In a heartwarming event at the Collectorate auditorium on Monday, several children who were previously unable to hear or speak amazed attendees by calling out "Mummy" and "Papa" to their parents and responding to conversations. The children, including Aslam, Aradhya Mishra, Imran Khan, Naima Siddiqui, and Mohd Owais, demonstrated remarkable progress following cochlear implant surgeries that have significantly improved their ability to hear and communicate.
Emotional Transformation for Families
The emotional impact of the transformation was evident among the parents. Asifa, mother of Mohd Owais, recalled the difficult earlier days, saying that her son could neither hear nor respond to voices. "When he said 'Mummy-Papa' for the first time after the implant, it was the happiest moment of our lives. Our home, once silent, is now filled with his laughter," she said.
Similarly, Seema Siddiqui, mother of Naima Siddiqui, shared that her daughter earlier struggled to understand speech. "Gradually, we saw changes after the operation. When she first said 'Mummy' and 'Papa,' we were overwhelmed. It felt like a new life had come into our home," she said.
Surgical Initiative Under Disability Empowerment Scheme
The children underwent cochlear implant surgeries during 2025–26 under the surgical scheme of the Department for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. They attended the interaction programme along with their guardians, and the event was presided over by district magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh.
The surgeries were carried out at empanelled hospitals in the district, including Dr. S.N. Malhotra ENT Hospital in Ashok Nagar and Mariampur Hospital in Shastri Nagar, under the supervision of specialist doctors.
Expert Insights on Optimal Timing
Dr. Rohit Malhotra, present at the event, emphasized that the best outcomes are achieved when the procedure is performed between the age of one and two years. This early intervention allows children to develop speech and language skills more effectively.
