Chandigarh (Naval Kishore)— The Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, in a landmark collaboration with the Haryana Yog Aayog, inaugurated a two-day International Conference today focused on the theme “Yoga for Empowerment: Enhancing the Lives of Children with Intellectual Disabilities.” The event, scheduled for March 19 and 20, brought together a distinguished assembly of medical professionals, yoga experts, and educators to explore the transformative potential of yogic practices in improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of persons with special needs. Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Director of GMCH and GRIID, served as the Chief Guest, joined by Dr. Jaideep Arya, Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, and other senior officials who emphasized the necessity of integrating traditional wellness practices into modern rehabilitation frameworks.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Jaideep Arya articulated the vital role that regular yoga practice plays in preventing ailments and fostering holistic development, particularly for children facing intellectual challenges. He commended the collaborative spirit between GRIID and the Haryana government, noting that the ultimate objective of the conference is to formulate concrete guidelines that will strengthen future support systems for these children. Chief Guest Dr. Ravneet Kaur shared her personal journey of carrying forward the vision of GRIID’s founder, Dr. B.S. Chavan, and expressed profound professional satisfaction in working with children with special needs. She lauded the dedication of special educators who work tirelessly to ensure these students can achieve greater independence and social integration through structured interventions and empowerment programs.
The technical proceedings of the conference featured insightful presentations from experts across various fields of medicine and wellness. Dr. Mukta Kumar, CMO of Panchkula, delivered a compelling session on the critical importance of early identification and intervention within the first three years of a child’s life, explaining that timely therapy can significantly enhance cognitive and functional abilities. Complementing this, Dr. Ravinder Kaur from Dhanwantri Hospital discussed specialized adaptive yoga practices tailored for children with special needs, while Dr. Jyoti Bholeshwar Mishra from GMCH focused on using yoga for emotional and behavioral management. Dr. C.V. Jayanthi further expanded the scope of the discussion by presenting on the role of Yogasana within the context of the Special Olympics, demonstrating how competitive and recreational yoga can provide a sense of achievement and inclusion.
Beyond the academic discussions, the conference highlighted the practical application of these themes through a vibrant yogasana demonstration by the special students of GRIID. The performance, which showcased the flexibility and discipline of the participants, was met with high praise from the attending dignitaries. The atmosphere was further enriched by a cultural dance performance, reflecting the creativity and spirit of the students. As the conference moves into its second day, the sessions are expected to yield a comprehensive roadmap for educators and parents, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional yoga and specialized rehabilitation to ensure a more inclusive and empowered future for children with intellectual disabilities.
