For the past two years, during World Autism Awareness Month, Buddy Up Network partners with Special Hangout, a great social space for neurodivergent children and adults in Mumbai, to host an all-out dance party. The star of our evening is Tryps a.k.a Trishina, a fantastic young DJ and also sister to Rushil, a handsome young man on the autism spectrum, who is a painter and model. This is one night when the community comes together – not to learn about a new therapy, or to discuss options for...

As I walked into a friend's home for dinner last night, the hot topic of discussion was a video showing a man (a British national) wearing shorts, walking into a bar at a Mumbai club, and on being told that shorts are not allowed, removing his belt and stripping down to his underwear. This screengrab from the CCTV camera was setting WhatsApp on fire and causing reactions ranging from outrage, disgust and anger. I confess, this is how I felt too. ‘What cheek!,’ I said to the friend after she...

Caring for a loved one with a disability, neurodivergent condition, chronic illness, or special needs is an act of deep love and commitment. But it is also physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. In India, where family members often take on lifelong caregiving roles, many caregivers quietly carry this responsibility with very little support. Many of them face long daily care routines, therapy schedules, and hospital visits. As a result, most have limited time for themselves. This...