Josh Foundation, in collaboration with Atos, successfully organized a joyful and educational trip for 150 hearing-impaired children to Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan & Zoo, Byculla.
The visit turned into a heart-warming celebration of inclusion, nature, and the life-changing impact of sound. The children, recent recipients of digital hearing aids donated by Josh Foundation through Atos’ generous CSR support, spent the morning exploring wildlife, connecting with nature, and experiencing sounds that many of them were hearing clearly for the very first time.
As the children walked through the zoo trail, their newly-enhanced hearing allowed them to identify and react to the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the calls of animals. For many, this shift from non-verbal to verbal communication has been remarkable. The pure joy on their faces as they responded to these sounds stood as a powerful reminder of what accessible hearing technology can achieve.
The event was graced by Murli Menon from Atos, who personally joined the trip to celebrate Children’s Day with the children and witness the transformation his organization helped enable. Trustees of Josh Foundation Devangi Dalal, Dr Jayant Gandhi and Sandip Parikh were also present, ensuring that every child felt supported, safe, and encouraged to explore freely.
“Our aim has always been to ensure that no child is left behind due to hearing loss,” said Devangi Dalal. “Today, seeing these children confidently communicate, react to sound, and enjoy the wildlife experience reinforces why this mission is so important," said Murli Menon. “Their excitement today reflects how powerful hearing can be. We’re grateful to enable such change through digital hearing aid,” said Dr Jayant Gandhi
This memorable outing highlighted the profound difference that collective compassion, technological support, and community partnerships can bring to the lives of children with hearing impairment.
