Inaugural Memorial Oration Honoring Pioneering Founders – 28th June 2025
The Bala Mandir Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children (BMMNC) held its first Memorial Oration, honouring the enduring legacy of its founders, Mrs. Jaya Krishnaswamy and Air Vice Marshal V. Krishnaswamy, VSM.
Established in December 1989 with the support of the Chennai-based Sanmar Group of
Companies, BMMNC has been a pioneer in early intervention through its innovative, indigenous Upanayan programme. Over the past three decades, the Centre has become a nationally recognized institution in the field of special education, earning numerous accolades for its impactful work.
The first memorial oration was delivered by Dr. Prithika Chary, renowned neurologist and neurosurgeon, who drew from decades of experience in neurodevelopment to speak on “Neurodevelopmental Challenges in Children with Intellectual Disability & Empowering Families through Early Intervention.” She emphasized the urgent need to address late diagnoses, which affected more than half of children with mild to moderate intellectual disability in India—often not identified until ages 5 to 9.
Dr. Chary called for inclusive, community-driven strategies, including wider screening by frontline workers, early training for healthcare providers, stigma-reduction campaigns, and stronger data systems. Notably, she highlighted the importance of family-centered support, extending beyond parents to include siblings and extended family.
The oration was followed by a hands-on workshop, “Multi-Sensory Teaching Methods for Parenting Children with Neurodevelopmental Challenges,” led by Ms. V.R.P. Sheilaja Rao and Mrs. Afshaan Jabeen from Hyderabad, offering practical insights for caregivers.
The event served as a heartfelt tribute to Mrs. Jaya Krishnaswamy’s lifelong mission to empower families, professionals, and institutions in the disability sector. Her spirit of collaboration and commitment to inclusive education was palpable throughout the day’s proceedings.
