Apr 20 2025 to Apr 20 2025 10 a.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

NeuroUnity is a warm coming together of parents, caregivers, educators, allies, and local organizations working on neurodiversity in Bangalore, exploring themes of inclusive learning and building caregiver support while celebrating strengths of neurodiverse individuals. This inclusive and engaging experience is sponsored by India Autism Center and organized by Not That Different - Bookosmia. Join us for insightful panel discussions, inspiring performances, and a chance to connect with a passionate community dedicated to making learning and living more inclusive.

This event will have two key conversations on inclusive learning and caregiver support, peppered with performances by neurodiverse artists and stalls by organizations in the space. Goodies and snack boxes, prepared by neurodiverse talent, for all attendees will be distributed free :)

📍 Venue: Bangalore International Center, 7, 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071

📅 Date: 20th April 2025, 10 am - 1 pm 

Session 1 (10.00am-11.45am): What After Me?
For parents of children with support needs, you may have asked yourself this question — but have you truly planned for it?

Description-For parents of children with support needs, the future demands more than hope. From financial planning and legal safeguards to emotional wellbeing, community support, and options for assisted or independent living — every piece matters. How have you prepared for the life your child will lead without you? This session is a call to action — to move from worry to a well-thought-out plan that ensures your child’s future is safe, supported, and secure.

Moderator Mugdha Kalra is an award-winning broadcast journalist, co-founder of Not That Different, BBC 100 Women 2021, and author of I See You. I Get You. The Self-Care Guide for Special Needs Parents. An autism advocate passionate about neurodiversity inclusion and caregiver wellness, she also conducts corporate workshops and trainings on building inclusive workplaces and understanding invisible disabilities.

Panelists- 

Divya Somani handles Outreach for India Autism Center and will bring in her perspective on assisted living facilities. She is primarily responsible for communications with parents and fellow organisations working in the field of disability and mental health. She has a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Ashoka University.

Sowmya Krishnan is VP & Financial Coach, Happyness Factory that  provides goal-based investing, with a curated focus for families with special needs. Sowmya is a Certified Wealth Manager by IIBF. She also holds the CAIIB (Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking) qualification. With 15+ years of experience in wealth management and private banking, she has helped over 80 families—Doctors, CXOs, NRIs, Retirees, and families of those with Special Needs—navigate their unique financial journeys and live HappyRich lives with confidence and security.

Manmayi Sharma, Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, an independent think-tank doing legal research to make better laws and improve governance for the public good and with a curated focus on spreading awareness about the legal rights for people with disability
Session 2 (11.45pm-1.15pm): Can we make learning inclusive? 
A discussion with practitioners on building inclusive classrooms

Description- What makes classrooms truly inclusive in schools, vocational centers and more? What worked and what didn't for a panel of practitioners culminating with the launch of a resource for Teachers to make classrooms inclusive, powered by Ek Step Foundation. Educators will share insights, challenges, and strategies to create learning environments that support diverse needs. 

Moderator - Shwetha Srivathsan, a tax consultant by profession and an educator by choice who is passionate about making learning an enjoyable experience for all learners. Shwetha is a parent advocate and Inclusion Champion at Not That Different. She is regularly invited to train teachers on inclusive classrooms across schools and colleges

Panelists - 

Champa Saha- An educator with over three decades of experience working with students with diverse needs. Champa was the founder principal of Samhita academy, an inclusive k12 school in bangalore and currently runs a home schooling program for diverse learners at her centre - Mayakunj

Deepika Mogilishetty- As Chief of Policy & Partnerships, EkStep Foundation, works on diverse projects associated with the creation and adoption of digital public goods & infrastructure, leveraging the power of networks and narratives to bring focus and attention to the growth and development of children in the early years via the Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao mission.

Puja Sood-Trained as a developmental psychologist, with 20+ years of experience as a special educator, she is a firm believer that "every child can learn" when provided with the right environment and support. As the Head of Additional Learning Support, Candor International School , she actively promotes awareness of the rights of children with special needs, collaborates closely with students and parents, and works alongside teachers to foster an inclusive school environment.

Varsha Ramdas- A passionate special educator with experience in both special and mainstream schools. She strives to understand and support each child's unique needs, believing that shaping young minds is the best way to make a positive impact on society.
Which event are you attending? 
*
Session 1: Building Caregiver Support
Session 2: Making Learning Inclusive
Both of the above