Organization: Dept of Audiology & SLP, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, MAHE, Manipal
Title: Hear-Walk 2026 & School Screening
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Hear-Walk 2026 & School Screening
Description:
In celebration of the World Hearing Day 2026, the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, in collaboration with the Dakshina Kannada Speech and Hearing Association organized a walkathon in Mangalore city aimed at raising awareness on ear and hearing care. The other participating institutions included Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing, Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Speech and Hearing, A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore Academy of Professional Studies, Father Muller college of Speech and Hearing and Yenepoya Medical College. This collective participation showcased a united commitment to promoting hearing health awareness across the community.
The inauguration program and the Flag-off for the Walkathon was graced by Mr. Mithun HN, IPS, DCP Law & Order, Mangalore, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Mr. Mithun encouraged students to become the future flag-bearers of the field and to actively spread awareness about hearing health in their communities. His words served as an inspiring reminder of the vital role young professionals play in shaping the future of public health. Associate Dean Dr. Sheetal Ullal graced the occasion, offering her continued support and encouragement for initiatives that strengthen community engagement in hearing health.
Principals, heads of departments, faculty members, and professionals from the participating colleges and private practitioners showed strong support through their active participation and encouragement. Students turned out in impressive numbers early in the morning, adding enthusiasm and energy to the walkathon and reaffirming their dedication to community service.
The closing ceremony was conducted at the City Town Hall. Awareness programs such as street play, flash-mobs were carried out by full enthusiasm by the students. The Chief Guest Dr Shivaprakash, DMO, Wenlock Hospital emphasized on the importance of early identification and intervention of hearing loss in his thought-provoking welcome address.
In his closing remarks, Dr Rohit Ravi extended heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, attendees and sponsors for their collective efforts in making the Hear-Walk Walkathon a grand success. The event was supported by World Health Organization, Indian Speech-Language and Hearing Association, Speranza clinic and TMC Hearing Care Clinic. Hear‑Walk 2026 stood as a testament to collective action, community engagement, and the shared mission of ensuring that every child receives timely and accessible hearing care.
School screening was also conducted at St. Agnes School for children with special needs on March 2nd 2026 on occasion of World Hearing Day by the department.
The event was covered by many local and national channels reaching the masses other than social media, the link to news is as follows:
1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/walkathon-raises-awareness-on-hearing-care/amp_articleshow/128983377.cms
2. https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1308147
3. https://www.mangalorean.com/hear-walk-2026-sets-mangaluru-on-the-move/
4. https://newskarnataka.com/karnataka/mangaluru/kmc-hospital-mangaluru-hosts-hear-walk-2026/03032026
5. https://karavalidailynews.com/2026/03/03/mangaluru-dcp-mithun-launches-kmc-hearing-health-awareness-walk/
6. https://youtu.be/Ny9ZB5GyDX0
Primary site: SEAR- India
Region: SEAR
General Photos
HEAR-WALK 2026 Flag off
HEAR-WALK_1
HEAR-WALK_2
School Screnning for Special Children
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, older adults
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No