Jamia Millia Islamia celebrates ‘International Day of Sign Languages’ – Times of India

New Delhi: The Department of Teacher Training & Non-Formal Education (IASE), Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday celebrated “International Day of Sign Languages” in its campus. 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 of this year for the week is “Building Inclusive Communities for All” which is being held between 19th to 25th September, 2022. The program started according to the tradition of JMI, with the recitation of the Qur’an. The host then extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest of the event, Prof. Sara Begum (Dean of the Faculty of Education), Prof. Nahid Zahoor (HOD), all the esteemed faculty members, participants and students. Thereafter, Prof. Naheed Zahoor was invited to give a welcome address, followed by the Chief Guest Address by Dr. Sara Begum. They shared some valuable insights on the theme of the day “Sign Languages, Unite Us”, and its role in furthering the era of inclusion.

This was followed by a brief note by Dr. Pettala Ramakrishna, Co-ordinator of the programme and Assistant Professor of Special Education (Hearing Impairment). He highlighted the 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 ‘Importance of Sign Language‘ and ‘Myths and Facts of Sign Language‘ were elaborated upon by Afsara Kafeel and Mizna Siddiqui, respectively, students of B.Ed Special Education (2nd Year). A small skit was then performed by the students to emphasise the importance of Sign Languages in our day to day life. Thereafter, Finger Spelling alphabets and Numbers in ISL were also enacted by the students.
Eventually, the Indian Sign Language Pledge was administered by Mr. Mohd. Zuber, Assistant Professor & B.Ed Coordinator. The program finally concluded with the enactment of the National Anthem in Indian Sign Language by all.