Mysore/Mysuru: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has underscored the importance of standardising Indian Sign Language and promoting its widespread use in society. He was speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of AIISH) last evening.

The Governor noted that sign language is a vital communication tool for individuals with speech and hearing impairments and stressed the need for its development at both national and international levels.

Citing the Centre’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” vision, he highlighted the efforts of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which has implemented the Cochlear Implant Scheme for those with hearing loss and developed the Indian Sign Language Dictionary to aid inclusivity.

“In this era of technological advancement, we face both challenges and opportunities,” he remarked, calling for greater focus on artificial intelligence, digital therapy, and tele-audiology as emerging frontiers in speech and hearing healthcare.

Praising AIISH’s role, the Governor said the institute has been a pioneer in education, research, and service delivery in the field of speech and hearing disabilities. “AIISH has given voice to many, restored hearing and enabled individuals to integrate into mainstream society — an achievement that is truly remarkable,” he stated.

Today, AIISH is recognised as a premier institution in Southeast Asia for communication disorders. It offers 14 academic programmes and fosters a multidisciplinary educational environment in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

Commending the institute’s diverse faculty and staff, the Governor lauded their contribution in providing comprehensive care to individuals with speech and hearing challenges.