DEF- Celebrates its 13th Anniversary & Helen Keller Award Ceremony 2022

On 26TH October 2022; The Deaf Enabled Foundation celebrated its anniversary by hosting a prize distribution ceremony recognizing teachers for their outstanding commitment and contribution toward teaching the deaf who receive the Hellen Keller Teachers award as well as honoring and acknowledging the winners of those students who won the painting competition and quiz competition conducted in Patrician College earlier that week.

The event is organized yearly to reward teachers and students alike to appreciate and value the work they’re putting out. A particular category of awards, Appreciation & Achiever Awards, was awarded to students excelling in a specific type in a particular field. The event this year was held at Raja Annamalai Mandram and was graced by ace photographer Mr. G Venkat Ram, an eminent photographer with work extending all the way to Bollywood from Kollywood; as the chief guest of the event. The other distinguished guests of honor included the likes of Mrs. Sandhya Kumar, Corp Comm-Head, Sundaram Finance, and Mr. Sivakumar Shanmuganathan, MD, Archetype Group.

The event began with the lighting of the Kuthu Villaku followed by prize distribution which was interspersed with spell-binding performances by the deaf students in various mediums including classical dance, mime, and western dance. Each performance highlighted the zest and abundant talent of the students and their passion for the art.

The Founder and President of DEF, Mr. Sandeep was accompanied by Ms. Ramya, the Director of DEF. He delivered the welcome address, comprehensively taking the audience through the vision and mission behind the organization. He explicitly explained the usage of technology in advancing the lives of the deaf by introducing two very innovative and path-breaking apps namely The Edu App and The ISL App, respectively. The former app helps the deaf access and pursue higher education and become independent professionals while the latter is a sophisticated tool that helps anyone and everyone interested in learning Indian Sign Language, to be able to do so, from the convenience of their homes. Both these apps have been sponsored by Digient Technologies Pvt Ltd, a gesture that reveals the firm conviction the company has in the foundation and its vision of creating an inclusive space for the deaf.

The results announcement was the highlight of the evening, the moment that all guests were looking forward to (and even more for those who were likely to win something). The audience cheered as each teacher and student came up to the dais to collect their trophy and certificate alongside prize money.

The Special address was given by each of our guests of honor including Dr. Sujata Mandal, an author, Director of Digient Technologies Pvt Ltd., and Vice President of DEF. She spoke about the values and importance of an inclusive society and the need to shorten the gap between communities in order to fulfill the goals set by the organization.

Mr. Venkat Ram vowed to take the organization to a wider level and offer it the recognition DEF deserves by providing a platform that connects the team with the renowned performers of our country.

Mrs. Sandhya Kumar gave a short and emphatic message in acknowledging every individual as ‘one’ and not segregating them into groups of any kind.

The vote of thanks offered by Mr. Feroz khan and interpreted by Ms. Sarah was warm and heartfelt and a befitting end to a program organized straight from the heart with a powerful message stating that the voices of each individual have to be heard both spoken and those unspoken.

Digient Technologies Pvt Ltd. has been a patron, sponsor, and pillar of support behind the growth and development of the Deaf Enabled Foundation since its inception. Real and long-lasting change can only be ushered in when people come together to make it possible. The company continues to get involved in all its endeavors to help bridge the hearing and non-hearing communities, to that effect. For more details and to keep up with the latest events and trends of Digient Technologies Pvt Ltd., follow this space.