In Noida, the Noida Deaf Society received a significant boost when the Global Initiative of Veterans (GIVE)—a nonprofit organization founded by Indian army veterans—decided to sponsor 50 deaf students for three months.
This generous support came just in time for the International Week of the Deaf, which runs from September 20 to 26.
The Initiative
Major Gurjeet Singh, a retired army officer and the founder of GIVE, shared their commitment:
“We have sponsored all the expenses for 50 children for three months. As soldiers, we want our children to excel. We raised the necessary funds in just three months.”
Major Singh, along with other veterans like General VK Singh, leads the organization with the aim of making a difference in the lives of these children.
A Personal Connection
The inspiration to support the Noida Deaf Society came from Major Singh’s visit to the center six years ago.
He was impressed by the work of Ruma Roka, the society’s founder and general secretary.
Ruma, who has deep ties to the military—her father-in-law is a veteran and her brother is an active brigadier—was dedicated to helping deaf individuals.
Ruma started the Noida Deaf Society in 2005 using her personal savings.
She began with just five students in her two-bedroom apartment, teaching them basic English.
Today, the organization has transformed the lives of over 4,500 deaf youths, many of whom come from remote villages in northern and eastern India.
Current Impact
Currently, the Noida Deaf Society supports more than 200 students: 120 in schools and 80 in vocational training.
They also provide residential facilities for young adults over 18 from faraway places.
Abhishek, a student from Shahjahanpur, expressed gratitude for the support: “We are thankful to GIVE for helping us with our education and training. We hope this support continues in the future.”
Conclusion
Through their sponsorship, the Global Initiative of Veterans is not just providing financial support but is also empowering the next generation of deaf students, helping them build a brighter future.
The partnership with the Noida Deaf Society reflects a powerful commitment to education and inclusion, demonstrating the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities.
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