Patiala, August, 20, 2025: Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday inaugurated a specially designed ‘Dark Room Lab’ at Vaani School for Hearing Impaired in Patiala, calling it an important step to enhance learning for children with special needs.
The lab, developed with financial support of ₹20 lakh provided by the governor through the Punjab Child Welfare Council, will serve children with hearing impairment, autism and intellectual disabilities. Officials said the dark room technique involves brief periods of visual deprivation, which can stimulate the brain to adapt and improve sound processing. It is particularly helpful for individuals with age-related hearing loss and for children learning to use cochlear implants.
Speaking at the inauguration, Kataria said the real measure of progress lies in improving the lives of children with special needs. “I am confident that the Dark Room Lab will help calm hyperactivity and aggression and create a better learning environment for these students,” he said.
The governor also appealed to citizens, NGOs and social workers to support the Punjab Child Welfare Council, which has been working for the welfare of children since 1962.
Punjab health minister Dr. Balbir Singh, who was present at the event, assured that the state government would provide full support for the growth and expansion of Vaani School.
