The Deaf Aid Society (DAS), has been an NGO since 1967, with the charitable purpose of providing free education for hearing impaired children, largely from the weaker sections of our society at the “Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf” (SKID),Bangalore.
The Sheila Kothavala Story
Founded in 1967, the Deaf Aid Society (DAS) began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide free education to hard of hearing children, particularly those from low-income families. The Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf (SKID) started as a humble two-room garage, inspired by the determination of Ms. Aban Unvalla, a young deaf child, and made possible through the generous donation of land by the Sheila Kothavala family.
SKID is a co-education school for hearing impaired children and has classes from K.G to 10th grade(SSLC).
The school is managed by the Executive Committee of DAS composed of senior members in society which include retired defensepersonnel & officers working with the hearing impaired & community development and young enthusiasts that represent Corporates that have an ongoing linkage with the school. It provides the perfect environment for public and private services who are well-wishers, individuals with special skills and experience for hearing impaired children with ample space for games, sports and extracurricular activities.
What began with a small group of students has grown into an institution that has empowered over 1,200 hard of hearing children with free education from Kindergarten through Class X, helping them build independent, dignified and fulfilling lives.
Our mission is simple yet powerful
To build confidence and independence in the hard of hearing community through education, skills, and communication—enabling individuals to live with dignity, support their families, and advocate for their rights.
Our Journey
What started in 1966 with 20 students and 2 teachers soon grew into a larger school through the support of the community and well-wishers. As enrolment increased, the need for a permanent space became clear, leading to the generous donation of land by Dr. Zal and Mrs. Gool Kothavala and, eventually, the establishment of the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf in 1971.
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1967
The school moved to a larger rented building as enrolment grew to 40 students.
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1968
Growing enrolment created the need for better infrastructure and a more learning-friendly environment.
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1969
Dr. Zal and Mrs. Gool Kothavala donated 1.5 acres of land in their daughter Sheila's name.
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1970
Construction of the new school was supported by generous donations from well-wishers.
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1971
The school moved to its new premises and became the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf.
Our Vision
To build confidence, empower and mainstream members of the hearing impaired (HI) community through education, skills and communication techniques to live as normal citizens who can lead a life of dignity, provide for their families and participate in advocacy for their community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower hard of hearing children through specialised education, vocational skills and speech therapy, enabling them to lead independent lives. We provide career guidance, employment opportunities and innovative training for teachers and volunteers, while encouraging self-expression through art, dance, crafts and other activities.
Leadership
Mrs. Jessy Samuel
Principal
Mrs. Jessy Samuel has been closely associated with the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf (SKID) for decades and has served as its Principal since 2004. Her work has focused on creating an inclusive learning environment where hard of hearing children can develop communication skills, gain confidence and prepare for independent lives. Under her leadership, the school has continued to emphasise education, speech and lip-reading, sign language, vocational preparation and opportunities for students to build successful careers. She has also spoken about the importance of helping students become self-reliant, with many SKID alumni going on to work in both government and private organisations.
School Board
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2017–2018
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Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major
Hon. President
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Wg. Cdr. M.R. Shirazi
Hon. Vice President
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Mr. Ramesh Kauta
Hon. Secretary
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Mr. R. Sriram
Hon. Jt. Secretary
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Mr. Bharath Kidambi
Hon. Treasurer
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Ms. Yasmin Master
Hon. Jt. Treasurer
Committee Members
AVM R.K. Batha (Retd)
Mr. Dinshaw Cawasji
Mrs. Asha Dey
Mrs. Shankuntala R. Pai
Mrs. Kalyani Yajnik
Mrs. Krishna Basu
Mr. Yadav
Ms. Janani Barath
Mr. Sachin Kotangale
Committee Members
Managing Committee Members 2025–2026
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Mr. Ramesh Kauta
Hon. President
(2008–09 to present)
Mims, Springdale-2, Abhayadhama Road, Holy Cross School, Whitefield, Bangalore – 560066 -
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Ms. Anitha Dixit
Hon. Vice President
(2024–25 to present)# 31, 6th Cross, Ashraya Layout, 1st Stage, Garudacharpalya, Mahadevapura, Bangalore – 560048
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Ms. Deepshikha Khosla
Hon. Secretary
(2022–23 to present)No. 66, 100 Ft. Road, 6th Main, 1st Cross, Defence Colony, Bangalore – 560038
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Mr. R. Sriram
Hon. Joint Secretary
(2000 to present)No. 331, 1st Main Road, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor, HAL II Stage, Bangalore – 560008
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Mr. Dinshaw Cawasji
Hon. Treasurer
(1995 to present)No. 16, Alexandria Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore – 560025
Managing Committee Members 2024–2025
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Mr. Ramesh Kauta
Hon. President
(2008–09 to present)
Mims, Springdale-2, Abhayadhama Road, Holy Cross School, Whitefield, Bangalore – 560066 -
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Ms. Anitha Dixit
Hon. Vice President
(2024–25 to present)# 31, 6th Cross, Ashraya Layout, 1st Stage, Garudacharpalya, Mahadevapura, Bangalore – 560048
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Ms. Deepshikha Khosla
Hon. Secretary
(2022–23 to present)No. 66, 100 Ft. Road, 6th Main, 1st Cross, Defence Colony, Bangalore – 560038
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Mr. R. Sriram
Hon. Joint Secretary
(2000 to present)No. 331, 1st Main Road, Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor, HAL II Stage, Bangalore – 560008
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Mr. Dinshaw Cawasji
Hon. Treasurer
(1995 to present)No. 16, Alexandria Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore – 560025
Patrons & Legacy
PATRONS
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Mr. B.L.S. Murthy
1969
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His Excellency Shri Dharam Vira, Govt of Mysore State
1970
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Mrs. Mary Lobo
1972
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Mr. Shri Mohanlal Sukhadia, Govt of India (inaugurated SKID)
1973
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His Excellency Shri Uma Shankar Dikshit, Govt of Karnataka
1975
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Rev. Dr. D.S. Lourdusamy
1975
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His Excellency Shri Govinda Nariyan, Govt of Karnataka
1977
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Mr. L.N. Dadybhoy
1979
OUR PRINCIPLES
Principals of the school, 1967-2017
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Sr. Rachel Ingels
1967–1979
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Sr. Wies De
1974–1975 & 1979–1980
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Mrs. Asha Dey
1979
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Mr. P.J. Christopher
1979–1998
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Sr. Beatrice
1981
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Mrs. Margret Joseph
1981–2004
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Mrs. P. Jony Samuel
2004–present
Campus
8 classrooms on each floor, supporting 10–15 students per room
A library for supplementary reading
A dedicated hall for extra-curricular activities
A playground with an open-air theatre
Our Partners
Documentation
80G Certificate
FCRA Approval
Payment Partner