The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, traces its origin to the vision of Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the 25th and last Maharaja of the princely state of Mysore (1940–1950). During a personal visit to the United States on 1st April 1959, the Maharaja toured the Institute of Logopedics, Wichita, Kansas, where he closely observed the advanced facilities for education, research, and clinical care for children with speech and hearing disabilities. Deeply moved by the institute’s work, he realized the importance of establishing a similar facility in India to serve the needs of individuals with communication disorders.
Maharaja of Mysore, His Highness Sri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar at the Institute of Logopedics at Wichita, Kansas-USA on 24-4-1959.
During this visit, the Maharaja also held detailed discussions with Dr. Martin Franklin Palmer, founder and Director of the Institute of Logopedics. At his request, the Government of India, appointed Dr. Palmer as a consultant to the Ministry of Health in 1963. He conducted a feasibility study in India and submitted a comprehensive report recommending the establishment of a dedicated institute for speech and hearing.
Acting on this recommendation, the Government of India established the Institute of Logopedics in Mysuru in 1965. The institute initially functioned from Rama Mandira, a building on JLB Road, with Lt. Gen. B.M. Rao, former Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, as its first Director.
AIISH Foundation Stone Laying by Dr. S. Radhakrishan on 25th of July 1966
To develop a permanent campus for the institute, Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar generously donated 22 acres of land at Manasagangotri, Mysuru. On 25th July 1966, the foundation stone for the present campus was laid by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India and on 10th October 1966, the institute was registered as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act and was renamed the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH).
Since its inception, AIISH has evolved into a premier institute of national importance, dedicated to education, research, clinical services, and outreach in the field of communication disorders. The establishment of the institute stands as a collaborative effort that brought together the foresight of the Maharaja of Mysore, the support of the Government of India, and the expertise of Dr. Palmer.
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