Observing International Day of Sign Languages, Social Welfare Department, Leh organised an online sensitization session on sign languages on September 23. 
 
Resource persons for the session were Ritu Panda, an Indian Sign Language (ISL) expert and member of the National Association of the Deaf, and her interpreter Ankit Panda. Stressing the importance of sign languages, Ritu Panda added that sign language enables accessibility and the ability to express oneself giving a sense of personal identity as well to the deaf community.
 
She also spoke about the various activities undertaken during the International Week of Deaf People to spread awareness about the significance of sign languages to build an inclusive community for all. 
 
District Social Welfare Officer, Leh along with other district officers, including Sub-Divisional Magistrates of the district; Chief Education Officer, Leh; Principal DIET, Leh; Child Development Project Officers, ICDS; doctors, teachers, and representatives from PAGIR, REWA Society, and MUNSEL participated in the webinar.