What was meant to be a celebration of inclusion turned into a scene of heartbreak at Loktak Hall, Manipur Press Club, as persons with hearing and speech impairments were seen in tears after invited dignitaries failed to show up on time. The event, organized by the All Manipur Association of the Deaf and Mute to mark the International Day of Sign Languages, was delayed by nearly two and a half hours.
According to the invitation, several high-profile guests—including Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities W. Birahari, Social Welfare Director Anna Arambam, and Association President Rohen Philem—were expected. However, none were present when the program was scheduled to begin.
It was only after the arrival of Social Welfare Deputy Director L. Dhaneshwor and Commissioner W. Birahari that the event officially commenced. Birahari, visibly concerned, clarified that he had not received any prior invitation. “I came immediately upon hearing about it—for the sake of persons with disabilities,” he said, urging the government to introduce sign language in all educational institutions.
Sources later revealed that Association President Rohen Philem had failed to inform key officials in advance, leading to the absence of dignitaries. A deaf and mute student voiced disappointment, saying, “Our rights were overlooked on this important day.”
Despite the rocky start, the event moved forward with heartfelt participation from community members and advocates. Under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” the gathering called for stronger inclusion, better coordination, and recognition of sign language as a fundamental right.