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 togetherDesigned 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 experiencesThe 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 spectrumBringing together professional expertise and lived experience, the facilitators guided participants in creating their own rakhis using a variety of art materialsThe 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 creationsThe session concluded with participants exchanging their handmade rakhis, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the celebration of siblinghood.
Speaking about the initiative, MrJaishankar 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 bondsHaving 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 wayMaking 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 connectionThe focus was not on creating a Rakhi that looks perfect, but on enjoying the process, expressing oneself and sharing the experience with othersSeeing 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 freelyThe workshop reinforced IAC’s continued commitment to fostering confidence, belonging, and meaningful participation while celebrating neurodivergence through inclusive experiences.
