Hyderabad, March 03, 2025: Ashray Akruti proudly marked World Hearing Day 2025 with a grand celebration at the FAPCII Building, KLN Prasad Auditorium, Hyderabad. Bringing together 500 participants, including students, parents, medical professionals, CSR partners, donors, volunteers, and staff, the event emphasized the significance of hearing health and inclusivity.

This year’s theme, “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!”, set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), resonated deeply, as the event underscored the power of early intervention, accessibility, and the urgent need for hearing healthcare awareness.

The event was graced by Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General, Prisons & Correctional Services, Telangana, as the Chief Guest. The esteemed Guests of Honour included:

• Dr. Suneetha Krishnan, Activist and Founder of Prajwala
• Mr. Prasad Annadanam, Senior Director & Chief Finance Officer, Verizon India
• Mr. Prasad Chetluri, Head, COO, Persistent Systems
• Mr. Srinivasa Rao, Assistant Director, AYJNISHD, Regional Centre, Secunderabad
• Mr. D. P. K. Babu, Managing Director, Ashray Akruti

These distinguished dignitaries reinforced the importance of prioritising hearing care for all.

The event was a moving experience as families shared heartfelt testimonials about the transformative impact of Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids, enabling their children to embrace sound, education, and a brighter future. A compelling panel discussion featuring leading ENT Specialists and Audiologists shed light on the impact of early diagnosis, advanced hearing solutions, and inclusive education.

Furthering its commitment to accessible hearing care, Ashray Akruti distributed Cochlear Implant Processors and Hearing Aids to children in need, empowering them with the gift of sound. The event also honoured ENT Surgeons, Audiologists, and Speech Therapists for their outstanding contributions to ear and hearing care. Changemakers who have made significant strides in the field of hearing healthcare were also recognized for their relentless dedication.

For nearly three decades, Ashray Akruti has been a beacon of hope, advocating for early intervention, inclusive education, and accessible hearing care. The celebration of World Hearing Day 2025 was more than just an event—it was a powerful call to action, urging society to prioritise hearing health and create an inclusive world where every voice is heard.

Hyderabad, 3rd March 2025 – Teach for India, a leading Non-Profit Organization hosted a distinguished panel discussion on child safety, bringing together children, leading experts and advocates to share their insights on ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for children. The panel featured prominent voices in child protection including Mr. David Raj, Consultant, Child Protection, UNICEF, Ms. Chandana Maripally, State Coordinator, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Dr. Neha Sharma, Senior Manager, Arpan and a student from a school in Hyderabad.

This event is part of Teach For India’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational equity and child protection. By bringing together experts, organizations, and young voices, the event seeked to create awareness, encourage collaboration, and advocate for stronger child safety measures in communities across India.

Dr. Neha Sharma, Senior Manager, Content and Curriculum, Arpan, “Understanding the dynamics of abuse, the sensitivity of the issue of child safety comes to light. It is not easy to define. The trauma from abuse is inter-generational. It passes from one generation to another. It is also important to initiative the dialogue of child safety with your children.”

Ms. Sarita (Name changed), Grade 6 student, shared the vital perspective of a child. She said, “Children face several challenges, including corporal punishment, bullying at school, sexual abuse, early marriage, cyber-bullying and discrimination at home. At the end of the day, we are still children, and handling all of this is too much. Boys also face problems, often dropping out of schools early to work and support their families. Domestic violence is also an issue, and children tend to imitate the behaviours they witness at home. We would like to request adults to listen to us, trust us and help us to feel safer and for us to also act responsibly”.

In addition to the panel discussion, the event also spotlighted the impactful work of key organizations dedicated to child safety and development, including MV Foundation, Dream a Dream, Arpan, and the Global Centre for the Development of the Whole Child. The showcases from these organisation has ignited inspiration to audience and provided them with actional steps towards tackling child safety one step at a time.

Ms. Chandana Maripally, State Coordinator, Bachpan Bachao Andolan Telangana, shared a personal anecdote “Growing up in a conservative town, early marriage among peers was a common reality. It took a lot of courage and support to break that cycle. It is crucial for stakeholders in Child Safety to come together, fostering collaboration and networking to create a child-friendly Hyderabad, a child-friendly Telangana, and a safer environment for children across the country and the world. We must first acknowledge the pain to truly understand that we are working to change a child’s life.

Vinathi Sureddy, Manager, Government Relations, Teach for India, highlighted the significance of such discussions, stating, “At Teach For India, we believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Creating a safe atmosphere for our children is a shared responsibility. We must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their rights and well-being. This event aims to drive meaningful conversations that lead to actionable change.”