Founder's Message
Founder – CEO Sai Swayam Society
Meera Chetan Bhatia journey from a conventional career as a schoolteacher to founding a pan-India NGO for the empowerment of Deaf individuals is deeply rooted in her identity as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). With Indian Sign Language as her first language and decades of lived experience as an interpreter, Meera has long served as a vital bridge between the hearing and Deaf communities. For nearly 30 years, she anchored the Hearing Impaired Bulletins on the national broadcaster, Doordarshan (DD), lending visibility and voice to a largely underserved population.
Academically accomplished, she holds dual postgraduate degrees in Sociology and Education and is a certified Special Educator for the Hearing Impaired—credentials that enable her to champion inclusive education with both insight and impact. Her commitment to the disability sector has spanned over three decades, combining activism, policy engagement, and grassroots action.
She received the National Award (2014) for her exceptional contributions to the placement of Persons with Disabilities, the Helen Keller Award (2010) from NCPEDP for advancing substantial employment of PwDs, and the Jazbaa Women Award (2016) for excellence in Sign Language advocacy. With over 30 years as a Sign Language interpreter and activist, and two decades of professional experience in the development sector, Meera champions an inclusive, participatory model of change—working with persons with disabilities, rather than for them.
1.Committee Member, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (MSJE).
2.Empanelment Partner, Skill Training for PwDs under the National Action Plan (DEPwD).
3.Task Force Member, Early Intervention & Parent Sensitization for Deaf Individuals.
4.Selection Committee Member, National Awards for PwDs (2017)
5.Committee Member, Sexual Harassment Committees – GNCTD & Lemon Tree Hotels.
"As SSS proudly enters into its 20th year of dedicated service to the Speech and Hearing Impaired community, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Each year has been a journey of growth, learning, and unwavering commitment to empowering People of Determination. What began as a humble effort has evolved into a strong foundation for inclusive education and skill development. Our greatest achievement lies in witnessing our students confidently step into the workforce, contributing meaningfully to society. These milestones are a testament to the resilience of our learners, the dedication of our team, and the support of our community. At SSS, we believe that every individual deserves a voice, even in silence, and a future shaped by equal opportunities. As we look ahead, our mission remains firm — to foster inclusion, inspire independence, and continue breaking barriers for a more understanding and inclusive world".
