Nepal’s parliament is now accessible in sign language—but interpreters face challenges

Deaf viewers can now follow parliamentary debates independently for the first time, though interpreters say the work remains technically and mentally demanding.

Gyan Bahadur Thapa, a teacher at Navajyoti Deaf Secondary School in Sindhuli, had long wanted to follow parliamentary debates live like any other citizen. Although he cannot hear, he regularly watches television, uses a mobile phone, reads newspapers and closely follows current affairs. Politics and policymaking have always interested him, particularly the speeches and decisions of leaders elected through public votes.