President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday stressed the need for India to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing technologies that address speech and hearing disabilities, highlighting that affordable access is crucial for millions of people. She was speaking at the diamond jubilee celebrations of the All-India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru, Karnataka.
The President said advanced technologies are playing a transformative role across sectors, and in the field of speech and hearing, they can be instrumental in removing barriers and empowering individuals. However, she underlined that for innovations to reach the common man, domestic development and manufacturing of devices must be prioritised.
She cited cochlear implants as an example, pointing out that such life-changing devices can only become widely accessible if produced at lower costs within the country. “To make devices like cochlear implants available at a low cost, we must become self-reliant in their manufacturing,” President Murmu said.
The President noted that early identification and diagnosis of speech and hearing conditions are critical for effective treatment. She emphasised the role of experts in detecting symptoms at an initial stage, while urging society to show cooperation, awareness, and empathy towards those suffering from communication disorders.
Murmu praised the initiatives of AIISH, which has been at the forefront of research, education, and clinical services in speech and hearing for six decades. She pointed to the Inclusive Therapy Park, a dedicated facility designed for children with communication disorders, and AIISH Arogya Vani, an outreach initiative aimed at raising awareness about speech and hearing issues and their early identification. Both, she said, demonstrate how institutions can combine innovation with compassion.
On the broader efforts to improve inclusivity, the President said the government is working towards creating a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities through welfare programmes and initiatives. She highlighted the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), under which public spaces, facilities, and information systems are being made more accessible for divyangjan.
“By making public places, facilities, and sources of information divyang-friendly, we will not only provide convenience to differently abled people but will also make them feel that society cares for them,” Murmu said.
During her visit, the President interacted with children undergoing treatment at AIISH and also met divyang individuals who have gone on to succeed in various fields after benefitting from the institute’s services. She said such stories are a reminder that timely intervention, access to technology, and societal support can transform lives.
Her remarks come at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its domestic capabilities in assistive technologies. Experts believe that building a home-grown ecosystem for speech and hearing devices could reduce costs, improve reach, and stimulate innovation tailored to local needs.
AIISH, established in 1966, has emerged as a premier institute in South Asia for training professionals, conducting research, and providing clinical services in the areas of speech, language, and hearing. Its diamond jubilee marks six decades of contribution to both national and global efforts in tackling communication disorders.
By underscoring the twin goals of self-reliance and inclusivity, President Murmu’s address reflected the growing recognition of assistive technology as both a social necessity and an area of technological innovation. As India moves forward with programmes aimed at empowering divyangjan, the call for indigenous manufacturing of speech and hearing devices is expected to shape policy and research agendas in the coming years.
