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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar Unveils India’s First ‘Higashi’ Autism School
Vice-President of India, Sri Jagdeep Dhankar, officiated the inauguration of the groundbreaking Higashi Autism School in Delhi. This remarkable institution, established by the Higashi Autism Trust of Japan, is situated in the heart of Vasant Kunj, within the national capital. It marks a significant milestone as India’s inaugural autism school, and the third of its kind worldwide under the auspices of the Higashi Trust, following the establishment of similar schools in Tokyo and Boston.
During the inaugural ceremony, Vice-President Dhankar emphasized the importance of collective efforts in fostering dignity and pride in children with special needs, enabling them to develop a strong sense of ‘selfhood and inclusion.’
In his address, the president also called for a more equitable distribution of responsibilities within families, particularly highlighting the pivotal role that fathers can play in supporting mothers who often shoulder the primary responsibility for children with special needs. He expressed his concern, stating, “It is the mother who takes all responsibility on her shoulders, sacrificing every comfort to ensure the growth of her autistic child. All efforts should converge to ensure a life of dignity for this very special category of children.” He further urged men to work hand in hand with their spouses in caring for children with special needs, emphasizing that abandonment in times of challenge diminishes our humanity.
Dhankar stressed that a ‘One-Size-fits-all’ approach is inadequate when it comes to assisting children with Autism. Recognizing that each child is unique and has specific needs, he underscored the significance of exposing these children to a diverse world, regardless of the challenges inherent in their individual personalities.
Applauding the Approach to Yoga Therapy (IAYT) and Daily Life Therapy, Vice-President Dhankar highlighted these impactful approaches, which empower children, enabling them to become productive and engaged members of society. This transformation brings pride and renewed hope to families who may have previously felt despair and exhaustion.
Notably, alongside the Delhi establishment, the Higashi Trust also manages similar institutions in Tokyo and Boston. This newest addition, India’s first Higashi Autism School, reaffirms the trust’s commitment to enhancing the lives of children with autism on a global scale.