Press Release
A 16-year-old student, Ahaan Shah has been recognised with the highest accolade ‘The Diana Award’ for his social actions and humanitarian efforts. Inspired by the challenges faced by the hearing and speech impaired community, Ahaan developed ‘SignKraft’, a handheld device for real-time translation of sign language. The device translates gestures into words and spoken words into text, making it possible for those with and without hearing impairments communicate across the barrier. Ahaan also conducts presentations and workshops raising awareness about the community’s communication barriers and the potential of this technology to overcome them. He is a student of Jayshree Periwal International School (JPIS) in Jaipur.
Speaking about the device ‘SignKraft’, Ahaan says, “The Indian government is promoting Indian Sign Language, but many within the community, including parents and close relatives, don’t have access to formal training. This perpetuates a cycle of incomplete communication, leading to their social isolation and economic exclusion. Hearing and speech impairment should not be seen as a disability, but as a communication barrier – one that can be overcome by technology and human compassion, so that every voice is heard and every heart understood”.
The Diana Award is established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is given out by the charity of the same name and is supported by her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex. There are 20 Diana Award Judging Panels representing each region or nation both in the UK and internationally. The panels consist of three judges who understand the value of young people, including one young person representative. Through a rigorous nomination process, these nominators had to demonstrate the nominee’s impact in five key areas: Vision, Social Impact, Inspiring Others, Youth Leadership, and Service Journey.