Foreword 

Greetings from Swabodhini!

July was a month filled with milestones and meaningful engagements at Swabodhini. We had the special occasion of signing the CSR addendum to our MoU with the Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairperson – Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Ltd; Mr. Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairman – Chennai Port Authority; and Ms. Irene Cynthia, IAS, Managing Director – Kamarajar Port Ltd.

We were delighted to welcome graduate students from the Art Therapy Department of Washington University, who interned with us and engaged our children in art-based interventions. Guided by their professors, the interns designed activities after closely observing and understanding our children’s needs.

Staff from all four centres came together at Tondiarpet for friendly competitions, building excitement for our upcoming Sports Day on August 23rd.

As part of our Employee Engagement programme, a team from Grundfos India Pvt. Ltd. visited Tondiarpet, spending quality time interacting with our children and playing games with them.

We were also honoured to host Mr. Naveen Das, Disability Theme Officer from the Azim Premji Foundation, who visited our Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery campuses, engaging in meaningful interactions with our students, teachers, therapists, and parents.

Our staff actively participated in the Ungaludan Stalin Camp at Neelankarai, organised by the District Differently Abled Welfare Department.

A special thank you goes to Ford Motors for arranging a private screening of the film Sitare Zameen Par for our students at Heritage Mall, ECR — an experience they thoroughly enjoyed.

As always, the month concluded on a joyful note with the birthday celebrations of our staff and students.

Looking forward to sharing more updates with you next month.

Warm regards,

Nandini Priyakumari
Director
Swabodhini School and Vocational Centre for Special Children

We were delighted to host graduate students and professors from The George Washington University’s Art Therapy program. The visit opened up meaningful conversations around mutual learning and collaboration. Their interns can gain hands-on experience in working with children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, while we benefit from global best practices in art-based interventions.

This year, we organized a fun-filled Sports Day for our staff members at TPT as part of our annual events. The day featured friendly competitions, team games, and plenty of laughter, promoting camaraderie and wellness among the team. It was a refreshing break that strengthened bonds and celebrated team spirit.

As part of our employee engagement initiative, we hosted a vibrant session with employees from Grundfos at our centre. The event featured fun games, interactive activities, and meaningful conversations between the employees and our students. It was heartwarming to witness the joy and enthusiasm shared by all. The visit not only brought smiles to our students’ faces but also created an inclusive and uplifting environment. We thank the Grundfos team for their time, warmth, and support.

We were honored to welcome visitors from the World Bank to our school, where they spent time interacting with our students and learning about our programs. As part of their visit, they generously distributed academic books for the new school year. The interaction was both encouraging and enriching for the children, leaving them with smiles and motivation to learn.

Our staff actively participated in the Ungaludan Stalin Camp held at Neelankarai, organized by the District Differently Abled Welfare Department. The camp aimed to address the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities through direct interaction and support. It was a valuable platform to connect with government officials and ensure inclusive development.

A special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par was organized for our children and staff at Heritage Mall, ECR, through the kind initiative of Ford Motors. For many of our students, it was a day of joy, wonder, and unforgettable firsts.

One student shared that it was her very first time in a theatre. Another, thrilled that the film centered around basketball, kept repeating “basketball!” with a huge grin. Throughout the movie, students were emotionally involved—cheering during exciting scenes, laughing out loud, and fully immersed in the story unfolding on screen. The film’s powerful message of empathy and inclusion resonated deeply, making the experience both meaningful and memorable.

We set up our stall at the Garden Store in Alwarpet, proudly showcasing a wide range of vocational products handcrafted by our students. From eco-friendly paper bags to beautifully designed candles, handmade soaps, and quilling items, each product reflected their skills and dedication. The stall attracted encouraging responses from visitors, creating awareness about our cause. This platform not only helped display their talents but also supported their journey towards independence and self-reliance.

Paper Bag Day is celebrated every year on July 12th to highlight the importance of choosing paper over plastic for a cleaner, greener planet. At Swabodhini, we are proud to be part of this eco-conscious movement by creating and promoting

eco-friendly products like handmade paper bags. Our students actively participate in the making process, learning valuable vocational skills while contributing to environmental sustainability. This initiative not only empowers them but also spreads awareness about responsible living. Together, we take small steps towards a better tomorrow.

We were delighted to welcome journalists from The Indian Express who visited Swabodhini as part of their feature on Guru Nanak Centre. As an integral part of GNC, our Centre Head shared insights into our programs, student journeys, and the impact of our inclusive education model. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our story.

Our organization participated in a vocational exhibition at CP Art Centre, displaying handcrafted products made by our students, in collaboration with Akella Fashion. The initiative aimed to promote skill development and economic empowerment among individuals with special needs. The stall received encouraging responses from visitors and served as a platform to showcase the potential of inclusive entrepreneurship.

Our students enthusiastically participated in S’Paedofete, an inclusive event hosted by Guru Nanak College for special children. They showcased their talents through art displays and vibrant dance performances, leaving a lasting impression. We’re proud to share that our students were awarded certificates in recognition of their outstanding participation and efforts.

We celebrate monthly birthdays across all our centres to make every student feel special and valued. The celebrations include cake-cutting, music, and joyful moments shared with peers and staff. It’s a time for bonding, laughter, and creating cherished memories. These small gestures help build a sense of belonging and happiness among our students.