International Hearing-Impaired Week 2026

Date : Sep 28, 2026

The Inauguration Ceremony of the Free Speech and Hearing Camp, organized on the occasion of "International Hearing-Impaired Week," was held on 21st September, 2026. The event commenced at 09:00 am at the Entrance of Casualty, Father Muller Medical College Hospital. 

The formal programme schedule began with a prayer. The Welcome Address was delivered by Ms. Hadline, Audiologist Grade 1, who formally greeted the dignitaries and attendees. Following the welcome, the traditional Lighting of the Lamp was conducted by the dignitaries to officially inaugurate the camp. 

Dr. Venkatesha B M, Professor and Former HOD, Dept. of Medicine, and Vice Dean of FMMC, graced the event as the Chief Guest. As part of the proceedings, Dr. Venkatesha B M delivered a dedicated message to the gathering, emphasizing the essential role that speech and hearing play in our day-to-day lives and highlighting how it impacts an individual's overall quality of life. 

The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, who delivered the Presidential Address. During his speech, he highlighted the critical importance of hearing and speech as the very foundation of effective human communication, stressing the need to create widespread public awareness to encourage early identification and care. 

Several esteemed dignitaries were in attendance to support the initiative, including Rev. Dr. Michael Ligory Santhmayor (Administrator - FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP), Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira (Administrator, FMMCH), Rev. Fr. William Dsouza (Asst. Administrator, FMMCH), and Prof. Cynthia Santhmayor (Principal). 

The formal inauguration concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. Lavita, Speech Language Pathologist Grade 1. The event officially wrapped up with the singing of the National Anthem.