Silent Village of India. Most of the people of this village are either deaf or dumb. They cannot speak or hear. They only communicate with each other by looking at each other. So do you know where this quiet and beautiful village is located… Why are deaf and dumb born here? What is the scientific reason behind this?
India’s paradise is Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. A quiet and beautiful village located in the snow-capped mountains. The name of this village is Dhadkai. It is located about 260 kilometers from Jammu. People from the Gujjar Muslim community live here mainly. The total population of the village is around 2000. But the most surprising thing is that more than 90 of them are deaf and dumb. Out of 105 families living in Dhadkai, more than 55 families have at least one member who cannot speak or hear. There is also a family where 6 out of 7 children are born deaf or dumb.
In Dhadkai, the first deaf and mute child was born in 1901. Gradually, this number started increasing. By 1990, their number reached 43. By 2007, the number of deaf and mute people reached 79. Now, more than 90 people in the village are living in this condition. Among them, the number of women is more. The villagers continue to consider this a curse from God. But the scientific reason behind this is completely different. In medical science, it is called genetic cluster or founders effect.
According to scientists, such children are being born in the village due to endogamy. When people of a small community marry among themselves, the disability in their body is transferred to another generation. This tribe has a genetic defect called Otoferlin, which is detected in blood samples. This gene sends signals through our ears to the brain. Then there is only one solution to this problem. People of this community will give birth to healthy children if they marry people from outside the community. Otherwise, color-coded cards can be made. That is, the genetic risk of the partner can be measured before marriage. This way, the next generation can be saved from this deaf-mute cycle.
However, since most of the people of the village are deaf-mute, they are being taught sign language by the Indian Army and some organizations. Through this, they can exchange their thoughts and feelings with each other.
