26th-September-2026-HARD OF HEARING AWARNESS AND STREET PLAY

 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.