First sign language Bible for the deaf in Nagaland released

DIMAPUR — The first sign language Bible for the deaf in Nagaland titled ‘The book of Jonah’ was released by general secretary of the Bible Society of India (BSI), Rev. Dr. Kavito G Zhimo at the Deaf Biblical Ministry (DBM), Naharbari, on Sunday.

Terming the release of the first sign language Bible as historic moment, Rev. Zhimo remarked that Bible is an identity for Christian people inclusive of every individual.

“Making Bible available to all is justice delivered,” he said while assuring the deaf community that this is just the beginning and that there are lots more to do towards accessibility of the community.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro, in her greetings, lauded the DBM for its continued profound impact in the lives of the deaf community.

“Ensuring that people who are hard of hearing have access to Bible has open pathways for spiritual growth as well,” she lauded the ministry.

She went on to state that the sign language Bible project is a testament of richness and a huge milestone for inclusion and accessibility of people with linguistic diversity.

Nakhro further said that the “accessibility” is a significant step towards an equitable and inclusive society, “a future that we all deserve.”

The BSI director (Translation) Rev. Dr. W Along Jamir, in his report, said that the release of the sign language Bible is a powerful witness of 100 years of Christianity in the state, a historical moment in everyone’s life.

“We are sowing a seed for the deaf community and this reminds us of God’s faithfulness. The process of coming up and working on this sign language Bible was a translation trying to locate meanings as much as possible,” he said.

He also informed that the sign language Bible for the deaf was brought out conforming to the guidelines of the BSI and United Bible Society.

BSI Dimapur Auxiliary secretary Rev. Dr. Yipetso Wezah, in his greetings, maintained that the release of sign language Bible is the first in India and expressed optimism that this will be a blessing for everyone.

He assured that the BSI will continue to support the DBM and to reach out to the unreached.

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