States » NorthPosted at: Oct 5 2026 5:31PM


Haryana official pushes for dedicated special-needs centre in Panchkula

Panchkula, Oct 5 (UNI) Haryana Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Commissioner and Secretary K M Pandurang on Monday called for a dedicated, fully equipped institution for children with special needs in Panchkula, saying physical challenges should never become a barrier to education, opportunity or a child's future.
Pandurang said the proposed institution should bring education, healthcare, physiotherapy, specialised training and overall development facilities under one roof, providing sustained support not only to children but also to their families.
“The talent of children with special needs cannot be confined by limitations. Their physical challenges do not define their potential,” Pandurang said.
“With the right opportunities, training, medical care, love and encouragement, these children can become a source of inspiration for their families and society.”
He was addressing an event at Mata Mansa Devi Gaudham marking the 13th anniversary of the Panchkula Gaushala Trust and the third anniversary of Kalam Express, an initiative designed to take education and therapeutic support to children who cannot attend mainstream schools.
Pandurang highlighted Kalam Express's “School on Wheels” model, under which education, specialised training and physiotherapy are taken directly to children instead of expecting those with physical difficulties to reach conventional classrooms.
Launched in 2023, the initiative subsequently received support from Shri Dhanwantari Ayurvedic College and Hospital, while the Indian Red Cross Society, Panchkula, has also played a role in expanding the programme.
Pandurang said such initiatives demonstrated why support for children with special needs must extend beyond conventional schooling.
He praised doctors, physiotherapists, teachers, volunteers and other professionals associated with the programme, saying their combined efforts were bringing meaningful changes to children's lives.
The strongest message of the programme came from the children themselves as they took to the stage for cultural performances.
Pandurang said their confidence and talent demonstrated what children with special needs could achieve when provided the right platform, professional support and encouragement.
He said stronger institutional mechanisms were now required to ensure that access to education, treatment and training did not depend merely on individual initiatives.
Pandurang assured that every possible assistance would be extended, personally as well as at the government level, for initiatives supporting such children.
He also distributed school bags among the children, while teachers, physiotherapists and senior citizens above 75 were felicitated.
UNI KK RSA
Tags: #Haryana official pushes for dedicated special-needs centre in Panchkula
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