New Delhi, October 1: The Department of Teacher Training & Non-Formal Education (IASE), Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) celebrated “International Week of Deaf People” and “International Day of Sign Languages'’ in its campus on 27th September, 2024. This celebration arises from the 2017 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution, and this day is part of the 'International Week of Deaf People' which is celebrated every year during the last week of September. The theme for 2024 International Day of Sign languages is "Sign Up for Sign Language Rights”.
The program started with the rally to create awareness about deafness and sign language by involving the faculty members Dr.P.Ramakrishna, Mohd.Zuber and Dr.Eram Nasir of special education and teacher trainees in the Faculty of education. The host then extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest of the event, Prof. Sara Begum (Dean, Faculty of Education), Prof. Farah Farooqi (HOD), all the esteemed faculty members, participants and students. Thereafter, Prof. Sara Begum addressed the gathering and shared her valuable insights on the importance of Sign language and Deaf culture in the context of inclusion.
This was followed by a brief note by Dr. P.Ramakrishna, Co-ordinator of the Programme and Assistant Professor of Special Education (Hearing Impairment). He highlighted the importance of Deaf Culture and contribution of Sign Language in the lives of people with Hearing Impairment along with its universal significance as an alternative mode of communication. Subsequently, the 'Necessity of education of hearing children through Inclusion' was explored through Nukkad Natak by the trainees of B.Ed Special Education (1st Year). Next, Indian Sign Language pledge was taken by all the participants. Thereafter, Alphabet, Numbers, words related to day to day activities were enacted in Indian Sign Language by the trainees. The program finally concluded by performing the National Anthem in Indian Sign Language by everyone.
