A unique synthesis of empathy and enterprise in the offing

A unique synthesis of empathy and enterprise in the offing

S.M.A.KAZMI

Dehradun , Jan 13

The two day ‘Parvasi Sammelan’ of the overseas Uttarkhandis who have created a name for themselves in foreign lands for their country and their own state by the their unique talent, hard work and competence, has resulted in promises to adopt remote villages in their natives places in Uttarakhand hills for development but has also brought a synthesis of intellect, emotions and dedication for the cause of those who are on the margins of the society and often neglected.

Two distinguished Uttarakhandis who met at the ‘Parvasi Sammelan’ called by the Uttarakhand state government, have joined hands to work together to do something constructive in helping the children suffering from autism in the state together with caring for the old particularly women in the hills.

Dr. Akhil Kumar Kala, President of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brasten group of industries based at Bangkok, an internationally renowned entrepreneur and industrialist hailing from Sumari in Pauri Garhwal who has worldwide industrial automation interests in oil and refining equipments met Anita Sharma from New Jersy, USA who has created a name for herself in the field of caring and teaching children with autism and special needs throughout North America.

The exchange of ideas between them resulted in a proposed partnership where both would join hands to start autism and old care centres in Uttarakhand and Thailand. The new autism centre would be ready within a month at Bangkok in Thailand.” I am keen and have the infrastructure at our headquarters at Bangkok to start such a centre with the help of Anita Sharma within a month,” claimed Dr. Akhil Kumar Kala. Later, they also propose to start similar centres in Uttarakhand.

Dr. Akhil Kumar Kala, an alumni of DAV College, Dehradun after doing his M.Sc from here, again did his Masters from Bangkok and took a Phd degree from USA and started his own business from Bangkok which has grown into many companies under the flagship Brasten group under his leadership. Dr. Kala also propose to start his industrial unit in Uttarakhand in near future.

Despite his successful career, Dr. Akhil Kumar Kala, is a humble mountain man who could not forget the  struggle of his mother and all the womenfolk in the hills. Since ‘Covid’ epidemic days, he has been helping old and infirm through his charity organisation Bhima Charity Association named after his mother. “The women in the hills are the most hardworking and dedicated humans in the entire world,” said Dr. Akhil Kumar Kala. He planned to expand  the activities of his charity organisation in collaboration with Anita Sharmain the field of caring and teaching autistic children and caring about old particularly women.

Interestingly, Anita Sharma, who is amongst the best known and most sought after teacher for autistic children across North America is self taught in the field of teaching and caring for children with special needs. “ I had two sons with autism and while caring and teaching them, I realised the need for specialised holistic treatment for them and not considering it as a communication problem. Every child with autism is different and needed to be helped differently,” she said.

Getting the valuable experience with her own children, Anita Sharma who had graduated from Lady Shriram College (LSR), New Delhi put it to use by starting teaching children with autism professionally.   She started Avi Autism Foundation named after his elder son and later moved to start Shine Avi Learning Centre at New Jersy. Explaining about autism, she said that Autism is a neurological condition that primarily affects social interactions, communication and behaviour and it often presents within the first three years of life and is typically identified through developmental delays of differences in social engagement, speech and play. While some individuals with autism may have intellectual disabilities, other may have exceptional skills such as heightened attention to detail,problem solving abilities or strong memories in certain areas.  “ There is need for early intervention and tailored support for each individual as per his or her requirements,” she added.

“ At our Shine Avi Centre, we recognise that no children on the autism spectrum are the same. Following our philosophy-“If a child cannot learn they way we teach, we must teach in a way the child can learn”- we use a value based, holistic approach to support the individual needs of every child. Our programme runs on ten different areas of development, ensuring that each child’s abilities are nurtured. We involve the parents actively to observe the teaching methods, empowering them to carry forward the progress at home. Through this mentorship, the parents can play an active role in their child’s development and feel confident in leading the way,” she said.

“ I can claim this confidently that children with autism have special abilities and I myself organise ‘Talent Show’ every year at New Jersy, USA  where children with autism showcase their varied talent on stage proudly and confidently. The Talent Show has become a big hit,” Anita proudly claimed. The Shine Avi Centre supports ‘Attach Avi Foundation’,  a non- profit organisation that provides a social platform for children with autism in New Jersy, USA. She also runs ‘Manav Avi’, a USA government funded programme. “We are advocating that normal schools should also have autistic children in the classes and involving high school children in our programme to help foster empathy and help promote a more inclusive society,” she said.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects an estimated 18 million people in India, or 12.7% of the population. According to a report by ETHealthWorld, about 18 million people in India are diagnosed with autism. About 1 to 1.5 per cent of children aged two to nine years are diagnosed with ASD. Anita Sharma is of opinion that ASD is on the rise throughout due to various reasons but specialised institutes to care of such children are lacking in India.

She plans to start such centre in Dehradun in collaboration with Dr. Nishant Nawani, a leading ophthalmologist of the city . “Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is also very keen to work in this area, the proposed centre at Dehradun could be a start and my contribution to my motherland,” she said.