Mysuru, September 1: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday appealed to society to approach specially abled persons with empathy and cooperation while emphasising the importance of early detection, expert care, and public awareness in addressing speech and hearing disorders.
She was speaking at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru, Karnataka. Highlighting AIISH’s role as the nodal centre for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness, she noted that over six crore people in India suffered from hearing disorders in 2023.
“Institutions like AIISH must combine innovation with compassion. They should develop affordable technologies such as cochlear implants, enabling people with speech and hearing impairments to lead normal lives and contribute to society and the economy,” the President said.
Murmu praised AIISH for its inclusive therapy model for children with communication disorders, which has been adopted both nationally and internationally. She urged the institute to continue contributing to policy-making and to become a model organisation globally.
She also underlined the importance of accessibility: “Public places must provide facilities for specially abled persons so they feel supported by society.” Referring to the upcoming World Sign Language Day on September 23, she called for enriching sign language and using technology to empower those with disabilities.
The President acknowledged AIISH’s women-led leadership under Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi for the past two decades, describing the institute as an example of women-led development. She also paid tribute to the Mysuru royal family, thanking BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar for preserving the legacy of his ancestor, late king Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, who donated the land for AIISH.
Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were among the dignitaries present.
