31st National Parents’ Conference 2025 Inaugurated at DSMNRU, Lucknow with a Strong Call for Inclusive Leadership and Disability Empowerment

Arijit Bose
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Lucknow — The 31st National Parents’ Conference 2025, a landmark national gathering dedicated to the empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities, was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU). The conference is being organized by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) in collaboration with Parivaar – National Confederation of Parents’ Organizations, with active support from the Uttar Pradesh Parents Association.

This year’s theme, “Fostering Leadership for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” underscores the collective journey toward a more empathetic, inclusive, and opportunity-driven environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Dignitaries Grace the Inaugural Ceremony

The event witnessed an impressive gathering of national leaders, academicians, rehabilitation experts, policymakers, and parent representatives from across India. Among the key dignitaries present were:

  •  Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka (Chief Guest)

  •  Narendra Kashyap, Minister, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Uttar Pradesh

  • Major B. V. Ramkumar, Director, NIEPID

  • Prof. Himanshu Shekhar Jha, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Uttar Pradesh

  •  Avanish Kumar Awasthi, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

  • Dr. Pankaj Maru, President, Parivaar

  • Prof. Subodh Shankar, U.P. Parents Association

  • Rohit Singh, Registrar, DSMNRU

The ceremony began with the ceremonial lamp lighting and a soulful Saraswati Vandana, marking the spiritual and cultural harmony of the national meet.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot Calls for Stronger Support to Families

In his inaugural address, the Hon’ble Governor stressed the moral and social responsibility of the community toward children with intellectual disabilities. He stated:

“Ensuring the holistic well-being of children with intellectual disabilities is a shared responsibility. Parents must be supported thoroughly in all guardianship-related processes so that the future of their children remains secure and protected.”

He emphasised the need for strengthened institutional collaboration, community awareness, and a sensitive ecosystem for inclusive development.

UP Minister Narendra Kashyap Reiterates Government Commitment

 Minister Narendra Kashyap reaffirmed the Uttar Pradesh Government’s resolve to strengthen rehabilitation services, skill development, and educational opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities.

“The Uttar Pradesh Government is fully committed to taking every necessary step for the education, rehabilitation, and skill development of children with intellectual disabilities. All possible support will be extended to these children and their parents.”

He highlighted the need for efficient implementation of schemes and policies at the grassroots to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Special Olympic Para-Athletes Felicitated

A proud moment of the ceremony came with the felicitation of Special Olympic para-athletes who brought laurels to India at the global level.
The Hon’ble Governor honoured these athletes, celebrating their courage and achievements. The auditorium echoed with applause as the athletes were recognized for their inspiring journeys.

Key Highlights of the Inaugural Day

The opening day of the National Parents’ Conference featured several important activities:

  • Release of Parivaar’s Annual Report 2024–25

  • Unveiling of the book “Who Knew the Forgotten You” by Soumya Upadhyay ‘Tatai’

  • Presentation of the Parivaar National Awards 2025

  • Technical sessions on inclusive leadership, parent empowerment, and disability rights

  • Mementos presented to dignitaries

The inaugural day concluded with the National Anthem.

Grand Opening of PARIVAAR’s National Parents Meet

The conference is being held as part of the National Parents Meet of PARIVAAR, with over 350 parents from 25 states participating in this two-day national event.

Dr. Pankaj Maru, National President of PARIVAAR, shared that the meet was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Governor Dr. Thaawarchand Gehlot, with UP Minister Shri Narendra Kashyap as Chief Guest, and Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi as Special Guest.

The programme is jointly organised by:

  • NIEPID, Secunderabad

  • Parivaar – National Confederation of Parents’ Organizations

  • DSMNRU, Lucknow

  • Maulana Azad National Urdu University

  • Uttar Pradesh Parents Association

The stage was also graced by Dr. Himanshu Shekhar Jha, Rohit Singh, Major B. V. Ramkumar, Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, and SAFI National President Amit Patle.

During the event, the Governor appreciated PARIVAAR’s three-decade-long contributions toward disability advocacy and policy development.

National Awards and Cultural Celebration

Three prestigious National Awards were presented to:

  • Rosani Society, Haldwani

  • Parivaar Palakkad

  • Maseni Pong Pongen

Additionally, eight Special Olympic medal-winning athletes and Mr. Viplove Chouhan of PARIVAAR were felicitated.

A cultural evening presented by persons with intellectual disabilities mesmerised the audience and received a standing ovation for their confidence and talent.

Two-Day Event to Shape National Dialogue

The objective of the National Parents Meet is to bring parents, professionals, self-advocates, NGOs, universities, and policymakers together on a single platform to strengthen dialogue on:

  • Leadership development

  • Inclusion and rights

  • Capacity building

  • Future security and guardianship

The conference features:

  • 11 technical sessions

  • 4 panel discussions

  • Cultural performances

The convention will conclude on 30 November with an Open House Discussion where delegates will present state-wise recommendations and a collective national action plan.

The programme was conducted by National Secretary Dr. Sudeep Goel, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Subodh Shankar, President, U.P. Parents Association.

The 31st National Parents’ Conference 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of collective commitment, parent leadership, and the aspiration to build an inclusive and dignified future for persons with intellectual disabilities across India.

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