As the recently-released Sitaare Zameen Par puts the spotlight on young neurodivergent talent, these spaces in the city are helping many more stars upskill, and find their creative calling
A moment from a performance
Act like it
There’s way more stage talent in the community than you realise,” says Andheri based actor Anupama Chouhan, who runs Raashaa, a theatre company exclusively for neurodivergent individuals. Chouhan’s troupe stemmed from her experience of sifting through almost 1000 talents as part of the extensive casting process for the new Aamir Khan-starrer.
Aishwarya (in yellow) with the troupe. PICS COURTESY/RAASHAA THEATRE
“Each session and every child in our troupe requires a different approach. We usually relate the script with real life instances that they might remember. It really helps them out,” reveals Chouhan who conducts 90-minute workshops at her Andheri residence and performance studios in Aram Nagar. Aishwarya, a 16-year-old star from the troupe tells us, “I love being on the stage, but practice sessions with my friends are usually more fun.”
Aishwarya has recently recovered from a cervical spine injury, but it’s almost hard to believe. “Mere boyfriend se gulugulu karegi, toh dhoptungi na, usko!” she recalls Alia Bhatt’s fiery punchline from Gully Boy (2019) that has remained her favourite.
AGE GROUP 14 years and above
ON Tomorrow; (introductory session)
AT Andheri West (location revealed on request); Zoom sessions available for participants outside Mumbai
CALL 7073118043
That’s sew cool!
A member of Karmann works on sustainable clothing
Santacruz-based adult education centre Mann has been whipping up, stitching, and serving success stories in the community for more than a decade. Through upskilling programmes in sewing and hospitality practices among others, many neurodivergent adults continue to find employment in the city while following their calling.
A hospitality student shows off his skills. PICS COURTESY/MANN
The next time you’re shopping for sustainable fashion, turn to Karmann, the organisation’s conscious apparel initiative. “Our programmes can last between six months to a year based on the participant’s needs, Learning a skill helps the individual find immense confidence in themselves. It quashes the idea of being a burden on their family,” shares co-founder Beverly Louis.
AGE GROUP 18 years and above
ON Monday to Saturday; 9 am to 5 pm (training sessions)
AT Mann, Milan Subway Junction, Santacruz West.
LOG ON TO mann.org.in (to register)
Let’s talk tech
Shooting, editing and posting a video to social media might be second nature to you, but those with special needs need a special push to put themselves out there. Umang, a collective of three spaces spread across Kandivli, Bhayandar and Vasai organises free-to-all tech upskilling sessions for persons on the neurodivergence spectrum. From telling a gripping story, to recording it, editing it and colour-grading it, the sessions lay out the creative process in simple terms.
A participant learns the basics of operating a computer at the learning centre. PIC COURTESY/UMANG CHARITABLE
“We’re assisted by experts in the field who dedicate one day to sharing their knowledge. We encourage parents to accompany their children to learn how they can patiently and mindfully help their children learn a skill. In that sense, the workshops are for the parents as well as children,” founder and clinical psychologist Bhawana Kerkar shares.
AT Near Dahanukar Wadi, Kandivli West; near Balasaheb Thackeray Udyan, Bhayandar East; Mary Villa, Manickpur, Vasai West.
LOG ON TO @umangcharitable (for upcoming sessions)
CALL 8976287060 (Kandivli branch)
Moms know best
In South Mumbai, Kshitij, a learning centre and skills training workplace is quietly helping individuals above 18, with intellectual challenges, autism, and learning disabilities learn new vocational skills.
Moments from vocational skill training sessions conducted by the group. PICS COURTESY/KSHITIJ
It was founded in 1997 by four mothers of children with special needs who drew from their own experiences and a shared vision. From training in working on handicrafts to crafting delicious chocolates, cookies and festive goodies, the organisation lends a helping hand under expert supervision after assessment of each individual’s unique skillset.
“Every step is a small win for us. We also strive to look beyond upskilling into daily living skills like cooking, self-grooming, and outdoor visits to help individuals slowly build self-esteem and confidence in the world outside our centres,” administrative team member Meherangiz Baria reveals. Supplementary to the skill training, members also indulge in dance, music and wellness sessions from time to time. Those keen, can apply for the programmes at the daytime sheltered workplace.
AGE GROUP 18 years and above
AT Patel Chambers, opposite Royal Opera House, Charni Road East; F6/F7, 1st floor, Gilder Road Municipal School, Mumbai Central.
LOG ON TO kshitij-ngo.org (for details about programmes)
CALL 9920194032
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