Curchorem, Goa – In a commendable stride toward inclusive education, Chetna School for Special Children has inaugurated a dedicated Braille library for its visually impaired students. This initiative, backed by the Directorate of Social Welfare, aims to provide equitable access to reading and educational materials for children with visual impairments.
The Braille library was formally inaugurated by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, who praised the school’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility, and dignity in learning.
The newly launched facility is equipped with a wide range of Braille books, tactile materials, and tools designed to enhance the learning experiences of visually impaired children. It not only supports the academic curriculum but also promotes recreational reading and independent exploration — key components of holistic development.
The initiative reflects a strong partnership between government departments and educational institutions striving for equal opportunities for all children, regardless of physical ability. It aligns with the state and national goals for inclusive and accessible education under the Right to Education Act and the National Education Policy (NEP).
Chetna School plans to expand the collection and introduce audio-visual aids, Braille printing facilities, and hands-on training for educators to further support students with special needs. They envision becoming a model for inclusive education in Goa and beyond.
This new Braille library is more than just a room with books — it’s a space where knowledge becomes accessible, and where every student is empowered to dream, read, and lead.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 2025: Kerala’s classrooms are undergoing a silent revolution—and it’s all about where students sit. In a move aimed at promoting inclusive education and equal participation, schools across the state are eliminating the concept of “backbenchers” through a revamped classroom seating system.
Under this initiative, students are now seated in rotational arrangements, ensuring that no child is left at the back of the class permanently. The practice is being implemented in both government and aided schools as part of Kerala’s larger push toward child-centric and equitable education.
Teachers now use rotation charts to switch student seating weekly or monthly, giving every student an opportunity to sit in the front, middle, and back. This method not only improves visibility and attentiveness but also boosts the confidence of students who might otherwise feel isolated or overlooked.
According to officials from the Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the idea stems from research suggesting that classroom positioning affects student engagement, teacher attention, and peer interaction. By eliminating fixed seating hierarchies, schools aim to build a more balanced and interactive learning atmosphere.
The initiative is already showing positive signs. “Shy students are opening up more, and even those who struggled academically seem more focused,” said a teacher from a government school in Ernakulam.
The ‘no backbenchers’ movement also aligns with the values promoted under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses inclusivity, equity, and a stress-free learning environment.
Kerala’s progressive step is now being watched closely by education departments in other Indian states, as the focus shifts from mere infrastructure to learning equity inside the classroom.
For Kerala, this isn’t just a shift in where students sit—it’s a powerful message: every child deserves a front-row experience in education.
Mumbai, India – As April marks Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, the spotlight turns toward the increasing need for inclusive policies, early intervention, and caregiver well-being. This global observance, initiated in 1970 by the Autism Society of America and anchored by World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd (recognized by the United Nations), calls for deeper societal engagement with the needs of autistic individuals and their families. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Differences,” encourages the embracing of neurodiversity and the creation of inclusive ecosystems across homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
In this context, Mugdha Kalra’s groundbreaking book, “I See You, I Get You: The Self-Care Guide for Special Needs Parents”, has emerged as an essential resource. Launched during the India
Inclusion Summit and the Indian Neurodiversity Summit in Bangalore, the book is a timely companion for families, educators, and employers alike.
A Book That Begins a Movement
The book speaks directly to the emotional, financial, and social challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children, particularly in India, where systemic support remains inadequate. Mugdha Kalra—an award-winning broadcast journalist, BBC 100 Women 2021 honoree, and co- founder of Not That Different—draws from her personal experience as a caregiver and her professional expertise in inclusion advocacy.
Through a mix of practical strategies and reflective insights, the book encourages caregivers to prioritize their well-being—not just for themselves, but to better support their children. It also pushes for corporate policies that include caregivers, asserting that empowering caregivers can transform the larger disability ecosystem.
“When corporates hire caregivers, they empower entire families to lead more stable and fulfilling lives and this kind of support ripples out, fostering confidence and independence across the disability community”, Mugdha explains.
About the Author
Mugdha Kalra began her advocacy journey in 2014 after her son was diagnosed with autism and built a platform for inclusion through Not That Different, India’s first child-led neurodiversity movement and resource group for awareness, acceptance and intervention. She is also an award- winning screenwriter and corporate trainer on inclusion and invisible disabilities.
Why This Matters in April and Beyond
With autism diagnoses on the rise in India, public awareness around early red flags and timely intervention is more important than ever. Many families still delay diagnosis due to stigma or
lack of access. This month offers media the opportunity to highlight:
What autism is and why it’s rising
Early signs and the importance of intervention
Real-life experiences of families navigating the system
Caregiver Inclusion: Creating workplace policies that support families
Financial Planning for Special Needs Families: Navigating life without government support
Assisted Living in India: The urgent need for long-term care models for neurodivergent adults
Inclusive Education: Bridging the gap between policy and practice in classrooms
‘Dhwani’: A Groundbreaking Educator Resource for Inclusive Classrooms
‘Dhwani- Voices of Practitioners Driving Inclusion in Classrooms’ is a handy resource for every teacher by Not That Different, the neurodiversity advocacy vertical of Bookosmia.
Bookosmia (smell of books) is India’s No.1 publisher ‘for kids, by kids’ . Publishing thousands of young minds every year from 145+ locations worldwide, running India’s first live podcast by
kids and teens and leading a pioneering child-led movement to embrace neurodiversity and spread awareness of mental health issues amongst adolescents, under the banner of Not That Different.
Dhwani is an outcome of educators who have spent decades in making accomodations for children with diverse needs. It equips teachers with strategies to handle everyday scenarios,
acknowledges the need for the teacher’s own mental well-being as they take up daunting tasks and gives them the confidence to believe that they can also cater to diverse needs of their students. Pulled together painstakingly by special educator and inclusion champion Shwetha Srivatsan in conversation with veterans from the industry who focus on early education like
Dr.Sumathi Ravindranath chairperson of the Indian Montessori Center and member of Focus group for NEP 2020, Karnataka to Bhargavi Raman, Faculty of Mental Health at Azim Premji University whose inputs on first equipping the teacher with the confidence and
empathy opens the book. It has contributions from education leaders like Champa Saha, founding principal of Samhita Academy set up by Infosys Founder Mr. Shibulal that enrols atleast 20% of underprivileged children to their school, Puja Sood, Head of Alternate Learning Solutions at the International School Greenwood High and Sonali Saini, Founder of Sol’s Arc that partners with state governments of Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and more on disability inclusion in their government schools. The resource is powered by EK Step Foundation.
This resource takes the conversation to the next level, beyond knowing that bringing inclusive practices is good for every child in class, not just those with diverse needs and works towards the teachers advantage, not just as a mandate under RPWD act
Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy and Partnerships, EkStep Foundation, says:
“As you engage with this resource, see it as an invitation to create spaces where every child—no matter their ability—feels seen, feels heard, and simply feels happy every day… It is an invitation to see beyond the labels, beyond the struggles, and into the incredible hearts and minds of children who experience the world differently.”
Bookosmia is run by Nidhi Mira
Nidhi is Founder & CEO of Bookosmia (smell of books)- India’s largest publisher for kids, by kids. An ex-banker who pivoted from a 10-year banking career to her, quitting as a VP in HSBC to pivot to entrepreneurship. Nidhi is a Maths (Hons) graduate from LSR, DU and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.
About Bookosmia(smell of books)-
Now, India’s largest publisher ‘for kids, by kids’, Bookosmia is a global movement for Indian kids to be heard! Started in 2017, Bookosmia has disrupted the children’s content industry, publishing thoughts of thousands of Indian kids from 150+ locations worldwide on topics as wide ranging as mental health, climate change, sanitation, sports, inclusion, everyday stories, poems, opinions and more. Every young voice matters and kids from 6 yrs to 16 years, from Neyveli in Tamil Nadu to Kiccha in Uttaranchal, Bhilwara in Rajasthan to Goalpara in Assam have taken to the platform to publish digital stories, ebooks, physical books, podcasts and more and appreciated across the world, read not only by lakhs of people in India but also by the likes of Ted-Ed, Stanford, Kings Business School and more
In a remarkable display of community service and dedication, the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera has inaugurated a state-of-the-art infrastructure and Early Intervention Centre at Aastha’s Anand Niketan, a school for children with disabilities in Goa.
This ambitious project was made possible through a Global Grant of $99,000 (Rs. 82,00,000) secured by the Rotary Club in partnership with International Rotary Clubs and The Rotary Foundation. Additionally, the club has partnered with Golden Peace Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. to establish an Early Intervention Centre through Rotary India Foundation, valued at $40,000 (Rs. 35,00,000).
The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes personalized, disability-friendly classroom furniture, smart digital boards, wheelchairs, and state-of-the-art A/V equipment. This modern setup will significantly enhance the learning experience for over 200 special children and provide advanced training to special educators and parents.
The Rotary Club’s initiative aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers children with disabilities to reach their full potential. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and specialized resources, the club is bridging the gap in education and healthcare for these children.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Rtn. Sharad Pai, District Governor RID 3170, PDG Rtn. Alka Khanolkar, and Mr. Rahul Khetrapal, CSR Partner. The event was a testament to the power of community service and collaboration.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Aastha’s Anand Niketan to create a world-class infrastructure for children with disabilities,” said President Rtn. Tanvi Attreya Sawant. “Through this grant, we are not only improving infrastructure but also building a brighter future for these children, a future where their potential is recognized, nurtured, and allowed to flourish.”
The Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera’s commitment to empowering children with disabilities is a shining example of the impact that community service can have on lives. As the club continues to work tirelessly towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society, we can only applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing the positive change they bring about.
