President lauds AIISH, urges it to emerge as a global role model

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday lauded the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, for its pioneering contribution in the field of communication disorders and for completing 60 years of dedicated service.

She said the institute has set a shining example of women-led development, having been headed by women directors for the past two decades.

Speaking at the diamond jubilee celebrations of the institute, the President said AIISH has played a vital role in treatment, rehabilitation, and research through a multidisciplinary approach. It has extended services through tele-assessment and tele-rehabilitation, while also producing a skilled workforce to address speech and hearing disorders.

Recalling that the land for AIISH was donated by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore, she expressed gratitude to the royal family, telling the scion of erstwhile royal family and MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who was present, “I thank your ancestors for their noble gesture.”

Stressing the importance of early detection and intervention for addressing communication disorders, Ms. Murmu noted that the Government of India has launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness, with AIISH as the nodal centre. “Specialist intervention and awareness are crucial, and AIISH has been playing a pivotal role in this regard,” she said.

While citing technological advancements such as cochlear implants, the President underlined the need for India to become Atmanirbhar in the manufacturing of such devices at affordable cost. “AIISH must extend its support in research and development to ensure indigenous production of these implants and contribute to nation-building with its contribution,” she observed.

She also called for greater accessibility in public spaces for persons with disabilities, saying such efforts reflect society’s care and inclusiveness. Referring to AIISH’s Inclusive Therapy Park, which has earned recognition both in India and abroad, the President said it has been designed to benefit children suffering from communication disorders.

Encouraging AIISH to continue serving with the spirit of innovation with compassion, Ms. Murmu said the institute must emerge as a global role model and contribute to policymaking in the field of speech and hearing. “Technologies developed must enable individuals with speech and hearing disabilities to lead normal lives and also contribute to the society and the economy in their best possible way,” she added.

The President said the government is creating barrier-free environment for the divyangjan so that they can progress in their lives without difficulties.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao, MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, and AIISH Director M. Pushpavathi were present.

Earlier, the President unveiled the logo of the diamond jubilee celebrations. A publication on AIISH’s success stories, a handbook tracing its journey, and a commemorative postal cover were also released on the occasion.

The President also interacted with children undergoing treatment at the institute and with the people who are successful in various fields after getting treated at the institute.