The Altering Perceptions of Autism and Assisting in Rehabilitation (APAAR) celebrated its 11th anniversary this week with an event that shone a spotlight on over a decade of dedicated service to neurodiverse adults in the region.
At the heart of the celebrations was APAAR founder Dr. Navneet Bhullar, who underscored the pressing need to integrate neurodiverse individuals into mainstream society. “In our community, young men and women with autism and other intellectual disabilities have long been marginalised,” Dr. Bhullar remarked. “Our mission is to create an environment where these individuals are not sidelined, but embraced as valued members of society.”
Despite its commendable achievements, APAAR has faced significant hurdles. Dr. Bhullar noted that the organisation’s progress over the past year was marred by the loss of accommodation space after the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) withdrew its support in January. This setback has added to the everyday challenges faced by the NGO in its quest to provide rehabilitative care and skill development opportunities for its clients, aiming to transition them into employment beyond sheltered workshops.
A moving tribute during the event honoured the late Davinder Pal Bhullar, a revered trustee whose legacy lives on through the annual Dastaan-e-Hind award. Named after her, the accolade recognises exceptional caregiving, and this year it was presented to Asha Bhatia for her unwavering support of her son Arun, who, despite cerebral palsy and partial blindness, has navigated life in a wheelchair for much of his existence.
The ceremony featured a captivating slideshow showcasing APAAR’s extensive work over the past year. The presentation highlighted not only the practical achievements but also the emotional journeys of the families and volunteers who form the backbone of the organisation. Volunteer Daljit Singh Gill even took the opportunity to appeal to local authorities, urging SDM Adampur Vivek Kumar Modi—who served as the guest of honour—to consider offering APAAR a government facility with ample space.
In a heartening display of community collaboration, a new partnership between APAAR families, Sparsh Special School, and Jalandhar Cantt was announced. Dr. Pallavi Khanna, a counsellor and psychologist at Sparsh and the guest of honour at the event, explained, “We meet every month, exchanging innovative ideas in communication and updates on best practices. This social support network is crucial for our collective success.”
However, not all reflections were celebratory. Pooja Arora, a member of APAAR’s advisory committee, pointed out the glaring disparities in rehabilitative support across the region. “Cities like Hoshiarpur are setting benchmarks with initiatives led by the Red Cross and government-sponsored coffee kiosks, while here in Jalandhar, there remains a notable lack of public awareness and infrastructure support,” she lamented. Arora also recalled the failed attempt by the local Red Cross to launch a similar café, which met resistance from the community.
As the event drew to a close, APAAR’s representatives reiterated their commitment to overcoming logistical challenges and urged both government and community stakeholders to invest in more robust support systems. With determination and a clear vision, the NGO continues to fight for a future where neurodiversity is not a barrier but a celebrated aspect of human identity.
