Bhubaneswar, Odisha — In a powerful step towards building an inclusive and compassionate society, the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar, in partnership with Better Matter Foundation, launched the Sunlit Odisha Autism Healing Mission (SOAHM) — an initiative aimed at early screening, awareness-building, community empowerment, and parent support for children with autism. This initiative stands as a significant testament to the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”, demonstrating that true service is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and sustained action.
At the heart of SOAHM lies a clear, ambitious, and transformative goal:
To screen 2,025 neurodivergent children across all 30 districts of Odisha by the end of 2025.
This is not merely a number-driven target — it is a mass outreach movement designed to transform how autism is understood, identified, and supported across the state.
The mission will advance through three strategic pillars:
- Reaching the unreached: Deploying mobile screening units to rural, tribal, and underserved communities, ensuring no child is left unidentified due to lack of access.
- Empowering frontline support: Training 150 healthcare workers, teachers, and community volunteers so early red flags are recognized and responded to with knowledge, not fear.
- Leveraging technology for inclusion: Introducing AI-powered autism screening tools, making early screening simple, accessible, and available directly in the hands of parents and caregivers.
The initiative was graced by District Governor Rtn. Manoj Kumar Tripathy as Chief Guest, along with District Chair (Mental Health) Rtn. Dr. Geetika Patnaik and Dr. Ananya Patnaik, co-Founder of Better Matter Foundation. President Rtn. Sanjaya K. Chaudhury, Secretary Rtn. Biswajit Patra, PP Rtn. B. K. Sharma (Project Chair), Incoming President Rtn Pramod Das, PDAG Rtn. G. Srinivas, and Rtn. Nivedita Prasad and several dedicated Rotarians played instrumental roles in planning and steering the movement.
President Rtn. Sanjaya K. Chaudhury opened the program by reaffirming Rotary’s belief that development must be humane, inclusive, and rooted in social responsibility. He highlighted that supporting neurodivergent children is not charity — it is our collective duty.
Dr. Ananya Patnaik shared her deeply personal journey of raising her son Divyansh, who is on the autism spectrum. Her seven years of learning, advocacy, resilience, and transformation inspired her to establish Better Matter Foundation.
“SOAHM is not just an initiative — it is a promise of solidarity with every parent. You are not alone, and your child’s journey is meaningful,” she said, moving many parents to tears and reflection.
Rtn. Dr. Geetika Patnaik, District Chair for Mental Health, reiterated that autism is a neurological difference, not a disorder of personality or capability. She encouraged families to seek guidance, therapy, and structured support without shame or hesitation.
Chief Guest DG Rtn. Manoj K. Tripathy emphasized the growing need for awareness, noting that global data indicate a higher-than-ever prevalence of autism. He praised the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar for addressing a cause that requires long-term commitment, not symbolic effort. He highlighted that plans for establishing rehabilitation and support centers under Rotary leadership are timely, compassionate, and socially impactful.
PP Rtn. B. K. Sharma acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in early identification, urging schools to adopt sensitivity, training-based screening, and acceptance-based classroom practices.
Ms. Kasturi Mishra, Member of the State Commission of Protection of Child Rights, addressed the gathering and stated firmly that every child is special and deserves to grow without discrimination. She shared that government-led inclusion programs will further ensure that neurodivergent children are not left out of mainstream education.
The success of SOAHM reflects the true essence of Rotary’s humanitarian mission — service rooted in dignity, respect, and empowerment. Secretary Rtn. Biswajit Patra played a pivotal role in coordinating operational planning, volunteer mobilization, and execution, ensuring that every aspect of the event worked in harmony.
Call to Action
The Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar and Better Matter Foundation call upon:
- Schools
- Healthcare professionals
- Parents and caregivers
- CSR partners
- Volunteers and youth groups
to join the Sunlit Odisha Autism Healing Mission.
To collaborate, schedule screenings, support, or volunteer:
[email protected]
+91-9090900211
Together, let us build an Odisha where every child’s light is seen, valued, and celebrated.