The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), conducted a two-day national workshop on "Best Practices for Teaching English to Deaf Students Using Indian Sign Language (ISL)" on July 10-11, 2025, in New Delhi. The workshop, inaugurated by Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, emphasized the importance of ISL as the first language for deaf individuals and the necessity of developing English language skills to improve career opportunities and facilitate societal inclusion. The event advocated for technology integration to promote literacy within the deaf community.
The workshop featured presentations and interactive sessions led by experienced resource persons, including Dr. Sibaji Panda (Happy Hands School for the Deaf), Sh. Sunil Sahasrabudhe (Senior Consultant), Sh. Rajesh Ketkar (Senior Consultant, MBM News and Orjet Foundation), Sh. Hari Hara Kumar (Deaf Enabled India), Ms. Sharayu Kadam (TEACH, Mumbai), Ms. Chithra Prasad (NISH, Kerala), and Mr. Abbas Ali Behamanesh (Gallaudet University, USA). Discussions centered on practical strategies, bilingual approaches, and culturally responsive methodologies for enhancing English literacy among deaf learners using ISL.
The workshop saw participation from 180 delegates, including teachers from special and inclusive schools, Master Trainers from National Institutes (NIs) and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), and representatives from NCERT and NIOS. The valedictory session was delivered by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, AS DEPwD.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre ISLRTC: An autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities DEPwD, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which organized the National Workshop.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities DEPwD: A department under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, involved with ISLRTC.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Union Ministry under which DEPwD and ISLRTC operate.
New Delhi: The location where the TwoDay National Workshop was held.
Indian Sign Language ISL: The sign language emphasized as the first language of deaf individuals and used in teaching English to deaf students.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal: Secretary of DEPwD who inaugurated the workshop.
Happy Hands School for the Deaf: The school where Dr. Sibaji Panda is the Founder Director.
Hyderabad, Telangana: Location of Deaf Enabled India, where Sh. Hari Hara Kumar works.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
ISLRTC organized Two-Day National Workshop on
‘Best Practices for Teaching English to Deaf
Students Using Indian Sign Language’, in New Delhi
English language skills important to enhance Career
Opportunities for Deaf Individuals, while facilitating
Effective Communication and Full Inclusion in
Mainstream Society: Secretary (DEPwD)
Posted On: 11 JUL 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi
A Two-Day Offline National Workshop on ‘Best Practices for Teaching English to Deaf Students Using
Indian Sign Language (ISL)’, was organized by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre
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(ISLRTC), on 10 – 11 July 2025, in New Delhi. ISLRTC is an autonomous body under the Department of
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The workshop was inaugurated by secretary (DEPwD), Shri Rajesh Aggarwal. In his address, the Secretary
emphasized the importance of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as the first language of deaf individuals, noting its
vital role in their cognitive and academic development. He also highlighted the need for developing English
language skills to enhance career opportunities for deaf individuals and to facilitate effective communication
and full inclusion in mainstream society. Furthermore, he advocated for the integration of technology as a
means to promote literacy and learning among the deaf community.
The Workshop had featured presentations and interactive sessions led by experienced resource persons:
Dr. Sibaji Panda, Founder & Director, Happy Hands School for the Deaf; ex-Founder, ISHARA
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Foundation (now non-operational); researcher in English literacy for Deaf students
Sh. Sunil Sahasrabudhe, Senior Consultant, expert in bilingual education for the Deaf with 20+
(cid:108)
years of experienceSh. Rajesh Ketkar, Senior Consultant, MBM News and Orjet Foundation; former Director,
(cid:108)
ISHARA Foundation, Gujarat
Sh. Hari Hara Kumar, Deaf Enabled India, Hyderabad; 15+ years of work in English literacy and
(cid:108)
employment under DEPwD initiatives
Ms. Sharayu Kadam, Associate Coordinator, English Development Program, TEACH, Mumbai;
(cid:108)
experienced across multiple education boards
Ms. Chithra Prasad, NISH, Kerala; 15+ years of experience in Deaf education
(cid:108)
Mr. Abbas Ali Behamanesh, English and ASL Educator, Gallaudet University, USA (online)
(cid:108)
The presentations focused on practical strategies, bilingual approaches, and culturally responsive
methodologies for enhancing English literacy among Deaf learners through the use of Indian Sign Language
(ISL). Participants actively engaged in group discussions to reflect on the insights shared and to collaborate on
effective ways to improve classroom practices. The sessions were marked by rich and constructive dialogue,
with valuable contributions from special educators, ISL instructors, and Deaf school teachers representing
diverse regions across the country.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session delivered by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, AS (DEPwD).
The event witnessed the participation of 180 delegates, including teachers from special and inclusive schools,
Master Trainers from National Institutes (Nis) and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), as well as
representatives from NCERT and NIOS.
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VM
(Release ID: 2144063)