Yesudas submits project to Kalam

KOCHI: Singer K J Yesudas submitted the project of his new initiative 'Hridayatharangam,' aimed at helping the hearing and speech-impaired, to former President A P J Abdul Kalam in Kochi on Sunday.

The initiative is a follow up of 'Hridayathalam,' a project being implemented under the leadership of Yesudas. He requested Kalam's guidance and support for the project.

In his proposal, Yesudas said it was a unique project, aimed at helping the deaf and the dumb, especially the poorest among hapless children. "There are approximately

three crore deaf and dumb people in different age groups in India. Of which, at least 1.3 crores can be treated/operated and cured. In the case of children below 5 years, if their hearing problems can be cured at an early stage, their speech can also be restored," he said.

Yesudas said he had taken up the cases of two children of the same family fourandahalfyearold Alka Theresa, and twoandahalfyearold Biyanka of Maradu for the project. The operation of the elder child will be conducted on June 30.

He sought Kalam's guidance and support for the success of the project across the country. He requested Kalam to persuade the Central and state governments for making the project a success.