Pune, (Maharashtra) [India] October 03, 2025: The Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park was transformed into a vibrant celebration of unity and unique abilities on Sunday, September 28, as it hosted “Ekrang – The Colour of Inclusivity.” The event, aimed at fostering a more inclusive society, successfully brought together the community, with over 100 neurodiverse individuals participating in a day filled with inspiration, talent, and joy.
The festival was a collaborative effort spearheaded by four organizations: Romal Surana of the Nanhagyan Foundation, Surabhi Aplesh of Ridaan Array, and Soma Gupta and Smita Banavali representing Ghummakaad and Ahilya.
The occasion was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Neha Jajoo, Jaspriya Gandhok, Dr. Saraswati Kanse, Dr. Supriya Joshi, and Neha Chimbalkar, who commended the initiative’s spirit.
Launch of “Different – Not Less” Platform
A landmark moment of the day was the launch of the “Different – Not Less” platform by Sudhanshu Kumar and Sakina Dhariwal from the Avyan Idris Foundation. This innovative digital platform is designed to provide a permanent and global stage to showcase the unique talents and performances of neurodiverse children.
Inspiring Speeches and Heartfelt Testimonials
The event commenced with the powerful “NGF Talk” segment, featuring 11 remarkable children from The Blessed Ones, Sunderji Special School, Buddy Center, and other institutions. After an intensive 90-day mentoring program under the guidance of Romal Surana from the Nanhagyan Foundation, these young speakers delivered curated speeches that left the audience spellbound. Their confidence and eloquence drew amazed and emotional reactions from all present. The moving session was further enriched by heartfelt speeches from parents, who shared their personal journeys and experiences.
A Celebration of Talent and Enterprise
The latter half of the day was a dynamic showcase of creativity. Ridaan Array organized the “Juniverse” talent show, which captivated the audience with a variety of performances including energetic group dances, soulful solo singing, graceful solo dances, and skilled instrumental music.
Simultaneously, a bustling market flea was curated by Ghummakaad and Ahilya. The stalls displayed an array of beautiful handmade products, ranging from soaps, decorative items, and clothing to DIY kits, paintings, organic cosmetic products, and a variety of delicious food, attracting much attention from attendees.
Overwhelming Response and Acknowledgements
With a footfall of over 400 people, the event was a resounding success. The organizers expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors—The Blessed Ones, The Ahsa International School, the Gupta Family, Nurturing Kindness, Kirandeep, Nanhagyan Foundation, and Blooming Tanman—whose support was instrumental.
The event was supported by media partners Stay Featured, Mahaj Times, and Neel Writes. Photographer Javed expertly captured the joy and emotion of the day.
The true measure of Ekrang’s impact was visible as the day concluded, reflected in the smiling faces of every attendee, participant, and volunteer, marking a significant step towards a more accepting and inclusive community.
