National anthem in sign language

The 55-year-old dance teacher at the Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) is herself deaf and dumb since childhood and says her dream is to change the world of those like her for the better.

“Deaf people should not consider themselves weaker than others. We want to encourage them to consider themselves as equals,” she says of the lessons she gives to her students.

One of the founders of the DFDW, which is holding the concluding function of its silver jubilee year here from April23-27, Mukti wants even those without hearing and speech disabilities to learn the language of the deaf and the dumb.

Everyone at the DFDW communicates in sign language but the women face difficulties outside their select circle of friends. DFDW secretary Reeni Kuriyan pointed out that in the US, 60 per cent of those without hearing or speech disabilities know the sign language.

Reeni, also hearing and speech impaired, answers questions through a pen and paper. Along with Mukti, Mahalakshmi Tikku and news reader Shashi Pal, she helped set up the DFDW in 1973.

Talking to UNI, she said that besides the national anthem in sign language Mukti created, a Miss India silent beauty contest, a theatre workshop and a national conference on “deaf women’s rights and privileges” will form part of the function. It will be preceded by a march from the Boat Club to the national stadium by deaf and dumb women.

The function, being organised to “create awareness” about the deaf and dumb people, would haveparticipants from all over the country, Reeni said.

At a workshop run by the association, velvet sashes were being readied for the beauty contestants. The workshop trains deaf women and children in skills like book binding, leather craft, embroidery, tailoring, computers and typewriting. The women are also given refresher course in English and sign language among other things.

Though the DFDW has been trying to instill confidence among the deaf and dumb women, this is a very difficult task since sound is the most vital constituent in understanding and interpretation for those with normal hearing and speech abilities.

“On most days, all that I speak adds up to just five sentences. It is difficult when I have to go to the market, bank or post office,” says Shibaji, who is hearing impaired and gives computer lessons at the DFDW workshop.

“Sound”, says Shibaji, “is like a wonderful fruit we all have been told about but never actually tasted.” But, he is not sad about his disability either. “I amhappy. After all, these days all you people get to listen to is political speeches and rock music,” he adds with a wink.