QMTI: 40+ Differently Abled Participants Take Centre Stage at Samavesh Fest in Pune
Khadki, 13th September 2026: More than 40 differently abled participants took part in the Samavesh Cultural Fest at QMTI, Pune, on Saturday, showcasing their abilities through dance, singing, instrumental music and group performances before an audience of more than 200 people.
Organised by the Sukanya Ram Saxena Foundation, the Pune event was the second edition of the Samavesh Cultural Fest and the first to be held in the city. The inaugural edition was organised in Lucknow.
The festival was held on the theme “Redefining Normal”, focusing on inclusion, dignity, participation and equal opportunities for children with disabilities. According to the organisers, the event aimed to provide participants with a platform to express themselves, build confidence, overcome stage fear and develop social interaction and teamwork.
Surabhii Aplesh, President of the Sukanya Ram Saxena Foundation, said the initiative was aimed at creating spaces where children with special needs could participate alongside other members of society.
“Samavesh is an initiative to bring people together through culture and creativity. It provides participants with an opportunity to express themselves, interact with others and participate in a shared social space while respecting individual differences,” Aplesh said.
The programme brought together children with special needs, their families, educators, healthcare professionals, volunteers and community members. Cultural performances and other activities were organised to encourage participation and interaction in a wider social setting.
The theme “Redefining Normal” also sought to challenge the idea that there is a single standard for what is considered normal. Aplesh said every child has individual strengths, abilities and ways of experiencing the world, and that inclusion requires society to recognise these differences and remove barriers to participation.
“Every child has unique strengths, abilities and ways of experiencing the world. Inclusion means creating an environment where children can learn, express themselves, participate and grow with dignity and equal opportunity,” she said.
CRPF Commandant Arvind Singh, who attended the event as the chief guest, said the programme highlighted the need for greater inclusion.
“Samavesh was truly an eye-opener and made us realise that, as a society, we need to do much more for the differently abled. Initiatives such as this create awareness, inclusion and meaningful opportunities. I appreciate the efforts of Surabhii Aplesh and extend my support to such programmes in the future,” Singh said.
CRPF Second-in-Command Pramod Pawar was also present at the event.
Commander Aplesh Mohan, Treasurer of the Sukanya Ram Saxena Foundation; Purnima Lunawat, President of the Inner Wheel Club; and Leena Modi, Founder of LKM Foundation, also attended the programme.
The Sukanya Ram Saxena Foundation, a Section 8 organisation registered as a trust in Pune, was formally registered on July 9, 2026, following nearly 16 years of work in the areas of inclusion and social awareness.
The Samavesh Cultural Fest was organised as part of these efforts, using cultural performances as a platform for expression, participation and social interaction.
