Preliminary Five Years (1973-77)

January 25th 1973, the golden day of christening DELHI FOUNDATION OF DEAF WOMEN three Deaf: - Ms. Renee Kuriyan, Ms. Mukti Uppal, Ms.Mahalaxmi Tikku and a hearing person Ms. Shashi Pal. The organization's first foundation stone was laid with the aim of "HELP THEM TO HELP THEMSELVES".
It initially starting as a club for deaf women but observing the needs of deaf women it slowly starting activities for their benefits and rehabilitation.

Main Activities & Programs in first 5 years

1. First fund raiser to implement rehabilitation project was 'Sale of Book Marks'.
2. First Silent Drama 'AMER PREM' directed by Ms. Mukti Uppal staged in Guwahati, Assam and New Delhi.
3. Second fund raiser was the Raksha Bandhan Appeals to philanthropist and our participation in Art & Craft Exhibition organized by YWCA. 'Amar Prem' was gain stage in Bhopal on invitation from Rotary Club.
4. Our Second performance 'I TOO AM A GIRL' was telecasted and it helped in reaching people to spread awareness about hearing impairment.
5. DFDW now started organizing various Talent Competitions and Sports Contest to bring out deaf talent.
6. Year 1977 was a big year for DFDW as we had our first President Smt. Margaret Alva, a M.P.. We also got registered under Societies Act and received Income Tax Exemption Certificate.

Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women started its journey towards rehabilitating Deaf women in our country. We moved ahead towards new projects and programs to achieve this aim.

Main Activities & Programs

1. We stepped ahead by starting our first VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER to teach Book Binding skill under guidance of Lady Elizabeth Thomson of British High Commission.
2. Scholarship to needy students was released out of sale of greeting cards.
3. To coincide with the birthday of Smt. Indira Gandhi the first Women Prime Minister of India the Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) observed DEAF WOMEN'S DAY one of deaf women awareness campaign.
4. A craft stall at UN Women's conference held at Copenhagen Denmark was appreciated by the Delegates.
5. A new Vocational Trade in BATIK PAINTING was started by Ms. Mukti Uppal.
6. Mrs Indira Hathiramani, President of Quota International Club, New Delhi helped the bright deaf students with a finance of yearly scholarships.

Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) acted as catalyst in formation of Madras Foundation of Deaf Women, thus spreading the fire of awareness across the boundaries of Delhi to other states. During this period DFDW stared gaining interest and financial support from Govt. and foreign donors.

Main Activities & Programs

1. First NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DEAF WOMEN was held during the International Year of Disabled Persons with the slogan of 'Full Citizenship' and during this the NATIONAL FOUNDATION OF DEAF WOMEN (NFDW) was tabled
2. Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) was entitled with responsibility of shaping and molding national body and to finance its establishment.
3. Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) guided Bombay and Ahemdabad to start their own association in their states.
4. n 1983-84 second National Conference of Deaf Women was held in Madras and was based on 'Challenges & Growth'.
5. The Grant-in-Aid to support Vocational Center was released to DFDW from the Dept. of Social Welfare and Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the VSEI.
6. During the 13th Foundation Day Deaf Child Talent Contest was organized to encourage parents to get them involved in welfare of their wards.

By now our aim became the common aim of Nation Wide other similar organizations. Through the blessings of then Lt. Governor of Delhi Sh. H.L.Kapur we got two rooms in Community Hall of Paharganj, which became our main Training Center and Administrative Office.

Main Activities & Programs

1. A new craft was introduced to our Vocational Center: LEATHER CRAFT.
2. During 15th Foundation Day celebration Badminton Tournament was introduced to attract deaf girls to arena of sports.
3. For the first time Beauty Contest Ms. Delhi Silent Queen and Princess was organized to provide a platform to deaf girls to show their talents, beauty and confidence. It opened new vista of employment for deaf girls.
4. New Zealand High Commission donated Typewriter Machines and we started Classes in Manual Typing and English Course. Ms. Shobhana Bhartia became the third President of Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW)
5. The members of DFDW Ms. Uma Kapoor, Ms.Renee Kuriyan, Ms. Reba Jathanna, Ms. Mukti Uppal, Ms. Renu Salija, Ms. Nisha and Ms. Nipur Banerjee constituted the Indian Delegation to the Deaf Way Cultural Festival held in DC Washington USA..
6. In Year 1990 Sh. R.L Bhat christened Information Technology and Computer Center( IT&CD) for Deaf in which we started Computer courses in D.T.P and Manual Typewriting. NORAD donated us computer and Typewriters and Telephone Device for Deaf (TDD)

Now Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) was a full fledged training center for deaf providing training in Computer Courses, Typewriting, English and Various Vocational Skills. It was one of its own kinds of healing Unit for Deaf in India. But still we had a long way to go. As we came in contact to many deaf we realized their problems and needs. We wanted to be like a family to all coming to us. These were the years of wining and achievements.

Main Activities & Programs

1. Seeing the matrimonial problems of deaf in finding suitable matched DFDW vowed to help each deaf coming to us. We started providing a matrimonial service and staged a special program to help them. Pranay Milan Sammelan.
2. Ms. Marianne D'Souza organized Numaish Craft Bazaar sponsored by Ms. Charanjeet Singh of Le Meridian which fetched good name and funds to the organization.
3. 3rd National Conference was organized with theme of Social Justice. Mrs. Aruna Dalmia became our 4th President.
4. We purchased Electronic Embroidery machine, Manual Press Machine and they were sponsored by CMC Ltd.
5. Hon'ble. Sh. Narsimha Rao, then P. M of India witnessed cultural performance by DFDW at J.N. stadium and was telecast by Doordarshan.
6. The Project Committee for Own Home Project was constituted. Its members are: Ms. Aruna Dalmia, Ms. Indu Rani Punj, Sh. K.K.Sinha, Ms. Uma Kapoor, Ms. Totan Das, Sh. R.L. Bhat, Ms. Renee Kuriyan and Ms. Asha Bhalla.
7. We participated in exhibition organized by Directorate of Social Welfare NCT of Delhi and got 2nd Prize for good quality products. We also participate in Gramshree Mela and many more exhibitions which earned us good name.
8. 2nd Beauty Contest was organized and 4th National Conference was organized in Indore whose theme was 'Silent Women'.
9. DFDW cultural Troop won the best Dance Award at Akshay Cultural Utsav.
10. One of our life members Ms. Sonu Anand participated in 5th Asian Pacific Games of Deaf in Kula Lumpur and won 3rd position in Badminton event.

1998 The Year of our Silver Jubilee Celebration. Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) completed its auspicious 25 years of success and renowned the occasion grandly. Still growing and moving with our noble aim

Main Activities & Programs

1. 3rd Beauty Contest was organized at Le Meridian who escorts sponsored the contest. Ms. Meenu regional correspondent FEMINA helped in standardizing the contest
2. State Bank of India (S.B.I) donated Goldstar Computer. This time Ms. Sonu Anand participated in World Games of Deaf held in Denmark.in 1997
3. We celebrated our Silver Jubilee program with slogan of MARCH TO INDEPENDENCE & SELF-RELIANCE. Smt. Indu Sabharwal President Quota International Club lit the lamp of success.
4. Ms. Mukti Uppal converted the National Anthem in Sign Language.
5. Ms. Usha Sawhney member of Quota Club released a white Dove symbol of PEACE on the occasion of Silver Jubilee where as Ms. Uma Kapoor and Suchint Sahadev released colored balloons. It was celebrated on 24th January 1998..
6. On 25th January '98 Foundation Day there was a march past by school children, folk dances talent competitions were organized.
7. Ms. Rekha Kriplani, Ms. Shashi Pal and Ms. Suchint jointly cut the cake followed by lunch.
8. Feb 18th and 19th we celebrated the Second Jubilee program which was Deaf Child Talent Contest.
9. Third Jubilee Program was National Sports Festival of Deaf Women. Organized from July 28th to July 31st at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. State Units from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra participated in the festival.
10. Sh. P.K Ghosh, IAS Dy. Chairman D.D.A inaugurated the festival. Many Events were organized: Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Cycling and Carom, Delhi won overall championship whereas Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan ranked in 2nd & 3rd Position. A folk Dance was also presented led by Ms. Ritu Gulyani.
11. Fourth Jubilee Program was Deaf Girls Day organized at Bal Bhawan. Deaf girls from different schools participated in various events organized on the occasion
12. Fifth Jubilee program was Pranay Milan Sammelan.
13. Silver Jubilee year was concluded with cultural festival, Prance, Healing, leadership & Theater Workshop along with 5th National Conference and Ms. Silent India Beauty Pageant. Maharastra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bangladesh & Delhi Participated.
14. Ms. Indu Sabharwal a social worker of good standing took the rein of the Foundation.
15. Members of DFDW took part in Asian Pacific Games of Deaf held in Taipei, Taiwan in 2000.

Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) by now became a family to all deaf. With our aim of reaching the skies we approached Global Education Grant from Galludet University Washington, U.S.A and their team of four members showed interest in our activities and projects, but could not attain the grant due to certain limitations. We started few more activities and projects.

Main Activities & Programs

1. NAYA SAVERA we started an Early Intervention center for very young hearing impaired. Ali Yuver Jung National Institute for Hearing Impaired, Mumbai provided partial financial assistance to sustain to project. This was a beginning of catching them at the earliest age so that their deafness does not make them HANDICCAPED and they can be integrated in normal schools.
2. Rotary Club of Safdarjung Donated 5 computers which helped us in expanding our computer center and get recognized by National Council of Vocational Training Center Govt. of India.
3. Ms. Nassozi Kiyaga a senior Research Student of Galludet University came to India under the Global Internship sponsored by Galludet University. She completed her research in Qualitative Study of Community Based Development Programs for Deaf Women in Delhi. She stayed at Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) for 3 months from January 15th 2003 to April 14, 2003.
4. Naya Savera a big room in Mata Gujari Hospital in G.K Part 1 by the support of Ms. Indu Sabharwal and Bhai Trilokchand Singh inaugurated it.
5. DFDW hosted 1st National Sports championship of Deaf Women. It was organized by All India Sports Council For Deaf and was conducted in Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from 31st Oct'04 to 4th Nov'04. 12 states participated: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal. Main event were Badminton, Basket Ball, Swimming, Table- Tennis, Chess, Cycling, Carrom. West Bengal were the Champions.
6. II Deaf Cultural Festival of India cum VI National Conference of Deaf Women were organized by National Foundation of Deaf Women and hosted by DFW from Feb 10 to Fe3b 13th 2005. Theme was Unheard Sound of Music and conference was based on Solutions to Problems. Ministry of Culture provided aid for this.
7. Mr. Madan Mohan Vashishta (USA) , Ms. Viven Batory (Denmark), Ms. Michel Friedner (USA), Mr. Jamie Osborne (USA), Ms. Debra Grossman (USA), Ms. Sarla Meisuria (UK), Mr. Sibaji Pande (Mumbai), Mr. T.D
8. T.D Dariyal (Delhi) Ms. Neera Misra (Delhi) were the presenters of the workshop and conference.
9. Ms. India Beauty Contest was postponed due to National Calamity Tsunami.

ACHIEVEMENT REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2006-2007

Programs with dates	Purpose & No. of Beneficiaries
Ashirwad Ceremony-cum-Press Conference March 16, 2006 Diocesan Community Hall, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1, Ashok Place, New Delhi	To bless the Indian Deaf Contingent in Cricket, Badminton and Table Tennis Events to take part in International Sports Matches held in Pakistan at six venues and to spread deaf sports activities in the country thro' medias. About 125 persons including participants, officials and press people attended the program and free lunch was served to them by the DFDW. The players returned India with a toll of Gold medals in Badminton and Table Tennis. Our student and a Badminton Player Rohit Bhaker got Govt Job and also was honoured with "Arjuna Award" by the GOI
XIV Pranay Milan Sammelan for Hearing Impaired May 19, 2006 Venue: Sacred Heart Cathedral's Diocesan Community Hall, 1 Ashoka Place, New Delhi	150 participants - deaf bachelor boys and girls with their parents attended the Sammelan for matrimonial assistance. The newly wedded couples of the last year were felicitated with gifts. All the participants were provided complimentary hospitality and Book let with name list of the participants with photos. The press and the TV media also had graced the program and gave wide coverage in dailies and TV channels.
Pre Independence Day Celebration cum Picnic August 13, 2006 Venue: Indraprastha Park, Gate No.3 Nizamuddin Crossing Bridge, Delhi	About 75 deaf members along with their spouses celebrated the Pre Independence Day followed by interesting programs and sports. Gifts were distributed among the winners.
2nd Asia Pacific Deaf Badminton Championship November 1 to 6, 2006 Venue: -NDMC Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi Participating 8 countries:Australia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia and India	The All India Sports Council of the Deaf commissioned DFDW to act as a Reception Committee to provide best Indian Traditional Hospitality to the Badminton Players representing 8 countries. The deaf cultural women artists performed "Vandana" Dance and "National Anthem" Ballet in the Inaugural ceremony and Naga Dance at the concluding ceremony. The foreign teams were overwhelmed to witness the said program and returned their home with sweet memory of Indian style food and hospitality. The no. of participants including officials was 191. The countries developed cordial relations with India in cultural field.
Selection Trial for Deaf Girl Players in Chess, Carom, Volleyball & Cycling. Dec. 6, 06 Venue: Play ground of the Lady Irwin College , Sikandara Road,New Delhi	About 80 school going girls and deaf members took part in the selection trial to take part in the 2nd National Sports Championship of Deaf Women held in Indore during Dec.27 to 30, 2006. Two girls bagged medals in Cycling events.
The Deaf Girls Day and 34th Foundation Day Celebration January 20, 2007 Venue: Modern School Grounds, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi	For school going students Talent Competitions and Sports were organized while for the members Bogie Wogie Contest was the most interesting competition. Other Talent Competitions in 4 events were also organised all the participants in 250 number were provided with complimentary lunch and Prizes were distributed with certificates. Balvantrai Mehta Vidya Bhavan bagged "Sarvshrestha Badhir Vidyalaya : 2007 Award" for overall performances.
Crafts Training in Batik , Book Binding, Tailoring, Doll Making and Leather Craft and in Computer Courses , English and Adult Class are provided perfectly as usual and a new course is also added in "Beauty Culture". The maximum number of beneficiaries are 44. Also helped deaf women in sale of their hand made crafts through hire of stalls in Exhibitions.

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