The Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Haryana Yog Aayog, Government of Haryana, organised an International Conference on the theme of “Yoga for Empowerment: Enhancing the Lives of Children with Intellectual Disabilities” on 19–20 March 2026.
The conference was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr Ravneet Kaur, Director, GMCH and Director, GRIID (Chief Guest); Dr Jaideep Arya, Chairman, Haryana Yog Aayog; Dr Ajeet Sidana, Joint Director, GRIID; Dr M. Karuppasamy, Course Coordinator, GRIID; Mr Anil Kumar, Principal, GRIID; Dr Reena Jain, In-charge, Clinic, GRIID; Dr Raj Kumar, Registrar, Haryana Yog Aayog; and Ms. C.V Jayanti Associate Professor Deptt of Yoga, Chennai, Dr. Pawan Kumar Gupta Member Haryana Yog Ayog along with other officials of GRIID & Haryana Yog Aayog.
The programme commenced with a formal welcome address by Dr Ajeet Sidana Joint Director GRIID, who also provided a brief overview of GRIID and its significant contributions in the field of intellectual disabilities. This was followed by the felicitation of the Chief Guest, Dr Ravneet Kaur Director, GMCH and Director, GRIID
In his address, Dr Jaideep Arya highlighted the importance of yoga in daily life, emphasising its transformative role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all individuals, including persons with disabilities. He further explained that regular yoga practice can help prevent various ailments and appreciated the collaborative efforts of GRIID and the Haryana Yog Aayog in organising this meaningful event.
Dr Arya also commended the initiatives undertaken by GRIID for the betterment and empowerment of children with intellectual disabilities, particularly highlighting how yoga can support them in developing their abilities. He further stated that, at the end of the programme, efforts would be made to formulate guidelines aimed at strengthening future contributions toward the well-being and empowerment of these children.
Dr M. Karuppasamy provided an orientation on the structure and objectives of the two-day international conference, along with details of the RCI Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme. Mr Anil Kumar presented an overview of the two-day scientific sessions, including paper presentations scheduled during the conference.
The Chief Guest, Dr Ravneet Kaur, Director, GMCH and Director, GRIID, shared her experiences of working closely with the founder of GRIID, Dr B.S. Chavan, who has been associated with the institute since its inception and played a pivotal role in its establishment. She further stated that she feels privileged to carry forward his vision in the service of this noble cause.
Dr Ravneet Kaur also highlighted the profound joy and satisfaction derived from working with children with special needs, emphasising the meaningful interactions they offer. She further appreciated the dedicated efforts of special educators and professionals at GRIID in supporting and empowering these children.
The event also featured a yogasana demonstration by special students of GRIID, which was highly appreciated by all dignitaries and participants. A cultural dance performance by the students further added vibrancy to the programme.
The technical sessions were conducted by Dr Mukta Kumar, CMO, Panchkula, who presented on the theme “Stimulate Early, Shape the Brain” She emphasised that early identification of developmental and intellectual disabilities—especially within the first three years of life is critically important. She highlighted that with timely intervention, therapy, and structured support systems, a significant proportion of children can show substantial improvement in cognitive, social, and functional abilities, leading to better integration into mainstream education and society.
Dr Ravinder Kaur, Professor, Dhanwantri Hospital, Chandigarh, who spoke on adaptive yoga practices for children with special needs, and Dr Jyoti Bholeshwar Mishra, Associate Professor, GMCH, Chandigarh, who presented on yoga for emotional and behavioural management in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dr C.V. Jayanthi, Associate Professor, Department of Yoga, Chennai, presented on Yogaasna in Special Olympics. All speakers delivered their sessions with great expertise and insight.
