Interpreter recalls translating for India’s President
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K.V.L. Suchitra Balakrishna translated President Droupadi Murmu’s speech into sign language at the first convocation of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh in Visakhapatnam, India, this June.
Ms. Balakrishna, who signs fluently in five languages, founded the Prajwal Vani Welfare Society and Trust after her sister’s hearing impairment inspired her to advocate for inclusive education. She believes that education provided her with a career and ultimately led to the opportunity to work alongside the President. Ms.
Balakrishna’s advocacy work coincides with the International Day of Sign Languages, observed on September 23 with the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights”, and the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf. She points to a critical shortage of qualified interpreters in India, estimating the country has fewer than 300 despite the need. Ms. Balakrishna also works to raise awareness and provide training, conducting corporate sessions and teaching sign language in government schools across Parawada.
She has requested land in Visakhapatnam for nearly twenty years to expand her training programs, but has not yet received a response. She advocates for respect and recognition of the rights of people with disabilities, rather than charity.
