International Sign Language Day 2025 in India: Importance, Theme & Initiatives

International Sign Language Day 2025: International Sign Language Day is observed every year on 23rd September. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of Deaf individuals worldwide and highlighting the importance of sign language.

This year, 2025, the theme is:
“No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”

Events and Key Activities in India

In New Delhi, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, will participate in a program organized by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC). During the event:

New opportunities for education, skill development, employment, and empowerment for the Deaf community will be launched.
Winners of the 8th National Indian Sign Language Competition 2025 will be honored.

What is Sign Language?

Sign Language is a visual-gesture-based language that uses hand signals, facial expressions, and body movements for communication. It serves as the primary mode of communication for Deaf individuals.

Key Features:

Not sound-based, relies entirely on visual gestures.
Has its own grammar and sentence structure.
Indian Sign Language (ISL) has a distinct vocabulary and grammar.

Deaf Population in India and Worldwide

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

Approximately 430 million people globally have some degree of hearing impairment.
In India, nearly 18 million people are Deaf or hearing-impaired.
Most of them have limited access to formal education, skill training, and employment opportunities.

Objectives of International Sign Language Day 2025

Raise awareness about the rights of Deaf individuals.
Ensure equal access to education, employment, and social life.
Promote a more inclusive society.
Mainstream Sign Language as a vital communication tool.

Key Initiatives in India

ISLRTC (2015): Promotes research, training, and dissemination of Indian Sign Language.
PGDISLI & PGDTISL Courses: Prepare teachers and interpreters.
Online ISL Training: Ensures equal access in urban and rural areas.
100 STEM Vocabulary Development: Facilitates science and technical education.
3,189 ISL E-Content Videos: Largest digital repository for sign language resources.
18 ISL Books: Accessible literature for children and youth.
Project Inclusion App Integration: Promotes inclusive education.

International Sign Language Day 2025 not only highlights the rights of Deaf individuals, but also provides a platform to empower them through education, employment, and social inclusion.