The Deen Dayal Sravana Foundation, in collaboration with the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) under the National Health Mission, Assam, organized a free hearing aid distribution camp in Guwahati. The event, held in commemoration of the 109th birth anniversary of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay, was supported by Coal India Limited as part of its CSR initiative. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the camp as the Chief Guest at the Assam Water Centre in Basistha.
During the camp, 206 free hearing aids were distributed, with an additional 200 aids to be provided in the districts of Bongaigaon, Chirang, Kokrajhar, and Goalpara. This initiative, in its first phase, aims to benefit 400 economically disadvantaged individuals. CM Sarma highlighted the importance of addressing hearing loss, stating, "Currently, approximately 3.4 crore children worldwide are affected, and 30% of individuals over the age of 60 experience hearing loss." Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, he noted that 6.3 crore people in India are living with significant hearing impairments.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the North Eastern Coalfields contributed ₹1 crore to support this initiative, with plans for continued financial assistance. He pointed out that each hearing aid costs up to ₹26,000.
Several dignitaries were present at the event, including MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, General Manager of North Eastern Coalfields (NEC) K. Mere, Advisor Dr. T.V. Saravayudu, and other esteemed guests.
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