A Hard of Hearing Awareness and Street Play Programme was conducted on 26 September 2026 by the Department of Master of Social Work (MSW), Srinivas University, Mukka, in collaboration with Srinivas Hospital and the NSS Unit. The programme aimed to create awareness about hearing impairment, its causes, prevention, treatment, and the rights and inclusion of persons who are hard of hearing. The programme also emphasized the importance of building a supportive and hearing-inclusive society.
Inaugural Session
The programme commenced with a welcome address by
Dr. Sunil Pai, ENT Department, Srinivas Hospital, who welcomed the gathering
and highlighted the significance of creating awareness about hearing-related
problems.The Dean of Srinivas Medical College delivered the keynote address and
emphasized the importance of early identification, appropriate medical care,
and community support for individuals experiencing hearing impairment. Medical
professionals from Srinivas Hospital addressed the students and provided
valuable information about the causes of hearing impairment, preventive
measures, symptoms, available treatment options, and the importance of timely
medical consultation. The session helped the students understand hearing
impairment from a healthcare and community perspective.
Awareness Procession
Following the inaugural session, an awareness
procession was organised from the entrance of Srinivas Institute of Dental
Sciences to Srinivas Medical College and Srinivas Hospital, Mukka, along the
highway. The participants walked in two rows, carrying the message of hearing
awareness and inclusion. More than 150 students participated in the programme.
Students from the Department of MSW, Nursing, Medical College, and Health and
Allied Sciences actively joined the procession. The participation of students
from different disciplines reflected the importance of a multidisciplinary
approach to promoting community health and social inclusion.
Street Play
After reaching the hospital premises, the MSW
students presented a 15-minute street play focusing on the challenges faced by
persons with hearing impairment. The play highlighted the rights of
hard-of-hearing persons, the importance of understanding and respecting their
needs, early identification of hearing problems, available remedies and
treatment, and the need for an inclusive and empathetic society.The street play
used creative expression and practical situations to communicate the message
effectively to the public. Students, outpatients, hospital staff, and other
members present on the hospital premises witnessed the performance. The
presentation generated interest and awareness among the audience and conveyed
the message that persons with hearing impairment should be treated with
dignity, respect, and equal opportunities.
Participation of Faculty
The programme was actively supported and
participated in by the faculty members of the Department of MSW, including: Prof.
Joyson – Head, Department of MSDr. Laveena Dmello – ProfessorDr. Stutima
Basistha – FacultyProf. Ranjith Bhat – Faculty The faculty members guided and
encouraged the students throughout the awareness programme, procession, and
street play.
Conclusion
The Hard of Hearing Awareness and Street Play
Programme was successfully conducted with active participation from students,
faculty members, medical professionals, hospital staff, patients, and the
public. The programme provided an effective platform for spreading awareness
about hearing impairment and reinforcing the importance of early intervention,
appropriate treatment, equal rights, social acceptance, and inclusion. The
active participation of more than 150 students from different academic
disciplines made the programme meaningful and impactful. The street play, in
particular, served as an effective medium for communicating the message of
hearing awareness to the wider community. The programme concluded with a
collective message to understand, respect, include, and support persons with
hearing impairment, thereby contributing towards the creation of a more
inclusive and. empathetic society.empathetic society.