The Karnal Astronomy Lab: A New Era of Experiential Learning for Deaf Students
"When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system." Kalpana Chawla The CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh and the Haryana Welfare Society for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment (HWSPSHI) have established the first ISL-enabled astronomy lab for deaf students at the Mata Prakash Kaur Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment (MPK WCPSHI) in Karnal. It is only fitting that Karnal, the hometown of legendary astronaut Kalpana Chawla, serves as the home of this exemplary 'Astronomy Lab' aimed at stoking space curiosity, instilling scientific temper at a young age, supplementing curriculum needs, and serving as a paradigm shift in the teaching-learning methodologies in special education. With the establishment of the Astronomy Lab in Karnal, a new era of experiential learning for India's deaf community has begun. The AstroLab has 65 pieces of equipment including a large telescope, interactive models, audio visual aids, and fun fact posters. A lab has 24 X 7 virtual access to ISL AstroLabVM, which streams 90 plus videos, including biopics, hands-on demonstrations, fun facts, and explanatory videos about simple to complex concepts of space and science in ISL. The ISL AstroLab VM is a standalone learning module developed by IMTECH as an ancillary project in the ongoing Jigyasa Mission, a student scientist connect program of CSIR. The physical lab set up in Karnal was sponsored by Sanjay Sharma and executed by the Astroscape team. According to the most recent census, India has more than 50 lakh deaf people and over 600 deaf schools. However, the participation of deaf students in STEM subjects is negligible due to a lack of accessibility at the school and higher education levels. With the global population of hearing-impaired people increasing (World Health Organisation (WHO), Report, 2021), such initiatives are welcome ways to empower deaf children and inspire them to pursue STEM subjects, dream about space, stars, constellations, and galaxies, and think and innovate beyond limitations. The Astronomy Lab is strongly aligned with the NEP 2020 (emphasis on scientific temper, multidisciplinary and holistic education, inclusion, and Indian Sign Language for deaf learners) and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) (Goal 4: Quality Education; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities; Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals). It also aligns with the vision of the president of the CSIR Society, Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, who has been an outspoken supporter of equal rights for people with disabilities (Divyangjan), recently announced Indian Sign Language (ISL) as a language subject in schools. Dr Alka Rao, Principal Scientist CSIR IMTECH is the key person behind this initiative. The lab is supported by HWSPSHI and CSR contributions from Volunteers.
