Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Mumbai Activist Seeks ASL in Schools to Boost Global Opportunities
A man in Mumbai is asking the highest court in India to require schools to teach American Sign Language (ASL) to students who can't hear.
He believes it will help them communicate globally and find jobs.
He wants ASL taught along with the current Indian sign language.
He thinks this will improve their chances for education and work.
He also points out that there are many online learning resources in ASL and that this could lead to many new teaching jobs.
A Mumbai-based activist filed a PIL in the Supreme Court to make American Sign Language (ASL) compulsory in schools for hearing-impaired students.
The petitioner argues that ASL proficiency would provide hearing-impaired students with global communication skills and open up opportunities for international education and employment.
The PIL seeks to make ASL a compulsory subject alongside the existing Indian Sign Language (ISL).
The petitioner cited the Indian constitution's Article 21 and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The petition also calls for resource allocation and teacher training for ASL implementation, potentially creating 25,000 teaching jobs.
- Who
- Aman Azad, a Mumbai-based activist.
- What
- A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court to make American Sign Language compulsory in schools for hearing-impaired students.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India; Schools across India
- Why
- To provide hearing-impaired students with global communication skills, education, employment and cultural exchange opportunities.
Proponent
No Explicit Opposition Found
ASL impact on global job opportunities
Proponent
ASL can unlock international education and employment opportunities.
No Explicit Opposition Found
Not explicitly stated in the article
Cognitive and Academic benefits
Proponent
Learning ASL is crucial for cognitive development and academic achievement.
No Explicit Opposition Found
Not explicitly stated in the article
- Petitioner
- Aman Azad
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Focus
- American Sign Language (ASL) in schools
- Legal Action
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in Supreme Court
- Potential Jobs
- 25,000 ASL teacher vacancies
- Current Sign Language
- Indian Sign Language (ISL)