Signathon 2.0: A Run To Make Silence Heard And Inclusion Seen

By Author: Timing Technologies
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The morning skies over Gachibowli Stadium came alive with the rhythm of footsteps and the language of hands as over 3,000 participants joined Ashray Akruti’s Signathon 2.0 – Fun. Learn. Burn., a unique marathon promoting Indian Sign Language (ISL) awareness and inclusion for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Building on the success of its first edition, Signathon 2.0 was not just a run; it was a movement celebrating communication without barriers. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from corporates, schools, NGOs, fitness groups, and families, all united under one cause: to make silence heard and inclusion visible.

A Morning of Energy, Empathy, and Empowerment
The event began at 6:00 AM with warm-up sessions, followed by the 10K, 5K, and 2K runs, flagged off amidst cheers and applause. Each bib carried a message in Sign Language, setting the tone for a morning that blended fitness with purpose.

The highlight of the event was the Basic Indian Sign Language workshop, where runners learned to sign greetings like “Hello” and “Thank You,” symbolizing how simple gestures ...
... can bridge worlds.

Adding a touch of grandeur, the event was graced by Shri. Adluri Laxman Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Minorities Welfare, Government of Telangana, appreciated Ashray Akruti’s continuous efforts in promoting inclusion through awareness and education.

Distinguished Guests and Supporters
The run was further enriched by the presence of several dignitaries and corporate leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and social change. Among the prominent guests were Mr. Nitin Sharma, Senior Director of Technology and Patent Counsel at Qualcomm; Mr. Srikant Alphonsus, Managing Director and Head of Client & Product Profitability at State Street; Ms. Kavitha Kunder, Managing Director at State Street; Ms. Neetu Chadda, Assistant Vice President, AML/KYC and CSR Grants Lead at State Street Hyderabad; Mr. Ramesh Jampla, Vice President of Dell Digital – Global Supply Chain Management and Site Director, Dell Technologies, Hyderabad APJ – CIO; Mr. Amit Jha, Senior Manager, HR at Perceptive INC; and Mr. D. P. K. B. Babu, Managing Director of Ashray Akruti. Their collective presence and active participation strengthened the message of the event that inclusion begins with awareness and collaboration.

Their collective presence and participation strengthened the message of the event that inclusion begins with awareness.

Cultural Harmony and Sign of Strength
The morning unfolded into a celebration of diversity and ability. The audience was enthralled by a special performance from the Indian Army Band, followed by cultural presentations from children of Ashray Akruti’s Special School and an energetic flash mob by WEST trainees, all expressing the theme of inclusion through
music, movement, and sign.

The National Anthem in Indian Sign Language was a particularly emotional moment, uniting every attendee in silent harmony and pride.

Inspiring Change Through Action
As the event drew to a close, winners of the 5K and 10K runs were felicitated, and messages from dignitaries underscored the power of collective action in building a more inclusive tomorrow.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. D. P. K. B. Babu, Managing Director of Ashray Akruti, said, Signathon 2.0 is more than a marathon; it is a reminder that true communication goes beyond words. Every step taken today is a step toward a world where the deaf and hard-of-hearing are fully included and understood.

Timing Technologies powered the official race timing as the timing partner, ensuring every participant’s effort was recorded with accuracy and transparency. The integration of RFID-based marathon timing technology captured not just results but the spirit of every runner crossing the finish line. Complementing this, iFinish served as the official registration partner, providing seamless digital onboarding for thousands of participants and enabling a smooth and organized experience from sign-up to race day. Their technological support played a vital role in shaping Signathon 2.0 into a well-coordinated and participant-friendly event, reflecting the synergy between social purpose and smart innovation.

A Cause That Connects Everyone
The event’s tagline Fun. Learn. Burn. perfectly captured the essence of Signathon 2.0. Participants didn’t just run; they learned sign language, took part in the ‘Conversation with No Words’ challenge, and pledged their support on the Sign Pledge Wall.

With support from sponsors, corporate partners, and hundreds of volunteers, Signathon 2.0 turned a regular Saturday morning into a powerful symbol of unity, empathy, and empowerment.

Ashray Akruti is a Hyderabad-based NGO dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities through education, skill development, and advocacy. The organization has been at the forefront of promoting Indian Sign Language (ISL) awareness and inclusive practices in education and workplaces, ensuring that communication truly belongs to everyone.