Hyderabad Hosts Aahvaanam 2026 to Support Neurodivergent Youth

HYDERABAD — Community members gathered in Hyderabad for Aahvaanam 2026, an Independence Day celebration organized to raise awareness about autism and champion opportunities for neurodivergent youth.

The event featured activities created by autistic children alongside poetry, music, drum performances, and food. The gathering was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, alongside actress and educationist Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker, among other guests.

Aahvaanam 2026 adopted a "Pay As You Please" model to raise support for accessibility initiatives, autism programmes, and skill-development workshops run by The Good Talk Factory Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Nihal Reddy, Managing Director of Akan, highlighted the purpose behind the annual initiative. "Every year, we take up initiatives and create awareness among people. To be a part of this matters the most. If a child not only has a right but is given the right opportunity, then they can grow to the greatest heights. The annual fundraiser is about creating awareness among every individual who comes forward to support the children and encourage them," he said.

Attendees were served a vegetarian spread featuring jackfruit pulao, lemon rice, steamed rice, sambar, dal, and payasam. Musical artists performed popular tracks from Tollywood and Bollywood cinema, encouraging attendees to sing along.

Emphasising inclusivity, Geetha Bhascker said that every individual experiences the world differently and required understanding with empathy and sensitivity. She noted that events like Aahvaanam create spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can feel seen, respected, and valued.