CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, a special program was organized at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University on the theme “Improving Our Support Systems.” The event was hosted by the university’s Department of Special Education.
Dr. A.K. Shukla, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation, Sehore, attended as the Chief Guest and, in his address, explained that the institute specializes in mental health disorders and currently runs five different academic programs. He elaborated on the various symptoms of Down syndrome and shared that the institute provides all necessary facilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of children with Down syndrome.
He emphasized that there is no medical cure for this syndrome — rehabilitation is the only approach. The institute has clinical psychologists and special educators dedicated to this cause. Dr. Shukla appealed to society, saying, “If you know any child suffering from Down syndrome, please bring them to our institute.” He also highlighted the importance of home management in such cases.
As Special Guest, Dr. S.P. Gautam, former Vice Chancellor of Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, shared his insights and stated that one of the primary causes of Down syndrome is childbirth at an older age. He explained the concept of evolution, stating that earlier, males had XX chromosomes and females had XY chromosomes, but due to rising temperatures, the pattern reversed — now males have XY and females have XX. He also discussed the development of secondary sexual characteristics in children and stressed that the term “syndrome” means multiple organs being affected by a single cause. He emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness among parents.
Prof. Sanjay Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University and the Chair of the event, said that children with Down syndrome need compassion and care. He highlighted that there’s still a long way to go in the medical field to support such children and that they deserve to live with dignity. He noted that, as per the 2011 Census, about 2.6% of children in India are differently-abled, and mental health issues are steadily rising in society. He emphasized the need for awareness programs on Down syndrome.
Students Anusha Dutt and Deepti from the Department of Special Education shared that Down syndrome was first identified in 1866 by Dr. John Langdon Down. It is caused by the presence of three chromosomes on the 21st pair instead of the normal two, among the 23 pairs of human chromosomes. They explained that Down syndrome can be detected during the first trimester of pregnancy through various diagnostic tests.
The event began with a welcome speech and theme introduction by Dr. Hemant Keswal, Head of the Department of Special Education. He stated that in India, 1 out of every 700 to 1,000 children is born with Down syndrome, and about 35,000 children are diagnosed with the condition annually. These children require lifelong medical and family support and often face cognitive challenges along with musculoskeletal issues. There is a significant need for rehabilitation and increased parental awareness.
The vote of thanks was delivered by L.P. Jharia, Director and Acting Registrar of the University. The program was coordinated by Nidhi Rawal Gautam, Senior Advisor of the University’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). A large number of teachers, officials, staff, and students from the university were in attendance
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