Govt committed to bringing all Divyangjans into mainstream: Thaawarchand Gehlot

The objective of celebrating the sign language day is enhancing the awareness of sign language and making the reach of sign language to everyone.

'Sign Language Day' was celebrated by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, M/o Social Justice and Empowerment here today. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot was the Chief Guest and Ministers of State for SJ&E Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria were the Guests of Honour. Secretary, DEPwDMs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD Dr. Prabodh Seth & Director, ISLRTC were present. The programme included cultural performances like drama and songs in ISL by the students and faculty members of ISLRTC and presentation of awards to children with hearing disability.

United Nations has declared 23rd September as International Sign Language Day. This day was formally accepted by the United Nations Assembly on 19th December 2017. The theme of this year is "Sign Language-Rights for all". The objective of celebrating the sign language day is enhancing the awareness of sign language and making the reach of sign language to everyone.

Addressing on the occasion, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the Government of India is committed to bringing all Divyangjans into the mainstream. He applauded ISLRTC for bringing out a Dictionary of 6000 Sign Language words and hoped that 4000 more new Sign Words will be added into it by 2020. Sign Languages have an ancient history and nowadays these are being developed in a modern manner. Efforts are also on to bring uniformity in these sign languages at national and international level. He dwelt upon many initiatives of his ministry for the welfare of Divyangjans.

In his address, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar said that the Sign Languages are the Medium of Communication among people with hearing disability. Even in the ancient period, when Vocal languages were not developed, people used to communicate through Sign Languages.

Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in his address said that Sign Languages are very enriched languages. When we talk of Sign Languages, we talk about the culture of their countries. He praised the efforts of ISLRTC for doing commendable service to the people with hearing disability.

The award distribution ceremony for the winners of the 2nd Indian Sign Language Competition 2019 was conducted during the programme. For the Competition, entries were invited from children with hearing disability on jokes, stories, and essays in Indian Sign Language, studying in Delhi-NCR. The students have showcased their creativity and knowledge in their submissions.

(With Inputs from PIB)