serve as a testament to the life-changing impact of Saarthi. Priya, a bright-eyed student from Mumbai, now effortlessly navigates her school with newfound independence and focus on her studies. Abdiwahid, a determined college student in Nairobi, no longer relies on the assistance of others but instead embraces a newfound freedom to pursue his dreams.
In our relentless pursuit to empower the visually impaired, our journey has taken us beyond boundaries. From the triumph of Saarthi to the horizon of possibilities, we are revolutionizing accessibility. With the advent of AI smart glasses, we are rewriting the narrative of independence for our visually impaired friends. Bound by determination, we shatter limitations, unlocking a world where disabilities are eclipsed by potential. Together, we pioneer innovation, transforming lives with every ground-breaking creation.
The story doesn’t end there. As more people began using our solutions, they started asking for even more capabilities. They were thrilled to be able to see objects, recognize colors, and identify currency, but they wanted more detailed information. In response to their requests, we developed features like scene description and the ability to read text in any language. This led to the creation of Jyoti AI Pro, an even more powerful tool designed to provide comprehensive assistance and independence!
JYOTI
In 2020, as I visited various Blind Schools and NGOs, I was consistently met with gratitude from users who found Saarthi incredibly beneficial for their daily navigation. They shared how the device effectively identified all kinds of objects in their path, making their day-to- day lives much easier.
However, a recurring piece of feedback I received was the desire for more detailed information about the objects detected. Users expressed that while knowing something was ahead was valuable, being able to specifically identify what it was would be even more empowering. This sparked an idea in me—what if we could create AI-powered glasses that not only detect objects but also provide detailed information about what’s in front of the user? This concept marked the beginning of my journey into developing a more advanced, AI-driven solution for enhanced independence.
White Canes
Torchit White Canes are designed to empower visually impaired individuals with safe and confident mobility. Available in a range of variations, including Standard White Canes, Advanced Smart Canes, Telescopic Canes, Folding Canes, and Child-Friendly Canes, each is tailored to meet specific user needs. From classic designs with lightweight durability and ergonomic grips to advanced smart canes with obstacle detection sensors and vibration alerts, Torchit ensures innovative solutions for every lifestyle. Features like reflective coatings for visibility, adjustable lengths, and compact storage make these canes versatile and user-friendly. Whether it’s a simple folding design for portability, a telescopic option for personalized adjustments, or a child-friendly cane for younger users, Torchit’s range emphasizes independence, safety, and ease of use for all.
Torchit White Canes are thoughtfully crafted to enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals, offering a comprehensive range of solutions to meet diverse needs. The collection includes Standard White Canes for reliable everyday use, Advanced Smart Canes equipped with obstacle detection and vibration feedback for enhanced safety, Telescopic Canes that provide adjustable lengths and compact portability, and Folding Canes for easy storage and travel. Additionally, Torchit offers Child-Friendly Canes, specially designed with lightweight materials, bright colors, and adjustable features to ensure comfort and usability for younger users. Each cane is built with high-quality materials, ergonomic grips, and features like reflective coatings for visibility and anti-slip tips for stability. Torchit combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology to deliver canes that cater to varying lifestyles, from simple mobility aids to smart solutions for modern challenges. With a commitment to accessibility and safety, Torchit White Canes empower users to navigate their world confidently and independently.
