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To the general public, Cao Yinan is better known as a host for Beijing Television. But outside of the lights and cameras, Cao also lives a double life as a force of benevolence, befriending and aiding the blind.
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| Cao Yinan |
"I feel that the blind are the most vulnerable amongst the handicapped,” he said. “That's why I want to do something for them.”
Every Saturday, Cao sits down with a circle of blind people and, with other volunteers, “watches” a movie. The scenes are converted into a vivid commentary that, coupled with the movie's audio, help paint a lucid picture of a real movie experience.
When the Olympics and Paralympics rolled out in 2008, Cao was hot on its heels, continuing his work as a bizarre translator as he turned sight into sound. “As expected, Yao Ming is the flag-bearer... our proud flag of China flaps in his hands, as our team troops behind him, clad in red and yellow...”
Cao worked alongside Wang Weili, the founder of the Saturday volunteer society. At the end of five hours, their voices were cracking, and the summer heat drew out the sweat on their brows. But they had done a splendid job.
The group later toured around the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, the volunteers “translating” as they went.
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Cao guides the blind to "watch" the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. [Photo/bjby.bjwmb.gov.cn] |
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Cao explains a movie to the blind. [Photo/bjby.bjwmb.gov.cn] |
Amongst other acts of kindness, Cao also took the initiative of recording an audiobook for the blind, in 2011. Appropriately titled “Voice of Love”, he gathered 8 fellow Beijing Television hosts and recorded a CD of both ancient and modern literature. Dedicated to all blind children, Cao made 1000 copies, many of which were mailed directly to special education schools.
A second album was produced the following year, comprised of Hellen Keller's most notable works, once again sent to schools and libraries across the country. Keller, a famous American writer, turned blind and deaf before her second birthday, but fought through her afflictions and learned how to speak and type with the help of a tutor. She went on to champion those with similar disabilities, and, in time, became a model of inspiration for blind or deaf children around the world.
Cao Yinan's compassion and sincerity has touched the lives of those he has helped. “You opened a window from the corner called my mind, and introduced me to a beautiful world I had never known before,” read a letter addressed to him. “Thank you!”
Edited by Wang Zili
