An article by Manya Agarwal (11B)
Over the course of 6 months, I have been working on my project “Sign-Verse”. I remember a quote from my teacher that has stuck with me ever since: “Change is the only constant.” It’s a powerful statement that reminds us that our world is always evolving and changing. Through this article, I wanted to highlight a change that can truly make a difference in the world: increasing awareness and understanding of the Indian Sign language (ISL). Imagine a world where everyone can communicate regardless of whether they can hear or not. A world where students with hearing impairments feel included, valued and empowered. That’s where my project “Sign-Verse” came into existence, where our main aim is to build a bridge between the spoken community and the sign language community.
Through my journey, I have been working in my school to build awareness amongst 6th, 7th and 8th graders on how powerful communication can be—how it transcends spoken words and connects us on an emotional level altogether. This includes collaborating with Ashray Akruti, a Non-Profit Organization committed towards creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. Together, we taught students the basics of the Indian Sign Language and our National Anthem. Additionally, we also provided platforms where students can showcase their learning. Students participated in the assembly by signing our National Anthem on International Sign Language Day as well as performing in front of parents.
Upon participating, the students showcased excitement as they communicated with each other through signs, fostering a sense of inclusivity. Many of them expressed their strong desire to learn more about ISL (International Sign Language) and demonstrate their willingness to embrace and accept this new form of communication. This experience not only educated them about the importance of sign language but also reinforced the values of empathy and understanding towards the deaf community. We also had some truly inspiring feedback from our parents, showing how much difference this project is making in people’s lives. More or less, this is just the start of a small step towards inclusivity. CHIREC has indeed given me a platform to pursue my project and supported my initiative to share my enthusiasm for communication and inclusivity among all students. I’m grateful to my teachers, who have been a constant guiding light throughout this journey.
As I reflect on my journey so far, I am deeply overwhelmed by the positive impact it has made, yet I see there is so much work still left to be done. It’s an ongoing journey; where we must continue to create an inclusive world where everyone feels valued and understood. I am committed to continuing this project forward, and excited to see how we embrace new perspectives together!
