“Each life is important, every voice needs to be heard, and all stories matter.”

Sunderji Institute of Special School’s Theatre Fest, themed around ‘One World One Dream, Rhythm of Inclusion’, saw an outstandingly spectacular success with grandeur beyond words, on 9th February 2025 at Gyanjyoti Savitri Bai Phule Auditorium, Pune. Focused on celebrating the spirit of resilience, creativity, and teamwork, with collaboration among diverse communities, the program emphasized the need and awareness for inspiration and promotion of inclusion.

The program was a part of Sunderji’s Global Academia’s Annual Event where the institute celebrated the unique talents of their neurodiverse students. Stepping into the world of unity, creativity, and global harmony, the event mesmerized the audience by taking them on an inspiring journey where collaboration was the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Central to the event, remained an intriguingly interesting The Great Global Digital Puzzle, a symbolic representation of the solutions needed to bring positive change to the world’s landscape. Beyond mere performances, the program offered a great opportunity to witness, observe, and applaud neurodiverse students shining alongside their neurotypical peers from different NGOs and some mainstream schools. The heartwarming collaboration featured the students and alumni from diverse communities coming together and standing tall with confidence with a loud and clear message - “We need a world with a sense of inclusion for all. Let’s create a world that is respectful of all, has a niche for everyone, and nurtures awareness and inclusiveness! ”

Music and art have the power to uplift and inspire, and the concert was a true celebration of talent with togetherness. To grace the event with their eminent presence, there were Chief Guests and Guests of Honour. Among the eminent names of Guests of Honour, was HR-turned-Author Jyoti Jha who has been associated with Sunderji’s Global Academia for her upcoming book on Autism. The book is under publication with Vishwakarma Publications and aims to raise awareness about the growing concerns of Autism worldwide. TEDx speaker, Speaker at major literature events, IITs and IIMs, and The Times of India Write India Winner, Jyoti Jha has authored, edited, and translated several books in both English and Hindi. Jyoti is the Chief Coordinator-Literary Chapter, of IPS Vikas Vaibhav led campaign, Let’s Inspire Bihar. Her books have garnered much appreciation from readers, prominent media houses, and literary fraternity. She is known for her bestselling Hindi novella, Aanandi. Jyoti felt blessed and privileged to witness the children perform to the rhythm of the beautiful message and extended her gratitude to the esteemed institute for making her a part of the event.

The event smoothly cascaded with welcoming the audience, National Anthem, remembrances and blessings from the Founder Members, Introduction of the Chief Guest and acknowledging the Guests of Honour, Address by the Principal, Address by the Co-Founder and Director, Ms. Masarrat Tavawalla, Introduction of the theme and the grand show by the enthusiastic students. The program saw involved and amazed guests, parents, participants, and audience cheering out loud and giving several standing ovations to the brilliant performances. The event concluded with a final bow of participating schools, an Address by Chief Guests, and a final bow of students and team.

To prepare intelligent children with special needs, to perform to the beat and pulse of the theatrical act, is in itself an incredibly challenging task, and yet so blissfully satisfying. A dedicated and passionate team that worked incessantly to put together the brilliant and inspiring show with a beautiful message for the world,  and the stars of the show, the lovely children who stood confident and prepared to create the magic and spectacle, deserve all the applause and appreciation. Wishing the institute to continue to do its brilliant work and inspire the world to become a better and inclusive place for all!