By Olivia Moraes | Opening Doorz Editorial | June 15, 2025

This Father’s Day, we celebrate a mother who became both father and mother to her son. Olivia Moraes speaks to Malti Damodaran, whose world came crashing around her when a high fever left her son deaf when he was eight months old.

In a world where a father’s presence is often equated with strength and support, Malti Damodaran stepped into both roles with determination. This is the story of Malti, the woman behind Gopinath Damodaran—a deaf child who grew to become a successful animation artist. 

Through every hardship, she stood by him, guided him, and fought for him, embodying the strength of two parents in one. No father? No problem!  Mother is always ready to be both. And when love leads the way, mountains can be scaled.

The Shock No Mother is Ready For

I still remember that day very clearly. My son was just eight months old when he developed a sudden, high fever. After that, we noticed he had stopped responding to the usual sounds—no reaction to our voices, to the rustle of toys, or even loud noises. It was his aunt who first sensed that something was wrong. We rushed him to a doctor in Kerala, desperate for answers.

That’s when the doctor looked me in the eye and said, “Your son is deaf.” I froze. I stared back at him, numb, unable to comprehend what I had just heard. My world, my dreams, everything collapsed in that one moment. I refused to believe it—how could this be true? Maybe he was mistaken, I thought. As a mother, you never imagine something like this for your child. You dream of their laughter, their words, their future—not a life of silence. But because we had identified his condition early, we were able to act quickly.

Moving to Mumbai from Kerala

We were living in a small village in Palakkad, Kerala. Facilities were limited, and I knew I had to be sure. With the help of my extended family, I travelled to Mumbai for more tests. I still held on to hope, praying for a different result. But every test confirmed the same thing—my Gopi was now deaf.

My husband and I were devastated. It took time for the news to sink in. But as painful as it was, we knew we had to act. We made the biggest decision of our lives. We left everything behind and moved to Mumbai. The city was not easy, but it had one thing our village didn’t—special schools for children like Gopi. We got him fitted with a hearing aid and started him on medication for hyperactivity. At two-and-a-half years, we enrolled him at Stephen High School for the Deaf and Aphasic in Chowpatty.

That school became a lifeline for us.

Becoming a Mother and Father

Initially, Gopi’s father would take him to school every day. But over time, he decided to return to the village and settle there permanently. I was left alone with my little boy in a city that wasn’t kind to people without connections, resources, or the help of his dad. There was no time to feel sorry for myself. I had to step up for Gopi’s sake. I was now both mother and father to him.

That’s when I started working. I became a small-time post office savings agent. Every morning, I would drop Gopi off at school and then go door-to-door collecting savings. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Slowly, I began to believe in myself. I added the LIC agency to my work. Bit by bit, I started building a life—not just for me, but for him. There were days I came home exhausted, but Gopi’s smile made everything worthwhile. I wanted him to see that his mother never gave up. I wanted him to grow up with that same fire.

The Worry That Never Left

Raising a deaf child is not just about dealing with the condition—it’s about living in a world that refuses to understand. My biggest fear in those early years was whether he would ever complete his education. He was always academically behind. I wondered—would he be able to cope? Would society let him in? Would people have the patience to understand him?

I worried about his future every single day. I knew the real world wasn’t forgiving. Gopi couldn’t communicate like the others. Who would hire him? Who would take the time to understand the person behind the silence? As a mother, it pained me to think that his impairment might always be the thing people saw first.

Life’s Harsh Lessons

I remember the time he got his first job. We were overjoyed. I thought, “Finally, someone has seen his potential.” But that happiness didn’t last. For six months, Gopi worked there without being paid. He couldn’t express his frustration, and the employer took advantage of his silence.

That incident shook me. I realised that the world wasn’t just indifferent—it could be cruel. From that day on, I decided to go with him for his interviews. I would speak for him, ask the hard questions, and make sure he wasn’t being taken for a ride. He had the skill, the sincerity—what he lacked was someone to speak up for him. I became that voice.

A Message from One Mother to Another

To all parents who have a child with special needs, I say this: keep talking to your child. Don’t shut them out. Communicate, even when it’s hard. Especially till the age of fifteen, be their friend, their anchor. Those years are the foundation for the rest of their lives.

Work every day to bring your child up to par with the rest of the world. Build their confidence, not just their skills. Let them go out, mix with people, and experience life. Don’t keep them hidden; isolation may feel safe, but it hinders their growth.

And to all mothers like me—yes, it feels lonely sometimes. You’re fighting a battle no one else sees. But don’t give up. Go out there. Ask for help. Create opportunities. Be shameless about it, because it’s not for you—it’s for your child.

Hope Still Lives Here

Gopi has grown into a wonderful young man. He’s independent, disciplined, and sincere in everything he does. Despite the odds, Gopinath completed his schooling and pursued a career in animation. With over 20 years of experience in visual effects, graphics, and animation, he is now an expert in modelling and texturing.

But life continues to throw challenges. Three months ago, he lost his job. The company he was employed with began downsizing. Since then, we’ve been trying to find a job, but it hasn’t been easy. The communication gap is still something people hesitate to bridge. But he’s willing to learn, to work, to contribute. 

I appeal from one heart to another—if you know of any opportunity where Gopi’s skills and sincerity can be valued, please reach out. All he needs is a chance. He’s proven again and again that he’s capable. What he needs now is someone to believe in him. Someone to Open Doors for him!

Also Read: Inspiring Story of Gopinath Damodaran: A Silent Triumph!

Also Read: From Down Under to here: A Deaf Dog’s Big Move from Oz to India