Mysore/Mysuru: The Graduation Day of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) was held at its Seminar Hall, Knowledge Park, Naimisham Campus recently.

Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice- Chancellor, University of Mysore (UoM), delivered the Graduation Day address.

Dr. C.S. Vanaja, Principal, School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, was the chief guest on the occasion. Dr. M. Pushpavathi, Director, AIISH, Mysuru, presided.

In all, 163 students received their certificates on completion of their courses including 71 candidates who completed their graduation, 88 candidates who completed their post-graduation and 4 scholars who completed their Ph.Ds. Of these 12 candidates also received various gold medals instituted by the alumnae and philanthropists.

In his address, Prof. Lokanath commended the services of AIISH since its establishment in 1966, noting that the Institute began with a single PG department and has since experienced significant expansion.

“AllSH is a unique institute in the sense that it combines scientific advancement with a compassionate heart. You are expected to treat the patients, if I may call them so, with love and affection even while you hold the instruments which are a product of science and technology,” he said.

Prof. Lokanath highlighted the prevalence of communication disorders in society, noting that before the establishment of AIISH, individuals had to endure these challenges without access to remedies. 

“Now thanks to AIISH, innumerable individuals have received education imparted at AllSH and are leading a normal life,” he said.

Prof. Lokanath emphasised that communication disorders often led to feelings of inferiority and social isolation, as individuals feared ridicule from their peers, resulting in a barrier between them, their families and the outside world.

Highlighting the importance of empowering the vulnerable, Prof. Lokanath stressed the necessity of building a strong and inclusive society.

He emphasised that individuals with disabilities should not be viewed as burdensome or unproductive, as AIISH has demonstrated that timely intervention and support can enable them to lead fulfilling lives on par with those without disabilities.

“Students who choose to pursue courses at AIISH possess a distinct set of values. They exhibit a service-oriented mindset, nurtured by their experiences of communicating with elderly parents and grandparents with empathy and understanding. As you transition into professionals following your education, you will undoubtedly employ your compassion and inherent goodness to provide care and treatment to both paediatric and adult patients alike,” the Vice-Chancellor affirmed.