UditVani, New Delhi / Jamshedpur: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will launch the PM e-Vidya DTH Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) on December 6, 2024, in New Delhi. This initiative aims to promote inclusive education through the power of television, helping students, especially in remote areas, access educational content without the need for a stable internet connection.
Promoting Indian Sign Language through DTH Channels
The PM eVidya DTH Channel is part of a larger program that provides free-to-air educational content to students across India. It is designed to support students who face challenges accessing traditional forms of education due to geographic or digital barriers. This new channel, exclusively dedicated to Indian Sign Language, is set to become an important educational tool for the hearing-impaired community.
A Collaborative Event with Key Participants
The launch event will also feature Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, alongside several stakeholders from the education sector. The programme will include participation from hearing-impaired children, achievers from the community, special educators, ISL-certified interpreters, and organizations advocating for the mainstream inclusion of the hearing-impaired population.
Supporting NEP 2020’s Vision for Inclusive Education
The launch of the channel is in line with the objectives set forth by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the need to promote Indian Sign Language in educational settings. NEP 2020, under para 4.22, calls for the standardization of ISL across the country, with both national and state curricula being developed for students with hearing impairments. This initiative ensures that local sign languages are respected and taught, where relevant, to enhance inclusivity in education.
Content for Students and Educators Alike
The newly launched PM e-Vidya Channel will provide a variety of educational content tailored to different audiences, including school children, teachers, and teacher educators. The curriculum will cover a wide range of subjects, including mental health, career guidance, communication skills, and class-specific content. By treating Indian Sign Language as a subject, just like Hindi or English, the channel aims to raise awareness about ISL and foster a broader understanding of this vital language.
Fostering Greater Inclusivity in Education
This channel’s establishment marks a significant step towards making education more inclusive for students with hearing impairments across the country. By bringing ISL into the mainstream educational curriculum, the initiative will ensure that hearing-impaired students have equal access to quality education, while also empowering the wider population to learn and use Indian Sign Language.
Looking Ahead: A Step Toward Equal Opportunities
The PM eVidya DTH Channel for Indian Sign Language is a landmark initiative that promises to change the educational landscape for the hearing-impaired community in India. As the channel begins broadcasting, it will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable education system for all.
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