The residents of village Gulsher Gorchani, comprising nearly 1,000 households, communicate entirely through sign language due to the natural deprivation of hearing and speech among approximately 400 of its inhabitants.
- There is an urgent need for government intervention to address the challenges faced by the residents of Gulsher Gorchani. The establishment of special schools or institutions tailored to the needs of individuals with hearing and speech impairments could provide them with the education and skills
- Additionally, the provision of basic amenities such as healthcare, clean water, electricity, and road infrastructure would significantly enhance their living conditions.
By Nisar Banbhan
Located near Mirwah Gorchani in the district of Mirpurkhas, Sindh, exists the village named Gulsher Gorchani, of a unique community, where no voice is heard, and no spoken language is used. The residents, comprising nearly 1,000 households, communicate entirely through sign language due to the natural deprivation of hearing and speech among approximately 400 of its inhabitants. This report aims to highlight the challenges faced by this community and their dire need for government assistance.
Demographics
Gulsher Gorchani is home to about 400 individuals, ranging from children to elderly citizens, who are naturally deprived of both hearing and speech. This includes men, women, and children, all of whom rely on sign language for communication. Despite these challenges, the community has adapted well to their circumstances, using sign language to conduct their daily interactions.
Socioeconomic Conditions
The residents of Gulsher Gorchani, especially those with hearing and speech impairments, are largely unemployed and rely on manual labor to support themselves. Many work as laborers, while others have found ways to make a living by operating tractors and rickshaws. Despite these efforts, their economic conditions remain precarious, exacerbated by the lack of essential services.
Lack of Government Support
The village of Gulsher Gorchani is severely underserved by the government. The community lacks access to basic amenities such as healthcare, education, clean drinking water, electricity, and proper road infrastructure. The absence of these facilities has placed an additional burden on the residents, particularly those with disabilities, who are left to fend for themselves without any institutional support.
Community Resilience and Adaptation
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the residents of Gulsher Gorchani demonstrate remarkable resilience. The deaf and mute individuals in the village regularly gather, communicate through sign language, and maintain strong social bonds. They also make use of modern technology, such as mobile phones and the internet, to stay connected with the outside world.
The Need for Intervention
There is an urgent need for government intervention to address the challenges faced by the residents of Gulsher Gorchani. The establishment of special schools or institutions tailored to the needs of individuals with hearing and speech impairments could provide them with the education and skills necessary to improve their quality of life. Additionally, the provision of basic amenities such as healthcare, clean water, electricity, and road infrastructure would significantly enhance their living conditions.
Gulsher Gorchani is a village that has adapted to its unique circumstances but continues to suffer from a lack of essential services and government support. The community’s ability to communicate and thrive in the face of adversity is commendable, but their needs remain unmet. It is imperative that the government recognizes the plight of this village and takes immediate steps to provide the necessary facilities and support to improve their living conditions. With the right intervention, the residents of Gulsher Gorchani can lead more fulfilling and dignified lives.
Read: Save the Children of Sindh from Stunting
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Nisar Banbhan is a seasoned professional with nearly 24 years of diverse experience, including 3 years in journalism, 21 years in a public sector organization, and a longstanding career in writing and freelancing. He specializes in content creation, scriptwriting, screenwriting, lyricism, poetry, short stories, and the crafting of articles and columns in both Sindhi and Urdu.
Photos and video courtesy: Nisar Banbhan
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