The month of November began with a surprise for the children at Ekadaksha.Yes!! A surprise "Halloween party" was arranged at the center on the 1st of November. It was an initiative of 'Dhaara', MCTM International School,Chennai. This plan was proposed by Ms. Saanvi, a Grade 12 student who collaborated with CAS (Grade 11) students of the school. The boys and girls decorated the center with "Halloween theme".Games like - Ghost cup knockdown,Witch hat ring toss,Pumpkin toss were arranged in different rooms.There was a photo booth arranged with different halloween props and a tattoo corner where children could choose designs to be painted on their hand or face. 

Ekadaksha was decked up so colorfully with hanging bats,spiders,balloons,colorful posters,hanging ghosts etc giving a true feeling of Halloween. As children of Ekadaksha entered the center at 10.30am they were excited to see the lovely and warm welcome by the MCTM team.

Each class of Ekadaksha were given two student volunteers from MCTM School.The student volunteers were introduced to the class children and they started interacting with them.The volunteers assisted their class throughout the programme. They helped the children in playing games,taking them around, taking pictures with props and at the tattoo corner. In every game room,the MCTM team encouraged and motivated the children of Ekadaksha- they explained the rules,gave a demo and then cheered the children to play the game.They also gave gifts to the winners. After the game time,photoshoot and drawing of tattoos,the students of MCTM gave a peppy dance performance which was so enjoyable.Children of Ekadaksha too joined the dance and it was so much fun.At the end,there was a soothing music performance by one of their students to which everyone sat and listened with a feeling of calmness filling the air.

The event ended with a vote of thanks given by a student of MCTM Inernational school followed by Ms.Archana Joshi,Founder of ELC,thanking everyone for making this wonderful event happen at Ekadaksha. Exciting goodie bags were given by the MCTM team to the staff and children of Ekadaksha. 

This event was one of a kind where our children had the opportunity to interact and enjoy with neurotypical children of their age group.It was very touching to see the children interacting with each other. Inclusion was happening in a casual manner where children of Ekadaksha felt so much at ease to interact and get along with MCTM students.The students and teachers understood our children well and gave inputs in such a way our children could process and understand. They made the whole atmosphere very comfortable. 

Ekadaksha thanks the Principal of MCTM International school for encouraging this project 'Dhaara' and to the teachers Ms.Papitha and Ms. Janani, for making sure the show ran smoothly. Thankyou to Ms. Saanvi, whose idea, thought and planning made this event a great success and learning. A big shout out to all the students who participated and played their roles perfectly. Thankyou. 

This kind of inclusion and opportunity is what we strive for.It was a wonderful opportunity and exposure for the children of Ekadaksha and all of them enjoyed the event whole heartedly. 

Click here to see the wonderful pictures of the Halloween event.