World Hearing Day 2025: The Loudest Silence of India’s Deaf Champions on Center Stage!

I grew up cherishing my conversations with my grandmother, long, unhurried chats where she told stories of her youth. But with age, her hearing faded. At first, frustration took over; I saw her withdraw from conversations, struggling to keep up with a world that moved too fast. But then, something changed. We adapted. A gentle tap on her shoulder replaced a call of her name. Handwritten notes became our new letters. We discovered that communication was never just about sound, it was about connection.This realization led me to a deeper appreciation for those who navigate life without hearing, not with defeat but with a determination that demands to be heard. On World Hearing Day, let’s celebrate the extraordinary individuals who have turned silence into success.Nancy Francis: The Football Star Who Defied the OddsNancy Francis is a name that is rewriting India’s sports narrative. Born deaf, she was often discouraged from pursuing athletics. But Nancy found her strength in football, using her exceptional visual skills and strategic mind to dominate the field. In 2023, she made history by representing India at the Deaf Football Championships, proving that talent speaks louder than sound. Today, she not only inspires young deaf athletes but also advocates for better accessibility in Indian sports.Virender Singh: The Silent Champion of WrestlingPopularly known as Goonga Pehelwan, Virender Singh is one of India’s most celebrated deaf athletes. Despite being unable to hear the roar of the crowd, his victories have spoken volumes. A three-time Deaflympics gold medalist, he has brought India international recognition in wrestling. His journey, marked by perseverance and grit, highlights the need for greater support for deaf athletes in India. Today, Virender trains young wrestlers, proving that disability is no match for determination.Sheetal Sahu: Breaking Barriers in EducationA recent success story that is changing perspectives on education is that of Sheetal Sahu, a deaf scholar from Odisha. Despite facing discrimination in mainstream schools, she pursued higher education and became the first deaf student to earn a postgraduate degree in special education. Now an advocate for inclusive learning, she works with NGOs to ensure deaf students receive quality education in sign language. Her journey proves that knowledge has no barriers, only bridges waiting to be built.Jagadish Singh: The Entrepreneur Who Made Silence His StrengthJagadish Singh lost his hearing at a young age, but he refused to let it dictate his future. He turned his passion for art into a thriving business, launching Silent Expressions, a startup that sells handcrafted products made by deaf artists. His brand not only provides employment to the deaf community but also raises awareness about their artistic talent. Recognized as one of India’s top emerging entrepreneurs in 2024, Jagadish is redefining what it means to be self-made.Spreading Awareness and Embracing ChangeWhile these stories inspire, they also highlight the pressing need for a more inclusive society. According to the World Health Organization, India has over 63 million people with significant hearing loss. Yet, accessibility in education, employment, and public spaces remains a challenge. World Hearing Day is a reminder that inclusion starts with small steps like Learning basic sign language to foster better communication and Encouraging inclusive hiring in workplaces. Supporting deaf-owned businesses and their entrepreneurial ventures along with advocating for better accessibility in education and public services would be very beneficial. A New Language of ConnectionToday, my grandmother and I share a language beyond words, a glance, a gesture, a smile. And perhaps, that’s the real essence of communication.As we celebrate World Hearing Day, let’s not just acknowledge the challenges but amplify the triumphs. Let’s listen to the voices that are often unheard and create a world where silence is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing life.