CHENNAI:The Newagen Nandhavanam Charitable Trust, in collaboration with the Department of MSW in Disability and Empowerment, Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), successfully hosted the inclusive Art Fest 2025 at college campus Commemorting International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The programme brought together about 300 participants that ncluded children with disabilities, school and college students, faculty members, NGO representatives a vibrant celebration of creativity, inclusion, and community engagement.
The fest provided a dynamic platform featuring parai & Puppetry performances, inclusive art craft stations, collaborative art creation, live art demonstrations and an inclusive funzone , all designed to encourage participation on from children with diverse abilities. Volunteers and children with disablities worked together in each activity, fostering creative expression, enhancing social interaction, and cultivating an atmosphere of joy, confidence, and empowerment.
The event placed strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating the artistic strengths, Imagination, and expressive abilities of children with dissblities.
Ms. Smitha Sadasivan, Disability Rights Activist chaired as the Chief Guest for the inauguration along with other dignitaries Dr. D. Narasimha, Advisor and Former Faculty at MCC, Dr. S. Raja Samuel, Principal of mssw, preetha srinivasan, Project Development Manager, Nandavanam Trust, Mr. Mickey Joseph, and Prof. Jesuin John BoSe, Program Head of the Department of MSW in Disability and Empowerment,
MSSW.
In their address, everyone emphasised the importance of nurturing inclusive environments where children with disabilities feel valued, supported, and encouraged to explore their creative potential.
A special movement of recognition was marked during the programme when Ms. Smitha Sadasivan, a respected disability rights advocate, was honoured with the Nandhavanam Annual achievement award 2025. The award acknowledged her longstanding contributions, Impactful advocacy and unwavering commitment to promoting disability empowerment and accessibility.
Her recognition added inspiration and significance to the event, reminding the gathering of the transformative power of sustained community work and the significanos of social support in Enabling inclusion.
The Inclusive Art Fest 2025 s tood as shared commitment of the Newgan Nandhavanam Charitable That and the Department of MSW in Disability and Empowerment, MSSW to enable meaningful, accessible and inclusive spaces for children with disablities. The programme successfulty demonstrated how collective efforts of stakeholders can help children participation disabilities experience artistic Freedom, social acceptance, and joyful.
