Mysore/Mysuru: As part of International Day of Sign Languages, for the first time in India a day-long workshop on ‘Basic Sign Language for Postmen and Postwomen’ was held at All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) here on Sunday.

About 200 Postmen and Post- women from across the city attending workshop which was inaugurated by S.S Umesh, Assistant Director of Programme, Akashvani, Mysuru.

Presiding over the workshop Dr. M. Pushpavathi, Director of AIISH said “Though there are various social media including WhatsApp for communication but still it is postmen and post- women who touch the heart of the people and they are also one among family members. Even today people will be very curious to receive letters or any communication from postmen or postwomen.” She also said that sign language is not only a means of communication to the deaf community, but also a symbol of their pride and identity.

Ajish Abraham, Dean, AIISH, briefing about the workshop said “In the recent past, there is a lot of emphasis to promote awareness regarding Indian Sign Language (ISL) among the general public and professionals, to facilitate barrier-free communication with the deaf community.

The objective of the workshop was to train about 200 Postmen and Postwomen of Mysuru city on the basics of Indian Sign Language through hands-on practical sessions. The day-long workshop included basic alphabet sign language, numbers and work related conversations.

According to the 2011 census, there are more than 50 lakh people with hearing impairment across the country.

This programme also provided inputs for Postmen and Postwomen to start on the basic conversation with persons with hearing impairment in Indian Sign Language.

Dr. Angel Raj, IPoS, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Mysuru Postal Division, Dr. Reuben Varghese, Scientist-B and Rubby, Sign Language Teacher, AIISH, Mysuru, were present.