Mumbai/Mangalore: Unlike many beauty title winners, former Miss Universe Lara Dutta has held true to her claims of being interested in social welfair. The starlett has a good foothold in Hindi Cinema, therefore has nothing to prove by showing she is true to her commitment.

Four-year old Puneet Bhat was born with a hearing impairment and therefore he has been unable to develop verbal skills. However, the dream of being able to hear and learn to speak is slowly becoming a reality, thanks to the generosity of philanthropists, President APJ Abdul Kalam and film star Lara Dutta.

Puneeth's parents, Divaspati Bhat and Mangala Gauri, teachers by profession, were quite worried for their son and attempted to seek treatment for him by taking him to Dr Jayashree Bhat of KMC, Mangalore, who suggested therapy.

Consequently, Puneet was referred to renowned ENT specialist Dr Dattatreya of M V Shetty Memorial Hospital, who diagnosed that Puneet had a problem with the cochlea of the ear, suggesting surgery. As this surgery would cost Rs 10 lakh, on the advice of many Puneet's parents sought the help of the media and local newspapers to appeal for funds.

Following the appeal, Puneet's parents met Norbert Miranda of St Aloysius College, Mangalore, whose child had a similar problem. On Miranda's advice, Divaspati presented his son to the famous ENT specialist Dr Sandra D'Souza of Mumbai, who diagnosed Puneet’s condition and immediately finalised a date for his surgery at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.

In the meantime, Divaspati Bhat made a postal appeal to nearly 45 film stars of Hindi Cinema. Fortunately, the letter he sent to President APJ Abdul Kalam proved to be a fruitful one in that a cheque for Rs 40,000 was sent to the family from the president.

Fatefully, Lara Dutta, who was with Kelly Dorjee at a social work organization next to the Jaslok Hospital, just happened to hear about Puneet. The former Miss Universe's spent about 15 minutes with the boy; wished him a bright future and wrote a cheque of Rs 4 lakh for his treatment.

Following his surgery, Puneet is slowly but steadily making progress. His hearing capacity has significantly improved and he has started learning words.

Divaspati and his family expressed their deepest gratitude to all those who helped their son.