President Droupadi Murmu on Monday underlined the need for India to achieve self-reliance in the development and manufacturing of technologies that can address speech and hearing disabilities, making them more affordable and accessible to the masses.

Addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of the All-India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru, Karnataka, the President said that while modern technology is transforming lives in many fields, its role in reducing speech and hearing impairments is especially crucial.

“To ensure that devices such as cochlear implants reach people at a lower cost, India must focus on indigenous development and manufacturing,” she stressed.

The President also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of speech and hearing issues and called for greater public awareness, compassion, and cooperation in dealing with such conditions.

Commending AIISH’s initiatives like the Inclusive Therapy Park for children with communication disorders and AIISH Arogya Vani for raising awareness about early detection, she praised the institute’s contribution to improving lives.

She further noted that the government, through programmes such as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, is working to create a barrier-free environment for divyangjan by making public spaces, facilities, and information sources more inclusive.

“By making our infrastructure divyang-friendly, we not only provide convenience but also assure them that society stands with them,” President Murmu said.

During her visit, she also interacted with children undergoing treatment at AIISH and met individuals who have successfully overcome challenges after receiving support from the institute.