Dignitaries, Invitees, dear friends

I extend my warm greetings to all of you on this occasion of the World Day of the Deaf. 

Today’s celebration is especially significant due to the collaboration between Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation, Andhra Pradesh and the Health Department of the Government of Mizoram.

Due to their joint efforts, we are able to conduct this free distribution of hearing aid under CSR activities of COAL India Limited.

I thank the Hon’ble Health Minister for gracing this event. In spite of our various limitations, I appreciate the efforts made by the Health Department particularly towards improving our health infrastructure. I have noted that significant improvements have been achieved in our health infrastructure, despite numerous constraints.

For this, I congratulate Hon’ble Health Minister and his Department. I encourage you to keep up the good work.

Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation (DDSF) is an NGO based in Andhra Pradesh, which has been doing excellent social service under CSR activities.

When I attended their free hearing aid distribution camp at Andhra Pradesh, I had requested them to extend the noble service to North East India and Mizoram.

Today, I am extremely happy that the first batch of beneficiaries in Mizoram have been given free hearing aid.

Incidentally, today is also the birth anniversary of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Ji.

I convey my sincere gratitude to Shri R Ramanjaneyulu, Chairman of DDSF, as well as Dr. T Sarvarayudu, Independent Director of National Fertilizers Limited.

I also thank Shri PM Prasad, Chairman of Coal India Limited for graciously funding this distribution through their CSR.

World Day of The Deaf was initiated in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf. Since then, the day has been observed globally.

The International Day of Sign Languages has been recognized by the United Nations. This year’s theme is “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!”    Last Friday, I had also attended a function organized by the Spastic Society of Mizoram at Gilead Special School.

On this important occasion, I appeal to all the stakeholders to support the community of deaf people.

We should give importance to their needs by consulting them. We must also continue to stress on the importance of early detection.

I take this opportunity to highlight the important Central Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, called the Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing / fitting of aids / appliances (ADIP) scheme.

This scheme has various components, including provision for cochlear implant in children.

I am told that Aizawl Civil Hospital and Zoram Medical College have been empanelled for this purpose, and that we are currently awaiting equipments.

This is a positive development for the State, and I encourage the Department to keep going.

Once again, I thank everyone involved for making today’s event a success. I convey my appreciation to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), National Health Mission, Mizoram for organizing today’s program. I request you to continue your collaboration with the DDSF for the benefit of the people of Mizoram.

    Thank you. Jai Hind.