On a relentless pursuit to help autistic kids

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 8

“We have to recognise the value of our children and the role they play in the society. That is the primary purpose. They are meant to play a valuable role in the society. We have to encourage them to take up that role and set a target for them to fulfill their roles. After that, all pieces begin falling into place by themselves. All questions begin to be answered,” says the woman, a super mum, who first planted the dream of self-employment among autistic kids into the minds of parents weary of the ill-informed discourse on spectrum disorders until then.

She is a path breaking mentor and an inspiration for countless mothers and now her voice is being heard the world over. City-based disability activist, a mother and entrepreneur Anjali Dada is all set to debut on the TEDx talks. Her session titled ‘’Turning Adversity Into Mission’’ will be aired for the first time on October 8.

Anjali Dada (46) is the founder of the NGO SOCH and it is her dream and vision and a relentless pursuit to reach out to others like her that gave birth to the first ever group therapy sessions for parents of autistic children being held in Jalandhar in 2006. Her endeavour to ensure better therapy schooling and self dependence for her 19-year-old son Dhananjay took her down a path which has eventually ensured the empowerment of many parents in need of informed guidance (and a shoulder to cry on).

Her NGO today employs children with autism who deliver a number of orders of customised goodies (cards, handicrafts, candles, diyas etc.) which are a hit in Jalandhar and beyond.

Herself mentored and empowered by her mentors Merry Barua and Indrani Basu, Dada’’s journey began with group therapy sessions from her garage in 2006. Her NGO was registered in 2008.

She is now connected to a community of 300 to 400 parents who are constantly touch with her and regularly seek advice for her regarding their own children.

Her recent exposure has also sprung surprises, linking her to more parents and her expertise is also sought after from Maharashtra and other state channels and news networks who have aired her inspirational story. Dada says, “There is so much love in the world. People are willing to listen. They are happy to help. Sometimes its all about calling out. Our social media posts have recently been hitting through the roof. There is also a need for our community to air our thoughts. We need to tell others. Sometimes when we are weary, what might seem to be an irritable question at that time, might be an innocent quip from someone which might change their life. We need to take all platforms to share our concerns, needs and experiences with patience and empathy.”

Jalandhar’s super mom debuts on TEDx talks

• Anjali Dada (46) is the founder of the NGO SOCH and it is her dream and vision to reach out to others like her. Her endeavour to ensure better therapy schooling and make her 19-year-old son Dhananjay self-reliant took her down a path which has eventually ensured the empowerment of many parents in need of informed guidance (and a shoulder to cry on)
• Her NGO today employs children with autism who deliver a number of orders of customised goodies (cards, handicrafts, candles, diyas etc.) which are a hit in Jalandhar and beyond. Her NGO was registered in 2008. She is now connected to a community of 300 to 400 parents who are constantly in touch with her and regularly seek advice for her regarding their own children