Sadgamaya 2025: A Beacon of Hope for Children with Special Needs

February 7th, 2025

Written by

Lakshmi Sunil

Trainee Rehabilitation Professional

The Sadgamaya 2025 exhibition, held in Ponkunnam from January 23rd to 26th, served as a powerful testament to the potential of children with special needs and a crucial reminder of the transformative impact of early intervention. The event united a diverse community of students, special education teachers, health experts, and distinguished guests, all driven by a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.

Daniel’s Journey: A Narrative of Understanding

Sadgamaya 2025 adopted a unique and compelling narrative approach, centering the exhibition around the character of “Daniel.” By following Daniel’s journey, visitors gained invaluable insights into various therapeutic strategies and their practical applications in real-life scenarios. A central hub provided a comprehensive overview of these therapeutic elements, serving as a starting point for exploring specialized departments and deepening their understanding.

Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Experts in Dialogue

The exhibition acted as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Discussions revolved around critical topics such as early childhood development, the significance of early intervention, and the vital role of supportive family structures. A kindergarten teacher’s observations about Daniel highlighted the crucial role of educators in identifying developmental concerns and facilitating referrals to specialized centers. A Psychiatric Social Worker further illuminated the crucial support systems and concessions available for children with special needs and their families, emphasizing the essential work of social workers within early intervention centers.

Innovation in Therapy: Technology and Best Practices

Sadgamaya 2025 showcased cutting-edge therapeutic practices across various disciplines:

  • Behavioral Therapy: The Behavioral Therapy room focused on early cognitive milestones and behavior functions, incorporating interactive activities to enhance attention and localization skills. A key highlight was the exploration of technology’s role in behavior therapy, emphasizing responsible digital device usage and the potential of tools like the VergeTAB to illustrate concepts such as socialization and emotional regulation.
  • Speech Language Pathology: The Speech Language Pathology room explored developmental milestones for speech sounds, identified signs of hearing loss in infants, and demonstrated the use of technology in both traditional and distance therapy.
  • Physiotherapy: Attendees were introduced to a variety of equipment, including balance boards, ankle exercise tools, and weight cuffs. Discussions revolved around recognizing the need for pediatric physiotherapy and outlining the pathway for intervention, emphasizing the importance of early assessment and treatment.
  • Special Education: The Special Education room focused on developmental milestones and the special education process. Specialists provided an overview of IQ classifications and their characteristics, along with effective intervention strategies. A notable highlight was the discussion on the advantages of using digital activity books to enhance learning experiences for children with special needs.
  • Occupational Therapy: The Occupational Therapy room clarified the differences between occupational therapy and physiotherapy, delving into milestones related to gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Attendees showed keen interest in the various tools and equipment utilized in occupational therapy, recognizing their importance in facilitating skill development.
  • Sensory Therapy: Insights into the eight senses and their critical role in a child’s development were shared in the Sensory Therapy room. This session underscored how sensory experiences contribute to overall growth and learning.
  • Group Therapy: The Group Therapy room emphasized the value of collaborative therapeutic activities for children with special needs, particularly highlighting the essential role of parents in the therapeutic process. This approach promotes a supportive environment that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
Sadgamaya 2025: A Community United for Inclusive Care

The Sadgamaya 2025 exhibition, held in Ponkunnam, proved a resounding success, not only for its innovative showcases of therapeutic practices but also for the strong community engagement it fostered. Over four days, the event drew a diverse audience, from school children and educators to prominent community leaders and government officials, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting children with special needs.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Understanding

The exhibition opened with a strong turnout of schoolchildren, teachers, and participants. These attendees engaged deeply with the exhibits, spending considerable time in each room to gain a comprehensive understanding of early intervention centers and the resources available for children facing developmental challenges. This initial engagement laid a crucial foundation for broader community understanding and support.

Day 2: A Visit of Distinction and Endorsement

Day 2 brought significant attention to Sadgamaya 2025 with a visit from Honorable Kerala Legislative Assembly Member, Mr. Chandy Oommen. His active engagement with therapists underscored the importance of digitalization in enhancing therapeutic practices, signaling a growing recognition of technology’s role in the field. The day also saw positive feedback from Mr. V.P. Joy, Senior Executive Vice President at Reliance Limited, who commended the innovative approaches showcased. Further bolstering the event’s profile, distinguished guests including Susant Nair, CEO of InfoPark, Fr. Mar Jose Pullickal, Principal of St. Dominic’s College Kanjirappally, and Fr. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, offered encouraging remarks, highlighting the significance of the initiatives presented.

Day 3: Momentum Builds with Continued Engagement

Day 3 maintained the momentum with visits from Jyothi Nilayam Special School, Carmel College Special School, and Minister of Irrigation Mr. Roshy Augustine. Representatives from MMT Hospital and SCJC Sisters also joined, further demonstrating the breadth of community interest. These attendees explored the new therapeutic strategies on display, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to improving support systems for children with special needs.

Day 4: A Fitting Conclusion and Celebration of Collaboration
Shri. V.N. Vasavan, Honourable Minister for Ports and Cooperation, Devaswoms, Government of Kerala with XceptionalLEARNING CEO, Dr. Jino Arushi at Sadgamaya 2025

The exhibition concluded on Day 4 with a visit from Mr. V.N. Vasavan, Minister of Devaswom. His warm remarks provided a fitting culmination to the four-day event, celebrating the collaborative efforts of therapists, educators, and community members in advancing early intervention and therapeutic practices. The positive feedback received from such esteemed personalities throughout the event underscores the importance of these initiatives in creating a truly inclusive environment for children with developmental challenges.

Conclusion

Sadgamaya 2025 provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and showcasing innovative approaches to supporting children with special needs. The event effectively highlighted the importance of early intervention and the power of community involvement in creating a more inclusive future for all children. The focus on practical application and real-world scenarios, exemplified by the “Daniel” narrative, made the information accessible and engaging for attendees. The exhibition’s success underscores the growing commitment to empowering children with special needs.

XceptionalLEARNING is proud to be a co-organizer of Sadgamaya 2025, showcasing how innovative digital solutions like the Digital Activity Book can enhance therapy and education for children with special needs. Contact us at +91 8921287775 to explore how our platform supports individualized learning and early intervention.

Sadgamaya-2025-A-Beacon-of-Hope-for-Children-with-Special-Needs