by Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On February 1, 2025, The Stellar Don Bosco Academy (DBA), Nerul, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its Therapy Centre, Don Bosco Prafulta – ‘Ikshana’. True to its name, which in Sanskrit means ‘to care for’ or ‘look after,’ Ikshana is dedicated to providing specialized support for children with special needs. The initiative is spearheaded by Don Bosco Prafulta, a well-established organization committed to psychological well-being and child development. 

The idea for this centre was first envisioned by Fr Barnabe D’souza, Rector and Director at DBA. Recognizing the urgent need for a nurturing space where children with special needs could not only be cared for but also receive essential therapy and intervention, Fr D’souza initiated discussions with experts in the field. Dr Ramani Kumar, Coordinator at Don Bosco Prafulta, along with her team of specialists, collaborated closely with Ms Wenonah Castellino, Advisor at DBA, to transform this vision into a reality. Their joint efforts culminated in the establishment of ‘Ikshana’, a centre dedicated to holistic child development.

The inauguration began with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Fr D’souza, alongside one of the children at the centre, symbolizing the heart of the initiative—children being at the core of this mission. Following this, Fr D’souza led a heartfelt prayer, seeking blessings for the success and growth of the centre. Dr Kumar then introduced the vision and objectives of Ikshana to the attendees, emphasizing the structured and professional approach that sets it apart from a traditional daycare facility. 

Ikshana aims to create an environment where children with ADHD, Autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and other special needs can receive specialized interventions. The centre offers various therapy sessions, including Remedial Education, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Vocational and Behavioural Therapy, and Play Therapy. These sessions are designed to be both group-based and individualized to cater to the specific needs of each child. Additionally, bi-weekly parent sessions will be conducted, ensuring that families receive the necessary guidance and support.

Beyond its therapeutic approach, Ikshana also acknowledges the challenges parents face in constantly caring for their children. By offering a safe and structured environment for children, the centre hopes to provide parents with some much-needed ‘me time,’ allowing them to recharge and focus on their well-being.

The event concluded with Fr D’souza blessing the centre with holy water, followed by the hymn Shower of Blessings. In his address, he encouraged those present to spread awareness about the centre so that more parents could benefit from its services. The inauguration of Ikshana marks the beginning of a new chapter in DBA’s commitment to inclusivity and holistic child development, reinforcing the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.