Building Bridges, Empowering Futures
The Gopalakrishnan Foundation for the Deaf is a tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Gopalakrishnan, a pioneering Deaf leader from South India whose vision continues to shape inclusive education and advocacy for the Deaf community across the country.
A Life of Firsts: Mr. Gopalakrishnan’s Legacy
Mr. Gopalakrishnan was not only a trailblazer in Deaf education but also a bridge-builder between the Deaf and hearing worlds. At a time when sign language was neither widely taught nor understood, he took the bold initiative to teach Indian Sign Language (ISL) to hearing individuals—parents, teachers, and professionals—so that communication could be a shared space, not a barrier.
Together with his son Amaresh Gopalakrishnan, he co-created the first illustrated Indian Sign Language Dictionary in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission, Coimbatore—a landmark contribution to accessible language resources in India.
Never one to rest on past achievements, he formally enrolled in the Indian Sign Language Teacher’s Training Program in 2003 and went on to serve as Master Trainer at the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Regional Centre, Secunderabad). His commitment to learning and teaching remained unwavering throughout his life.
Even in his later years, Mr. Gopalakrishnan took on national leadership roles, including General Secretary of the All India Federation of the Deaf and Executive Member of the Indian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ISLIA). Known affectionately as “Gopu Uncle,” he was admired for his humility, warmth, and steadfast belief in community-led progress.
Our Mission
Founded by Mr. Gopalakrishnan himself, the Foundation is grounded in his belief that education, literacy, and equal opportunity are the keys to unlocking the full potential of every Deaf individual. We work to ensure that Deaf children and their hearing families have access to quality, culturally affirming education that empowers them to thrive—academically, socially, and professionally.
Our Work: International Deaf Academy
The Foundation supports initiatives like the International Deaf Academy, develops ISL-based learning resources, and advocates for systemic inclusion in education and employment. At its core, the Foundation believes that real change happens with the Deaf community, not just for it.
IDA Mission
International Deaf Academy’s Mission is to create enabling opportunities for deaf children and their families to build an enriching future.
Our Vision
Enabling, Engaging & Empowering Deaf to Grow, Lead & Live with Dignity
People in India
60
M
20
L
Deaf Children
12
L
Basic Schooling
24
K
IDA Impact
2024 - 2025 in Numbers
Our Partners
Partnerships and collaborations are instrumental for building cohesive and conducive environments of engagement.
They amplify growth, best practices, postive experiences and fostering relationships.
We take pride and are grateful to our partners who believe in our vision and walk with us in our journey to create the right impact and support the deaf community.
