New Delhi: To promote accessibility and inclusivity, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) hosted a special screening of the film Srikanth in Indian Sign Language (ISL) today at PVR, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event was attended by deaf children from various NGOs working with the hearing-impaired community in the Delhi-NCR region, marking a significant step towards making entertainment more inclusive.
Empowering Through Entertainment
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, spoke about the importance of inclusivity in entertainment. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphasized the value of Indian Sign Language (ISL), and we are committed to making continuous efforts in this direction,” he said. In March this year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued guidelines prioritizing inclusivity in future films. Aggarwal highlighted that Srikanth is an inspirational film that conveys a powerful message, and such initiatives play a crucial role in making entertainment accessible to all, including persons with disabilities.
Aggarwal extended his gratitude to Yunikee, the agency responsible for converting the film into ISL, as well as to the film’s director, T-Series, and Chalk and Cheese Productions. He also invited producers and directors from the Indian film industry to contribute to creating an inclusive society.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Film director Shri Tushar Hiranandani shared his emotions during the screening, expressing his appreciation for the Government of India’s efforts. “Today is a very important day for me. I give full credit to the Government of India for showcasing Srikanth in ISL,” he said. Chaitanya, Chief Officer of Yunikee, acknowledged the significance of this responsibility and thanked the Secretary for his support.
A Joyous Experience
The screening of Srikanth in sign language brought visible joy to the children and attendees, demonstrating their inclusion in mainstream society. The children praised the initiative, expressing their hope for continued efforts to create disability-friendly environments. “We hope that the Government of India continues to create such disability-friendly environments for us, so that we too can enjoy every color and joy of life,” said one of the children.
Building an Inclusive Future
The event was attended by senior officials from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and students from the deaf community. It sent a positive message about making entertainment accessible to the hearing-impaired community and underscored the ongoing efforts to build an inclusive society.
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