Kolkata: Creativity, connection and the spirit of siblinghood came
together as India Autism Center (IAC), a leading not-for-profit
organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and related
developmental conditions, hosted Threads of Belonging, an
inclusive Rakhi-making workshop that brought neurodiverse individuals, their
siblings and friends together. Designed as an art therapy-led celebration of
Raksha Bandhan, the workshop created a warm and welcoming space for
participants to express themselves creatively, build confidence and strengthen
relationships between
peers and siblings through shared experiences. The initiative reflects IAC’s larger
commitment to fostering inclusion, participation and meaningful community
engagement by creating culturally rooted spaces that celebrate abilities,
relationships and togetherness.
This vision is
also central to Samaavesh, IAC’s upcoming lifelong residential care
ecosystem for neurodiverse individuals, which seeks to create a supportive and
inclusive environment where individuals can live, learn, grow and build
meaningful connections.
The session was
thoughtfully facilitated by Rajashree Mukherjee, an experienced Art Therapy practitioner, working with neurodivergent
individuals, and Anamitro Chatterjee, Resident Artist at the India Autism Center, who happens to be a high functioning
individual on the autism spectrum. Bringing together professional
expertise and lived experience, the facilitators guided participants in
creating their own rakhis using a variety of art materials. The activity
encouraged participants to explore creativity as a means of self-expression and
emotional connection, while a sharing circle provided an opportunity to reflect
on the thoughts and feelings behind their creations. The session concluded with
participants exchanging their handmade rakhis, adding a personal and meaningful
touch to the celebration of siblinghood.
Speaking about
the initiative, Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and Chief Executive Officer, India Autism Center, said, “At India
Autism Center, we believe inclusion is created when individuals are given the
space and opportunity to participate, express themselves, and build meaningful
connections. Threads of Belonging brought the spirit of Raksha Bandhan
into an environment where creativity became a way to connect, communicate, and
celebrate sibling bonds. Having Anamitro co-facilitate the session also made
inclusion visible in practice, reflecting our belief that neurodivergent
individuals should be active participants in shaping and leading inclusive
experiences.”
Anamitro Chatterjee, co-facilitator of
the workshop and Resident Artist at the India Autism Center, said, “Being
part of Threads of Belonging was meaningful because it brought individuals together in a
space where everyone could create and express themselves in their own way.
Making a rakhi is a simple and familiar activity, but it also gives us a chance
to think about the people who are important to us.”
Rajashree Mukherjee, Art Therapist and
Facilitator at the workshop, shared, "Threads of Belonging was an
opportunity to experience how art can become a language for connection. The
focus was not on creating a Rakhi that looks perfect, but on enjoying the
process, expressing oneself and sharing the experience with others. Seeing
neurodivergent participants engage with the activity in their own ways and
celebrate their sibling relationships made the session especially meaningful.”
Through art,
shared participation, and the celebration of sibling relationships, Threads
of Belonging highlighted the importance of creating judgment-free spaces
where neurodivergent individuals and their families can connect and express
themselves freely. The workshop reinforced IAC’s continued commitment to
fostering confidence, belonging, and meaningful participation while celebrating
neurodivergence through inclusive experiences.