GALLERY

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ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

POONAM NATARAJAN

Ms. Poonam Natarajan is one of the pioneers of disability and development activities in India. In 1985, she founded the Spastics Society of India, Chennai presently known as Vidya Sagar (Ocean of Knowledge).

Vidya Sagar today runs several programmes, including early intervention, special education, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, vision training, occupational therapy, co-curricular activities, counselling, vocational training, exploring and creating employment opportunities and training of resource persons to work in the field of disability.

As Chairperson of the the National Trust at the Ministry of Social Welfare, she is engaged in making disability policies, legislation and programmes rights-based and people-centred. She has pioneered a range of programmes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the area of health insurance, livelihoods and assisted living. She also served as a member of the “New Law Committee” which was formed to harmonise national legislation with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She has co-authored a book on Management of Cerebral Palsy: A Trans disciplinary Approach.

Ms. Poonam also has received a multitude of Awards, including a Certificate of Honour from Guild of Service (C), in recognition of outstanding achievement and contribution in the field of disability, research and advisory services.

PRANAV SAVLA

Pranav Savla is a passionate software engineering student with six years of hands-on experience in the tech industry, specializing in both frontend and backend development. Throughout his career, he has worked with multiple companies, building robust, scalable solutions and contributing to various innovative projects.

Beyond academic pursuits and professional engagements, Pranav is also an entrepreneur and freelancer, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to apply his skills. Committed to advocating for accessibility and the broader availability of assistive technology, he serves as a researcher at uDot, focusing on enhancing user experiences for a Braille tactile display. Through this work, he aims to push the boundaries of how assistive technology can be more intuitive and effective.

As a content creator, Pranav leverages platforms like YouTube to raise awareness and provide valuable insights on lifestyle and technology, particularly in the context of blindness and other disabilities. With a vision of fostering an inclusive digital world, he strives to ensure that technology serves everyone equally.

SRIVATSAN SANKARAN

Srivatsan Sankaran, a Travel photographer and Photography educator for the deaf. Despite my hearing disability, I have travelled to 200+ destinations and covered 50+ festivals. I express my feelings through Photography which helps to connect with the world. My Story was selected and exhibited as Change Maker at the WHO campus on the occasion of World Hearing Day 2023. Apart from that, I am a brand influencer of Sony Alpha cameras. We run a growing community called the Madras Photo Bloggers Foundation that aims at creating a platform for deaf artists/photographers to showcase their talents. Established in March 2016 to benefit the deaf community on a large scale. More than 100 deaf students have been trained in Photography. They now work in various organizations across Chennai. We aim to bridge the gap between deaf and non-disabled communities through Photography. I've been fortunate to be nominated and recognized in the artistic world with the following accolades. 2018- Change Maker at South India Youth Speak Conclave by US consulate & Nalandaway foundation 2022- Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Promotion by Tamil Nadu Tourism 2022- Winner of Global Ability Photography challenge 2023 – Humanitarian Award for Excellent Contribution towards Child Rights by Rotary club 2023- Story selected and exhibited as the Change Maker at WHO Campus, Geneva.

UPASANA MAHTANI

Upasana Mahtani – A Passionate Advocate for Literature & Inclusivity

Born and raised in Madras (now Chennai), Upasana Mahtani has always been deeply passionate about reading—a love nurtured by her favorite English teacher.

Thirteen years ago, she founded The Book Reporter, a platform that began as Facebook book reviews, much like childhood summer book reports. Over time, she transitioned to Instagram, where she now shares book reviews, live sessions, and literary discussions.

As a mother to a special needs child and a young adult, Upasana actively educates herself on inclusivity through social media and personal experiences with her daughter.

Her latest initiative, The Madras Reading Company, aims to bring literary events to Chennai. She has already hosted several authors and looks forward to expanding the city’s literary landscape.

SHUCHI KAPOOR

Shuchi Kapoor is a documentary photojournalist from India and Co-founder of the Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation - a platform that facilitates learning, exhibition-making, and publishing opportunities in the space of photographic arts.

Shuchi works at the intersections of visual storytelling, research and education, deeply curious about regimes of representation and visual cultures. She looks at photography as a medium of inquiry.