227/2023-2024

Aizawl the 25th September, 2023: World Day of the Deaf was celebrated today afternoon at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Aizawl. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati was the chief guest while Health Minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana was the Guest of honour.

A single set of Hearing Aids procured by the Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF), Andhra Pradesh through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of COAL India Limited worth Rs 20,000/ plus.  322 students will be receiving the appliances with a total amount of the cost estimated at  Rs 6.4 crore.  

Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati first thanked the Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF) for providing CSR services through COAL India Limited to Mizoram students with hearing impairments. He also thanked Health Minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana and the Health Department officials for their coordination and prompt efforts in identifying students with hearing impediments in Mizoram.

He expressed his satisfaction in being able to hand over the hearing aids to the student on the auspicious occasion of World Day of the Deaf. He appealed for continued support by society to people with hearing impairments. On this occasion, he also highlighted the available provisions for assistance to people with hearing impairments through Disabled Persons for Purchasing/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and how Zoram Medical College, Falkawn as an empanelled institute would plan to follow up this initiative in the near future.

Health Minister Dr R. Lalthangliana thanked the Governor for his endeavour to help deaf students acquire the costly devices through CSR. He also thanked the Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF) for their much-appreciated intervention and invited them to extend their support for the state.

Chairperson Pi Esther Lal Ruatkimi, Principal Secretary H&FW chaired the function. After the Chairperson's welcome speech, Dr. Lalramnghaki, ENT Surgeon, NPPCD, Civil Hospital Aizawl gave a presentation on the theme of this year's World Day of the Deaf, "A world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere" Dr.Lalramnghaki reported the seven (7) topics will be selected daily between September 19 and 25, 2013. She also said that this year's theme will include seven (7) topics selected daily Sign Language, the importance of sustainable employment for the deaf, their health, protection in times of need and the importance of distinguishing between them.

On behalf of the DDS, Dr. Thota Venkata Sarvarayadu, Independent Director, National Fertilizers Ltd. also addressed the gatherings. Towards the end of the program, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati distributed the Hearing Aids to the selected students who were invited to the function.  The Hearing Aids will be given to the selected students in a phase-wise manner as per the coordination between the Health Department and the DDS. Dr. Vanlalsawma, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare Department concluded the programme with a vote of thanks.