Shri. Biju Prabhakar IAS, Special Secretary, Social Justice Department,
Dr. K.G. Satheesh Kumar, Executive Director-in-charge,
National Institute of Speech and Hearing,
Shri Sandeep Krishnan,
Ms. Daisy Sebastian, Academic Coordinator,
Dear teachers, Parents,
My beloved students,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to inaugurate the programme being organized as part of the observance of International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages at the National Institute of Speech and Hearing [NISH], Thiruvananthapuram.
Let me begin by complimenting the teachers and staff of this Institute for the great services they have been offering to children with speech and hearing impairment. I am certain that your help and guidance would instill confidence in the children as well as their parents.
I also express my profound sense of appreciation for the efforts you have taken to prepare an Indian Sign Language version of our National Anthem. NISH also deserves to be applauded for its plans to create Indian Sign Language versions of Gandhiji's favorite bhajans.
This is my first visit to this institution, which has been actively working in the field of education and rehabilitation of persons with disability since 1997. Started with the aim of rehabilitating children with hearing impairment, NISH has now widened its service by catering to a wide range of disabilities related to the development of language, communication and cognition. It is gratifying to know that this Institute offers learning opportunities to children with difficulties in speech and hearing, Autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, learning disability, and multiple disabilities.
As all of us are aware, almost 5.3 percent of the world's population, or roughly 360 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss. In India, we have over 63 million people suffering from auditory loss. We also know that the prevalence of both hearing loss and communication disorders in India is found to be higher in comparison to that of developed countries like New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States etc. This reality must compel us to devote more attention and concerted efforts to the handling of such disabilities.
Though hearing problems are noted to be the second most common disability in India, it is now known that the burden of deafness is largely preventable and avoidable, thanks to the efforts of institutions like NISH which offer early intervention, academics, and clinical services. Auditory issues pose a major threat to the children's ability to develop speech and language. I am happy to know that through early identification and timely intervention, NISH has been helping hearing-impaired children acquire speech and language, thereby facilitating their education and advancement. The fact that NISH gets students and patients from all over the country and even from abroad indicates the high level of acceptance it has gained through service.
I had just mentioned about the need to devote more attention to the higher prevalence of communication disorders in India. Having observed the International Day of Sign Language yesterday, that is, 23rd September, we should also ask ourselves about the progress and popularity of Sign Language in our country. Research needs to be strengthened in this area so that we can effectively standardize the Indian Sign Language system in such a way that it suits our linguistic and cultural diversity. And, why should Sign Language be confined to institutions like NISH alone? While I appreciate the efforts of this institute in taking Sign Language to the people, I really wish all our universities offer Sign Language, at least as an Add-on course. Only by popularizing this language among the people we can achieve the goal of Full Inclusion through Sign Language, which is the motto of this year's Deaf Week observance.
Like educational opportunities, our youth who suffer from communication disorders should also get more avenues for employment. Already, the Information Technology Policy of Kerala envisages empowerment of the differently abled youth through employment opportunities. I hope this dream will soon become a reality for more people with disabilities.
As a former Judge of Supreme Court who gave the verdict on providing 3% reservation and various directions for the benefit of our disabled friends to all Governments in respect of Persons with Disabilities – of course, it has recently been increased to 4% by Parliament – I feel that the present avenues are not enough and that we have a legal obligation to expand such opportunities. However, I am happy to know that students of NISH, who complete Bsc. Computer Science, are getting jobs in the companies in our Technopark. The use of technology in the teaching of Fine Arts is also helping the students.
I also convey my best wishes to the students who will be taking part in the literary and cultural competitions in Indian Sign Language to be held as part of the Deaf Week 2018. And, as a regular viewer of Malayalam Television News channels,
I would also be watching the telecast of the prime time News in Sign Language. I hope all these efforts would help in establishing Indian Sign Language as a language that every Indian should learn and understand so that our communication becomes more meaningful and inclusive.
I greet all the parents who have come to attend this programme and salute their tireless efforts in ensuring the correct guidance for their children. I also compliment the organizers of this programme for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
