Mumbai, October 10, 2023: Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) partnered with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) to organize an inclusive Fun and Awareness fair at the Navi Mumbai regional centre, as part of 'Pay Autention,' India's first phygital Autism Support Network. Launched in 2022, Pay Autention aims to create grassroots awareness about Autism by establishing a network of support champions through government and non-government organizations. The event celebrated art, dance, music, and play therapies, promoting holistic development for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other intellectual disabilities.
The event featured notable guests, including Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS), Secretary, Government of India (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities), and Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief - CSR & Sustainability Tata Power. It showcased various inclusive activities and workshops designed to illustrate the positive impact of integrated alternative therapies on special children's lives. The event coincided with Tata Volunteering Week, fostering inclusivity among volunteers and their families, enriching the community through shared experiences and contributing to the broader scope of the Pay Autention initiative.The inclusive fun fair served as a platform to demonstrate the effectiveness of art therapies in promoting sensory integration, communication skills, and overall well-being for individuals on the Autism spectrum. Several art and play therapy stations were set up, offering creative activities tailored to meet the unique needs of children.
In his address, Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Government of India (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) said, "Witnessing the collaborative journey of Tata Power’s Pay Autention and NIEPID is heartening. The teams are developing a dynamic phygital platform that will make first level support and guidance for intellectually challenged available across regions through its network. Such collective efforts further multi sectoral involvement & awareness regarding inclusivity for neurodiverse and autistic people and we urge more influencers to join the cause."
Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO, and Chief - CSR & Sustainability, Tata Power, expressed, "At Tata Power, we believe in enabling inclusive development and our ‘Pay Autention’ network is a significant stride in this direction—a path where different minds count, and their talent is celebrated. Our collaboration with NIEPID underscores our profound belief in the transformative power of Public Private Partnerships to weave inclusivity into our societal fabric. This milestone is a shot in the arm for us to advance our phygital and multi-sectoral approach to further mainstream society’s engagement with this cause.”
As part of a larger dialogue, the event hosted a panel discussion on 'Creative Arts based Home Care and Self Support for Neurodiverse Individuals' featuring experts and practitioners. Additionally, the event included a ShiamakDavar Dance & Music Workshop by Victory Arts Foundation for NIEPID Students, Teachers, and Volunteers, aiming to empower participants and demonstrate the transformative potential of creative expression and community engagement.Tata Power's Pay Autention initiative aims at raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and fostering a supportive community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The collaboration with NIEPID marks a step toward a more inclusive and aware society.
