In a heartwarming initiative to make entertainment more inclusive, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) organized a special screening of the film Shrikanth in Indian Sign Language (ISL) on Thursday. The screening, held at PVR Chanakyapuri, was a delightful experience for hearing-impaired children from various NGOs.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between entertainment and accessibility, ensuring that children with hearing disabilities could enjoy the magic of cinema in a language they fully understand. The screening was attended by several excited young viewers, whose joyful reactions underscored the importance of such inclusive efforts.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, emphasized the significance of the initiative. “Entertainment should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities,” he said. “Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child, irrespective of their disabilities, can experience the joy of cinema.”
The film Shrikanth was chosen for its inspiring storyline, which resonates with young audiences and teaches valuable life lessons. By presenting it in Indian Sign Language, the department ensured that the hearing-impaired children could fully engage with the narrative, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.
This initiative is part of the department’s broader mission to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by making essential services and experiences more accessible. The success of this screening sets a precedent for more such events in the future, where the focus remains on inclusivity and equal access to entertainment for all.
As the children left the theater with smiles on their faces, it was clear that the special screening of Shrikanth was not just a movie-watching experience, but a step towards a more inclusive society where every child can dream, laugh, and enjoy the magic of cinema.