Dadkhai: Where Love Surpasses Language

On a somber monsoon evening, 17-year-old Reshma Shareif from Dadkhai Village, Doda, held her newborn close. Her tears spoke volumes as she embraced her son’s reality as a deaf-mute, a challenge shared by many in this secluded community. Despite the heartbreak, her unwavering love reflected the spirit of a village that views such adversities as gifts from the divine.

Known as “The Village of Silence,” Dadkhai is perched on a hillock in Jammu and Kashmir, cut off from the mainland, lacking road connectivity. This tiny village, established in 1901 by Mir Ali, a migrant from Jammu, spans less than three square miles and has gained international attention for an extraordinary reason: the world’s highest prevalence of non-syndromic deaf-mutism, a condition that affects hearing and speech but not other bodily functions.

A 2014 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identified the condition as a genetic anomaly. The mutation, linked to a deficiency in the otoferlin protein, is hereditary and widespread in Dadkhai’s population. “No other country in the world has such a high rate of deaf-mutism,” noted Dr. Sushil Razdan, a senior neurologist. This phenomenon is largely attributed to consanguineous marriages within the Gujjar community, a nomadic ethnic group in South Asia, which has allowed the mutation to persist and spread over generations.

The remote village survives on agriculture, livestock, and daily wage labor. The infrastructure is rudimentary, with homes connected by dirt trails and roofed with birch bark. Yet, crime is nearly nonexistent, and the villagers maintain a peaceful existence. Over time, initiatives have been introduced to address the genetic root of the condition. Authorities are encouraging residents to marry outside the community, a step that has already shown promise. “The number of affected individuals has decreased as many families have stopped intra-community marriages,” explained Dr. Razdan.

Despite its challenges, the village is witnessing a gradual transformation. Mujtaba Fazili, a businessman-turned-activist, recently fulfilled a personal commitment by establishing a school for deaf-mute children in Dadkhai. The school, supported by local authorities and organizations, offers education through sign language. Currently operating in two rooms of a government school, the initiative has paved the way for formal learning in the village. Fazili shared his vision, saying, “We are expected to get support from a Hyderabad-based organization and UNICEF, and I am working on it.”

Dadkhai’s story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community. As the village embraces change and opportunities for inclusion, it stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. This “silent village” is finally finding its voice, offering hope for a brighter, connected future.