In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, a young girl named Simmi Mishra was born into a joyful household. However, as she grew older, it became evident that Simmi couldn’t hear a word. Her father abandoned her, and her mother even attempted to drown her in a river thrice. Miraculously, Simmi survived every time. It was then that Simmi’s grandfather heard about an Indian School for the Deaf in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He sent her there, and now, at 14, Simmi is in the fourth grade, with dreams of becoming a teacher for children like her.
Geetanjali’s Inspiring Journey
Geetanjali Nayar, a 53-year-old woman, embarked on a remarkable journey. Her path led her from a successful career in an NGO in Delhi to a national institute for the hearing and speech impaired in Mumbai. However, her true calling began when she moved to the bustling city of Lucknow. There, she established the Indian School for the Deaf, a place that would change the lives of numerous children.
The Birth of a Special School
Geetanjali, who herself faced challenges due to disability, founded the school in 2016. Her motivation came from her stint in a slum, where she encountered two children who couldn’t hear or speak. The lack of effective communication troubled her deeply, prompting her to take action. Leaving her job behind, she underwent a two-year course in speech and hearing disability at Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities in Mumbai.
A School of Opportunities
The Indian School for the Deaf not only teaches Indian Sign Language but also offers a curriculum that includes practical skills like organic farming, photography, web designing, and more. Most of the children come from rural areas, where educational opportunities were scarce or nonexistent. Some even experienced sexual abuse. Each child at the school carries a unique story of struggle and perseverance.
A Home, Not Just a School
Geetanjali considers the Indian School for the Deaf as her home. Despite the challenges, she and her co-teacher, Dharmesh, have been educating these children without any salary for the past six years. Geetanjali firmly believes that this is not just a shelter or hostel but a home. She envisions these children becoming members of their trust and taking their dreams forward.
Conclusion – A Bright Future
Geetanjali’s journey from her rural roots to founding the Indian School for the Deaf is a testament to the power of dedication and compassion. This school has become a haven for children who were rejected by both their families and society. Geetanjali’s mission is not only to educate these children but to empower them to thrive in society, demonstrating that disabilities should never be barriers to a better life. The Indian School for the Deaf continues to be a shining beacon of hope, lighting up the futures of these extraordinary children.
