Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, May 19: In a moving expression of compassion and collaboration, two more children born with severe hearing impairment have received cochlear implants at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH), Kakryal.
These transformative surgeries were made possible through the support of Deepali Chawla from Dubai, whose sponsorship – facilitated by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board – opened a world of sound for two young lives.
This initiative adds to the growing impact of the Shrine Board’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. The children, both under the age of five, underwent the advanced procedures under the expertise of Dr Rohan Gupta, ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon at SMVDNSH – the only centre in the Jammu region equipped for such intricate surgeries.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, said, “Our efforts are rooted in the belief that healthcare is not a privilege – it is a fundamental right. Through the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi and the generosity of individuals like Deepali Chawla, we’re reaching children who otherwise may have lived in silence. These are not just surgeries; they are the beginning of a new chapter for these families.”
The children will now begin post-operative auditory training and speech therapy, setting them on a path toward mainstream education and social interaction – a path that would have been out of reach without timely support.
Dr M M Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVDNSH, added, “What we’ve witnessed today is the power of purpose. When community, faith and clinical expertise align, remarkable change happens. These children will soon speak their first words – and that’s a moment we all look forward to.”
Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME, noted, “This model – where a spiritual institution partners with modern healthcare and kind-hearted donors – is not only powerful but deeply human. Together, we are restoring possibilities and giving these children a place in the world of sound and speech.”
Today’s surgeries are part of the Shrine Board’s larger mission to serve the underserved across the region – ensuring that financial barriers do not block access to specialized medical interventions, read a statement by the Shrine Board.
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