National Seminar on Inclusive Education and Teacher Capacity Building Held in Dehradun
Dehradun, 19 July 2026
A significant step towards strengthening inclusive education was taken in Dehradun with the organisation of the National Seminar on Inclusive Education and Teacher Capacity Building, followed by the Grand Launch of the SHINE AVI Visual Learning Curriculum, aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.
The programme was organised by SHINE AVI Learning under the leadership of Ms. Anita Sharma, Founder and Director, SHINE AVI Publication. The seminar brought together policymakers, academicians, education administrators, researchers, special educators, medical professionals, teachers and advocates of inclusive education.
The central theme of the seminar was:
“Bridging Learning Gaps: Empowering Diverse Learners through NEP 2020, Teacher Capacity Building and Evidence-Based Inclusive Practices.”
The concept behind the seminar emphasised that inclusive education must recognise differences in children’s abilities, developmental profiles, languages, learning styles, social backgrounds and educational needs. It also highlighted the importance of early identification, differentiated instruction, assistive technology, visual learning and continuous teacher professional development.
Anita Sharma: A Mother Who Transformed a Personal Challenge into a Social Mission
The event celebrated the courageous and inspiring journey of Anita Sharma, a mother of two neurodivergent sons who transformed her personal experiences into a powerful movement for inclusive education.
As a mother, she faced the challenges of finding appropriate educational opportunities, learning support and acceptance for her children. Instead of giving up, she worked tirelessly to ensure that her sons attended school, developed their abilities and progressed towards meaningful and independent lives.
Her journey gradually extended beyond her family. She began supporting other parents, teachers and children who were facing similar challenges. Today, her work is reaching thousands of teachers, students and families, and she has emerged as a role model in the field of autism, inclusive education and visual learning.
After living in the United States for nearly three decades, Anita Sharma returned to India and chose Uttarakhand as the base for her educational and social mission. She established SHINE AVI to develop structured visual learning resources and teacher-development programmes for inclusive classrooms.
She serves as:
- Autism and Inclusive Education Specialist
- Founder and Director, SHINE AVI Publication
- Operations Head, Myra Care Foundation
Her official communication to SCERT Uttarakhand described the initiative as an effort to bring teachers, principals, special educators, SCERT officials and education experts together to discuss early identification, learning gaps, visual learning methodologies and practical classroom strategies.
Programme Proceedings
The programme began with Registration and High Tea from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
This was followed by a Welcome Session and Introductory Video from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM, introducing the vision of SHINE AVI and the purpose of the national seminar.
Academic Session and Dignitaries’ Addresses
The academic session, held from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM, was chaired by:
Dr. Manoj Pant
Director, Planning and SETU Aayog, Government of Uttarakhand
The dignitaries who addressed the seminar, in the order listed in the programme, were:
Bandana Garbyal
Director, Academic Research and Training, SCERT Uttarakhand
Bandana Garbyal delivered the keynote address. She highlighted NEP and SDG4, the importance of preparing teachers to recognise diverse learning needs and creating classroom environments in which every child is respected, supported and provided an opportunity to learn.
Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan
Director General, Academic Development, Swami Rama Himalayan University
Dr. Chauhan shared his academic perspective on inclusive learning, teacher preparation and the need for collaboration between educational institutions, health professionals and schools.
Dr. Amjad Hussain
Chief Executive Officer, ACIC–SIIC, Shri Ram Himalayan University, Dehradun
Dr. Amjad Hussain discussed innovation, institutional partnerships and the role of educational initiatives in creating scalable solutions for children with diverse learning needs.
Anita Sharma
Founder and Director, SHINE AVI Publication
Ms. Anita Sharma shared the vision behind SHINE AVI and explained how her experiences as a mother inspired her to create visual learning materials, teacher-training programmes and support systems for neurodivergent children.
The names and sequence above have been taken from the official programme agenda.
Panel Discussion and Question–Answer Session
The Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
Moderator
Ramesh Bhatt, News Nation
Ramesh Bhatt moderated the discussion and facilitated an exchange of ideas among educationists, policy representatives, medical experts, inclusive-education practitioners and SCERT faculty members.
Panel Members in Programme Order
1. Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan
Director General, Academic Development, Swami Rama Himalayan University
2. Ramesh Prasad Badoni
IT Faculty, SCERT Uttarakhand
3. Dr. Ranbir Singh
Former Joint Secretary and Regional Officer, CBSE
4. Dr. Jaya Narvani
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Government Doon Medical College and Hospital, Dehradun
5. Anita Sharma
Founder and Director, SHINE AVI Publication
Major Questions Discussed by the Panel
The panel examined several important questions related to inclusive education and teacher development.
What Does True Inclusion Look Like in Today’s Classrooms?
The panellists discussed that true inclusion is not limited to admitting children with disabilities into mainstream schools. It requires transforming classroom practices, learning materials, assessment methods, infrastructure and teacher attitudes so that every child can participate meaningfully.
How Can NEP 2020 Be Implemented at the Classroom Level?
The discussion emphasised the necessity to translate policy provisions into practical classroom strategies. Teachers require suitable training, accessible learning resources, school-level support and continuous mentoring to implement inclusive education effectively.
How Can Teachers Identify Hidden Learning Gaps Early?
The panel emphasised classroom observation, developmental indicators, screening checklists, interaction with parents, documentation and timely referral to trained professionals.
What Competencies Should Every Teacher Possess?
Teachers must be able to:
- Understand different learning profiles
- Recognise early warning signs
- Use differentiated instruction
- Adapt classroom activities
- Apply visual and multi-sensory strategies
- Use assistive technology
- Plan individual learning support
- Monitor student progress
- Collaborate with parents and specialists
What Role Can SCERT Play in Inclusive Education?
During the discussion, special attention to the role of SCERT Uttarakhand in developing systematic courses and professional-development programmes for teachers.
SCERT can support inclusive education by:
- Developing state-level teacher-training modules
- Integrating inclusive education into CPD programmes
- Preparing digital and blended courses
- Producing accessible e-content
- Developing screening and classroom observation tools
- Supporting DIETs in district-level teacher training
- Promoting action research on inclusive practices
- Establishing partnerships with universities and specialised institutions
- Training teachers in assistive and educational technologies
Role of AI, ICT and Assistive Technology
Ramesh Prasad Badoni, IT Faculty, SCERT Uttarakhand, contributed to the discussion on how technology can improve educational access for diverse learners.
The discussion covered the use of:
- AI-assisted personalised learning
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems
- Learning-management platforms for teacher training
The concept note specifically identified AI, ICT, assistive technology and visual learning resources as important tools for improving learning outcomes. School education Joint Director J P Kala and other senior officials as S S Negi , Ajeet Bhandari and others were present in the seminar.
Citation Presented to Bandana Garbyal and Guest of honor to all and experts
A special Citation of Honour was presented by the SHINE AVI Group to:
Bandana Garbyal, Director, Academic Research and Training, Uttarakhand
She was recognised for her academic leadership, commitment to teacher development and support for inclusive education in Uttarakhand.
As the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, Smt. Bandana Garbyal emphasised the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure that teachers are prepared to address varied learning needs.
Her presence also reflected the importance of collaboration between SCERT, educational institutions, special educators, researchers, medical experts and community organisations. 
Felicitation Ceremony and Documentary Screening
“Beyond Mother’s Journey” was screened.
The documentary presented the life and mission of Ms. Anita Sharma, showing how a mother’s struggle for her children’s education developed into a movement supporting inclusive learning.
It reflected her journey from personal struggle to public service and demonstrated how determination, compassion and evidence-based educational practices can transform lives.
Arrival and Welcome of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
From 11:30 AM onwards, the programme entered its grand inaugural phase with the arrival of:
Hon’ble Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister was welcomed by the organisers, dignitaries, participants and members of the SHINE AVI team.
The event was also graced by:
Munna Singh Chauhan
Member of the Legislative Assembly, Vikasnagar Constituency, Dehradun
The official invitation identified Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami as the Chief Guest and Shri Munna Singh Chauhan as a Guest of Honour.
Grand Launch of the SHINE AVI Visual Learning Curriculum
The Chief Minister’s programme included the following activities in the official sequence:
1. Arrival and Welcome of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
The Chief Minister was formally received and welcomed by the organisers and distinguished guests.
2. Inaugural Tour of the SHINE AVI Visual Learning Gallery
Hon’ble Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the SHINE AVI Visual Learning Gallery and viewed the curriculum resources designed for diverse learners.
3. Ceremonial Lamp Lighting
The formal inauguration began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
4. Audio-Visual Presentations
Audio-visual presentations introduced the background, educational philosophy and expected impact of the SHINE AVI curriculum.
5. Opening Address by Ms. Anita Sharma
Ms. Anita Sharma delivered the opening address and shared her journey as a mother, educator and advocate of inclusive education.
She explained how the SHINE AVI initiative was developed to strengthen the learning abilities of children through structured, visual and evidence-based approaches.
Special Presentations by Neurodivergent Young Adults
A highly inspiring part of the programme was the special presentation by two neurodivergent young adults:
Yashasvi Joshi
Manav Sharma
Their participation demonstrated the potential, talent and abilities of neurodivergent individuals when they receive understanding, structured support and meaningful opportunities.
Their presence reinforced the message that inclusion must focus on strengths and possibilities rather than limitations.
Addresses by Distinguished Guests
Munna Singh Chauhan, MLA, Vikasnagar Constituency, Dehradun
He appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of partnerships that strengthen inclusive education and teacher capacity.
Chief Minister Appreciates Anita Sharma’s Reverse Migration
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami appreciated Anita Sharma’s decision to return to Uttarakhand after spending nearly 30 years in the United States.
Her return was not simply a change of residence. It represented a conscious decision to use her international experience for the benefit of children, teachers and families in Uttarakhand.
Recognising her contribution, the Chief Minister described her as an:
“Ambassador of Reverse Migration.”
Her journey represents a powerful model of reverse migration in which knowledge, experience, skills and global exposure are brought back to strengthen local communities.
Ms. Anita Sharma had also earlier been invited to the Pravasi Uttarakhand Sammelan, recognising her connection with the state and her commitment to its educational and social development.
The Chief Minister highlighted that people returning to Uttarakhand with experience and innovative ideas can contribute significantly to education, entrepreneurship and social transformation.
Unveiling of the SHINE AVI Books
The central moment of the programme was the formal:
Unveiling of the SHINE AVI Books and Visual Learning Curriculum
The curriculum has been designed to support children with diverse learning needs and to equip teachers with practical tools for inclusive classrooms.
Its teacher-capacity-building programme is aligned with NEP 2020 and is intended for:
- Government-school teachers
- Private-school teachers
- ECCE teachers
- Primary teachers
- Middle-school teachers
- School leaders
- B.Ed. students
The programme is structured as a five-to-six-hour online certification course.
Chief Minister’s Address, Vote of Thanks and Lunch
Following the unveiling of the books, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the gathering and appreciated the contribution of Ms. Anita Sharma, SHINE AVI and all participating experts.
The programme concluded with:
- Felicitation Ceremony
- Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Address
- Vote of Thanks
- Lunch
A New Beginning for Inclusive Education
The National Seminar and the launch of the SHINE AVI Visual Learning Curriculum represented more than the release of a collection of books.
It marked the beginning of a collaborative movement involving:
- Government institutions
- SCERT
- Universities
- Schools
- Teachers
- Parents
- Medical professionals
- Special educators
- Researchers
- Community organisations
The panel discussion concluded that no single institution can achieve inclusion. It requires coordination between policy, teacher education, technology, healthcare, family support and classroom practice.
Inclusive education is not about changing the child to fit the classroom. It is about preparing the classroom, curriculum and teacher to respond to the needs of every child.
The seminar carried a powerful message:
“If a child cannot learn the way we teach, we must teach the way they learn.”
