On World Mental Health Day, keynotes, theatre, ramp walk and painting bring around 200 people together at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra
NOIDA, October 11, 2026: Kindathon Spotlight 2026 concluded today at the Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra, bringing together around 200 people, including children, parents, NGO representatives and members of the wider inclusion ecosystem, for an evening celebrating talent, expression and inclusion. The event was supported by Avian WE, with Itsy Bitsy as craft partner and CureAble as sensory partner.
The evening included keynote addresses on employability and inclusion. Preeti Siwach, Head of Work and Employment at Action for Autism, National Centre for Autism India, spoke on employability and skilling. Leenika Khattar, Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at NASSCOM, also addressed the audience, and Simmi Vasu, Director, Clinical Excellence, Assessment and Therapy Services, CureAble, spoke on inclusion and family advocacy.
“Inclusion is not simply about opening the door. It is about ensuring every individual has a voice, a platform and the confidence to participate. Kindathon Spotlight celebrates the abilities and aspirations of neurodiverse individuals while empowering parents to become informed advocates. When families and communities presume competence and focus on possibilities, we can change not only individual lives, but also the way society sees an entire community.”
Simmi Vasu, Director, Clinical Excellence, Assessment and Therapy Services, CureAble, said, “Let’s focus on preparing individuals for their adulthood by giving them training in soft skills while exploring diverse technical skill opportunities. This helps individuals work and sustain themselves in any kind of employment. It also empowers them to decide for themselves the path they want to take in their future.”
Preeti Siwach, Head of Work and Employment, Action for Autism, said, “The programme featured theatrical performances, a ramp walk and live painting, giving neurodivergent children and young people the opportunity to shine on stage and in front of an audience.
“Kindathon is about creating a space where every child is seen for their abilities, celebrated for their individuality and encouraged to explore their potential. Through Kindathon Spotlight, we hope to bring families, communities and partners together to build greater understanding and make inclusion a lived experience.”
Solomon Daniel, Founder, Kindathon said, Kindathon is an inclusive platform for neurodivergent children and young people to showcase their talent and creative expression. Its mission is to create spaces where individuals and families can connect, express themselves and celebrate one another without judgement.