"The limits of my language means the limit of my world."

Since birth a baby keeps on learning languages in his life. Starting with his mother tongue than gradually he is introduced to the official second and third language along with English as a part of a student’s curriculum when he enters school life. Again if the student is interested in foreign language, he takes up that as well as he grows up. But, what

about them, who are unable to speak or hear, those who are deaf and dumb? They too use a language to converse with each other. It is called sign language. Sign language is used as a means of communication through bodily movements, especially of the hands and arms. It is commonly used when spoken communication is impossible or not desirable. Usage of sign language is probably older than even speech. Wherever vocal communication is impossible, as between speakers of mutually unintelligible languages or when one or more would-be communicators is deaf, sign language can be used to bridge the gap.

“Signs are to eyes that words are to eyes.”

By learning the use of sign language, the hand symbols and gestures a person will be able to reach out to those who are not gifted with the faculties of speech and hearing. By learning to communicate in their language, care and love without discrimination can be shown to them. Gajera Trust works for the uplift of each and every child in the society, irrespective

of social or economical status. Keeping in mind this mission Shree H J Gajera English Medium School organized a workshop 'Sampoorna Samvad ' on sign language on 6th and 7th January for Std 6th and 7th learners. We invited Ms. Shambhavi Thite and her team to conduct this workshop on sign language who are part of Karulkar Pratishtan, an NGO based in Maharashtra.

The session consisted of words like 'hello', 'hi', Good morning,. Good afternoon, Good evening and Good night and it continued with the signs for ‘yes, no, okay' etc. The learners learnt the sign of the Alphabets, days of week and name of months, how to ask name, school, police station, hospital and so on. Also, how to know when someone is asking for help if

such situation arise. Our learners happily followed the instructions of the trainers and imitated them. It was an encouraging and thoughtful experience for the learners. After the session the learners were engages in few activities too where they were using their gained knowledge. If this learning helps even one person in need then this life will be fruitful was the thought of the learners at the end of the session.