The two-day workshop on the Basics of Indian Sign Language (ISL) concluded today at Soochna Bhawan, Information and Public Relations Department, Gangtok. The workshop was organized by the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC), Sikkim, under the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjans), Kolkata, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The workshop was designed exclusively for special educators, officials, and employees of Central and State Government offices. On the first day, Smt. Pushpanjali Gupta, Director, CRC Sikkim, delivered the welcome address, followed by the lighting of the inaugural lamp. Two hands-on technical sessions were conducted by Indian Sign Language Master Trainer Shri Akhilesh Chauhan, who introduced participants to Indian Sign Language and its role in fostering inclusive communication.

The second session was conducted by Shri Vishal Biswakarma, who elaborated on deaf and audible range cultures, methods of forming signs, communication techniques, and further insights into deaf culture and history. The sessions were followed by an activity and Q&A session, where participants engaged directly with the trainers to clarify doubts and learn through practice.

Smt. Gupta also highlighted the provisions of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992, and informed participants about the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, which has registered over 80 beneficiaries in Sikkim.

On the second day, Director Smt. Gupta thanked Dr. Lalit Narayan, Director of NILD, Kolkata, for his approval and support of the program. She emphasized that the workshop’s primary objective was to raise awareness about Indian Sign Language among the non-disabled population, promoting a culture of inclusion and accessibility.

Assistant Commissioner Disabilities of Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Divyangjan Welfare Department Shri Prem Narayan Pradhan and Headmistress, Special School of Hearing Impaired, Sichey, Smt. Norbu Doma Bhutia summarized the activities of day one and sensitized the audience once again.

Certificates were distributed to participants by Sr. District Information Officer Smt. Sarojini Subba and Shri Prem Narayan Pradhan. Additionally, Shri Akhilesh Chauhan and Shri Vishal Biswakarma provided a demonstration on how Indian Sign Language facilitates communication and understanding of videos and films for hearing-impaired individuals.

Smt. Gupta expressed her gratitude to Smt. Normit Lepcha, Principal Director and Secretary, Women, Child, Senior Citizens, and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim; Shri Tashi Chopel, Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Sikkim; Smt. Annapurna Alley, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim; and representatives from PIB Gangtok, Akashvani Gangtok, Spice Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of AYUSH, DFO Gangtok, Ministry of MSME, and General Officer Commanding, 19th Mountain Division, for their support.

The workshop concluded with the singing of the National Anthem in sign language.