Date:04/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/04/stories/2005070416750400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Samvaad Institute of Speech opened

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor, M.S. Thimmappa, on Sunday inaugurated the Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing at Cubbon Park here on Sunday.

A walkathon was organised by the staff and students of the institute to create awareness on the activities of the institute.

Dr. Thimmappa said such institutes are required in large numbers as even normal people have hearing and speech problems. "The special people definitely need more attention. The concept of equality should be maintained between the normal and special. Special people should be accepted in society with their disabilities," he said.

The crowd that gathered for the walkathon was a mix of children, youth, parents and elderly people. Dr. Thimmappa joined the walkathon as the event gained in positive energy. The institute offers B.Sc. course in Speech and Hearing. Students who graduate from the institute can look out for opportunities as audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the U.S., U.K., Australia and West Asia. Details are available at the institute, 4/1, Cholanayakanahalli, R.T. Nagar Post (ph: 9845456652).