The freshly cooked food aroma, the clinking of plates, and the children's laughter all played their role as India Autism Center celebrated Children's Day with a heartwarming Sit-Down Supper and Kitchen Takeover. In a beautiful celebration of inclusion and confidence, children on the autism spectrum donned aprons, took charge of the kitchen, and served up joy, one dish at a time.
On November 12 and 13, the children from Amrit Somani Memorial Center, Marga Wellness Studio, and WeCan Society held a unique initiative comprising more than 30 young participants. Under the mentorship of Chef Shashwat Sachdev, the children planned, prepared, and presented a delicious supper for their parents and mentors in the kitchen, which had now become the space for creativity, connection, and pride.
Parents watched with pride as the young chefs plated up their creations, turning an ordinary supper into a celebration of talent, patience, and boundless enthusiasm.
Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO, India Autism Center, shared, "Children's Day at India Autism Center is always about celebrating ability, joy, and inclusion. This year's Sit-Down Supper and Kitchen Takeover beautifully captured that spirit, showing us what happens when you give children the freedom to express themselves and the confidence to lead. Every dish served carried the flavour of pride and happiness."
Chef Shashvat Dhandhania, founder of To Die For (restaurant in Park Street, Kolkata) added, "Handing over our kitchen to these young chefs was an experience I will never forget. Their creativity and passion were truly inspiring. It reminded me that when you focus on potential instead of limitation, magic happens. Each plate they served was a masterpiece of effort and love."
Priyanka Guha, a parent of a 17-year-old boy on the spectrum shared her heartfelt experience after the celebration, shared, "When my son Inesh was diagnosed with autism at two, I didn't imagine moments like this. Watching him cook and serve with such excitement was overwhelming. The India Autism Center and Amrit Somani Memorial Trust have given him what many couldn't, acceptance, opportunity, and a space to just be himself. These moments are priceless."
Adding to the warmth of the celebration, Chefs - Vasundhara Kochar and Stuti Saraf Jain, who are the founders of Cheesserted Patisserie, along with Jayatri Biswas, founder of The Mischief and Company, joined the children, making the experience even more special with their encouragement and presence.
Building on the success of this initiative, the India Autism Center aims to make such inclusive, skill-based experiences a regular part of its annual calendar, fostering confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging among children on the spectrum.
