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The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sign language as art: Dialogue on sign language and accessibility in the arts
The recently concluded photo and art exhibition, Anaivarum - Echoes of Heritage: A Celebration of Past & Inclusivity by Madras Photo Bloggers, and jointly organised by the British Council, Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, and the Madras Literary Society, held a panel discussion titled Sign Language as Art, focussing upon the importance of using sign language and the need for greater inclusivity in the arts. The panel discussion featured deaf artiste Swetha Kulkarni (artist and photographer), Haseena S (deaf stage performer), and Dinesh RP (deaf filmmaker), who discussed their experiences and the importance of representing deaf voices and perspectives. The discussion was moderated by Srivatsan Sankaran, founder of Madras Photo Bloggers and the Deaf Artist NFT Collective. Swetha emphasised the importance of empowerment and positivity through her work, 'I dont feel negative when someone gives me a negative comment, I feel it encourages me to do even better.' Haseena spoke about her practice of using sign language, body language and facial expressions to showcase her emotions in her performances, 'From childhood, I have been practising the songs by using the sign language in front of the mirror. I know that this song is something which everyone enjoys. So, I want even a deaf person to enjoy and have the same feeling,' says Haseena. 'Deaf people are highly unique. They have their own skills, their own ideas, and they know how to write. I have been focussing on different stories, and converting them into sign language is how I want to support the community,' says Dinesh while talking about the strength and unique skills of the deaf community. Dinesh also highlighted the lack of awareness and accessibility within the film industry. As a solution, he mentioned the need for more balanced representation of sign language interpreters on screen, suggesting a 50/50 split with the actor, rather than the imbalance where hearing individuals dominate the screen. The panellists elucidated on the difference between Indian Sign Language (ISL), British Sign Language (BSL), and American Sign Language (ASL), which are not mutually intelligible. Even though there is a mutual sign language used during specific times, like airline safety, most communication relies on country-specific sign language. 'Through our collaboration with Madras Literary Society, we are proud to celebrate differently abled artists whose visual language turns lived experience into powerful art and cultural storytelling. This event embodies our commitment to championing inclusion, expanding access, and making our libraries vibrant, welcoming spaces — where every voice is heard and every form of expression is seen and valued,' said Viji Thiyagarajan, director, Libraries South Asia, British Council. The panel discussion was followed by a jamming session by a range of artistes showcasing their talents through dance, mime performances, all interpreted in sign language. The Hindu is the media partner for the event
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘The courtroom became the birthplace of my stories'
By: Payyannur Kunhiraman How do you maintain the demanding balance between your legal career and writing? My father wanted me to become a doctor, but I chose to study law instead. While appearing in court is part of a lawyer's daily routine, for me, the courtroom became the birthplace of many stories. I can't always give enough attention to household matters, so I've hired someone to help manage them. Though I practice law, it is my writing that has truly brought me recognition. Your stories frequently portray the lives of women who are forced to submit to their husbands. We encounter many societal conflicts that reflect these dynamics… Marriage is not solely a contract between two individuals; it's also a loving bond between two communities. There should be no compulsion for a wife to live submissively to her husband, despite the common saying that one should regard the husband as a God. Unfortunately, gender equality is still lacking in married life, with male dominance persisting at home. Certain ideas within the Muslim community are particularly unacceptable, such as the notion that women should not work and support the family. You've also made a mark in the film industry. We know that one of your stories was adapted into a film by Girish Kasaravalli My stories likely gained national prominence thanks to cinema. Girish Kasaravalli adapted my story 'Karinagangal' into the film 'Haseena', and its national recognition brought more attention to my work. What was the public reaction when you were shortlisted for the Booker Prize? 'The Booker Prize is considered the most prestigious literary award after the Nobel Prize. When my story was shortlisted, I was surprised to receive a congratulatory call from the Karnataka govt. It proved to me that no matter how long you write, your work only truly gains attention when someone recognizes its value, like gold or a diamond.' You've often stated that writing is a weapon in your struggle. Because of your sharp critiques of traditionalism's flaws, you've also faced backlash… 'For me, writing is a form of struggle—a fight for the liberation of suffering women. A woman's life should not be confined to the kitchen like a household pest or consumed by male dominance. Her life belongs to her, and her dreams and desires deserve equal respect. This is the message I strive to express through my stories.' You once shared a story about learning to ride a bicycle in your youth, which sparked quite a stir… I grew up unaware of religious restrictions during my childhood. While in school, I would visit temples with friends without hesitation. Watching others ride bicycles sparked a desire in me to learn as well. A relative eventually taught me how to ride. But in our community, it was considered a serious offense for a Muslim girl to ride a bicycle. The community gathered and assaulted my relative for it. I couldn't stand by and watch—it compelled me to step forward and defend him. My reaction, as a girl, caused a major uproar. But through it all, my father stood firmly by my side. You wrote a story titled 'A poor man's daughter is not a girl.' When a community's honor is placed above all else, it is often women who are silenced or oppressed. Was this story written in response to that reality? Yes, I wrote that story after a long period of silence. As you know, I'm also a lawyer, and to me, the courtroom often feels like a stage—where the judge, lawyers, and parties all play their roles. Those experiences and reflections gradually transformed into stories. This particular story tells of a poor young woman who is humiliated by the wealthy. They feign love and closeness, but when it comes to marriage, they seek alliances only within rich families. The story is, in many ways, a declaration of freedom for Muslim women—an assertion of their dignity in the face of class and gender discrimination. Tell us about your first story… I wrote my first story while working as a teacher after completing college. I had a friend named Sukanya, an unforgettable character. During that time, I heard news of a young woman who set herself on fire. This incident deeply affected me, and I based my first story on her. The story is titled 'Am I Guilty?' Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
