Hyderabad 17th April: KL Deemed to be University, one of India’s leading private universities organized an International workshop on Autism in collaboration with APCOST-Vijayawada, SBI Regional Office, Mangalagiri, International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), France, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham at its campus recently. The Workshop was also supported by G20 with the theme of Innovations from Impairment. As the World Health Organization has declared the month of April as Autism Awareness Month, the university organized Autism International Conference at its campus.
The objective of this workshop was to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, to promote respect for their inherent dignity, and to explore the Innovations of these special kids and to give new knowledge on Mental Health issues to parents, students, and wider audience. The Workshop aimed to explain the root causes and create awareness about possible treatment for autism and bringing out the best in children.
The University also announced the establishment of The Autism Centre of Excellence at the campus which will offer all services required by children with autism spectrum disorders. Those dealing with autism expressed hope with the workshop of paving the way for professionals with different skills to provide a way forward. Dr. Pratima Murthy, a psychiatrist, and Director of NIMHANS lit the lamp and inaugurated the event, she is popularly known for her special services which she caters to mentally disabled patients all over the world. The event was graced by the member committee of C20 of the G20 Dr. Prema Nendungadi.
Er. Koneru Raja Hareen, Vice President, KL Deemed to be University, said “KL Deemed to be University has undertaken extensive research on the functioning of the human brain under such dire circumstances to find a solution to the challenges of mental illness. People with autism often have unique skills and strengths that are not found in the general population. It is important for parents to recognize the early signs of autism and other mental disabilities so that appropriate interventions and support can be provided to them. As a society, it is our responsibility to embrace and support individuals with mental disabilities, and to create an inclusive and accepting environment where everyone can thrive. By working together, we can create a more equitable and compassionate world for all.”
Dr. K S Jagannath Rao, Pro-Chancellor of KL Deemed to be University informed that the objective of the Autism Workshop was to explain the root causes and create awareness about possible treatments for autism and bring out the best in children. By 2050, the number of mental health issues is going to increase by multiple folds; hence there is a need for more research to understand the human brain in a multidisciplinary fashion. Those dealing with autism expressed hope that the workshop would pave the way for professionals with different skills to provide a way forward.
Experts who spoke on the occasion were Prof. Samuel Abraham from Japan and Dr. B Srividya from VIMHANS, Vijayawada, Dr. K. Nagarjuna from Hyderabad. Eminent social personalities who are doing invaluable service to Autism children were awarded distinguished awards. Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS was awarded Distinguished Scientist award, Autism service awards to Dr. T. Venkateswara Rao, Dakshinya Foundation Guntur and Dr. Shayama Chona, Tamana Foundation from Delhi. Prof. Y. Aparna from APCOST was given Women Inspire Award and the outstanding collaboration awards to P.Visweswara Rao from SBI Regional office, Mangalagiri and N. Ratnakumar, Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, Chiguru. Autism children from different schools actively participated in activities like dance, games, quizzes, drawings, etc. Prizes and complimentary were distributed to the best participants. The University is also in the process to copyright the best innovative designs created by Autism children which is a unique model in India.
The workshop witnessed the presence of Dr. G P Saradhi Varma, Vice Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University, Senior management, Deans, faculty members, staff, Conveners Dr. M. Vasujadevi and A. Pavani and P. Srikanth Reddy, and students who contributed together to make it a success.
