As a passionate special educator at NK Bagrodia Global School, Anjali has spent the last seven years working closely with children with special needs. She has done Masters in psychology and professional degrees in the Special Education field. Her work revolves around supporting these students and ensuring they receive the attention, care, and educational opportunities they deserve.
In recent years, the focus on inclusive education has grown, but much work remains. It is her belief that true inclusion must be promoted not only within schools but across our city and country. This effort requires collaboration and awareness. Inclusion is more than just integrating children with special needs into regular classrooms—it is about ensuring that they are given the same opportunities to stand alongside their peers, academically, socially, and emotionally.
We strongly believe that such initiatives can help raise awareness of the importance of inclusive education. The goal is to create a platform for children with special needs, offering them the chance to showcase their talents, abilities, and potential.
The main aim behind Spectrum Event is to bring attention to this vital issue in the field of education, promoting awareness and encouraging educational institutions to adopt inclusive practices, ensuring that all students—regardless of their abilities—are given the opportunity to succeed.
The promotion of inclusive education is not only about supporting children with special needs but about enriching the educational environment for all students.
Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Womenshine speaks to Ms. Anjali about her journey and her love towards education.
1. What inspired you to become a special educator?
My inspiration came from the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with unique needs. Witnessing the struggles and untapped potential of such children ignited my passion for creating a learning environment where every child feels valued and capable of achieving their best . Being a mother I know that every parent dreams of their child’s success, and I feel parents of children with special needs are no different. I want them to see their child’s journey as a gift, not a burden ; a chance to nurture unique strengths and celebrate every milestone as a triumph of love and resilience.
2. What are some challenges you’ve faced in special education, and how did you overcome them?
Although I knew that due to the existing stigmas of our society, the field I’ve chosen will come with some challenges but I have never thought of my profession as a challenge rather a means of fulfillment and content. Still there are certain aspects that do pose a challenge but it’s not something that can’t be dealt with, to mention a few:
* “Behavioral Issues Of Children” which can be addressed by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and individualized behavior plans.
* “Parental Resistance” for which I have worked closely with parents, providing counseling and showing measurable progress to earn their trust.
* “Limited opportunity and platform” for us educators and children is another obstacle which has been tackled by us. My team and I took an initiative which was well supported by our school and created the platform “Spectrum Exclusively Inclusive ” for children with Special Needs and their buddies.
* “Teacher Collaboration” was a prime issue which had to be addressed for us to really execute every on-paper norms and orders issued by CBSE & RCI. I took regular workshops and awareness programs which helped bridge gaps between mainstream teachers and special educators.
3. How do you define true inclusion in education?
True inclusion means more than just placing children with special needs in regular classrooms. It involves adapting the curriculum, teaching strategies, and classroom environments to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring equal participation and success for all students. I really feel that Inclusion is about fostering respect, empathy, and collaboration among peers and I can really see that happening slowly but steadily with the diligent efforts of my colleagues.
4. What is the Spectrum event, and what do you aim to achieve through it?
We have been organising “Spectrum Exclusively Inclusive” for 2 years now and it’s turning out to be a great success as more and more schools are showing interest in participation which is enabling Children with special needs to really showcase their talents in an unbiased and level field. The Spectrum event in its core is a celebration of abilities, creativity, and resilience. It provides a platform for children with special needs with their buddies and classmates to showcase their talents in an integrated form of different art forms on various subjects.The goal is to inspire acceptance, challenge stereotypes, and reinforce the idea that every child is unique and valuable to society.And they too can walk shoulder to shoulder, all they need is an opportunity.
5. How can schools and communities collaborate to promote inclusion effectively?
I have been answering this question in almost every workshop that I’ve taken all across Delhi in different schools and colleges, so I’d like to answer it very briefly in four simple points which can be called the 4 pillars because every point is effective and equally important.
* Awareness Programs: Host community events to educate people about inclusion and its benefits.
* Training Sessions: Equipping teachers, staff, and parents with the skills to support inclusive practices.
* Accessible Infrastructure: Schools and communities can ensure physical spaces are inclusive for all abilities.
* Support Networks: Creating parent groups and buddy systems within the community to support families of children with special needs.
Above all, it is important to have empathy in everyone because without this, no one can understand the uniqueness of special needs children.
6. What role do educators play in fostering an inclusive learning environment?
Educators lead by example, therefore they can begin by fostering empathy and acceptance in the classroom. They can deviate from the orthodox teaching methodologies and update themselves with the latest curriculum and teacher training provided by CBSE, build peer support systems, and celebrate diversity. By embracing flexibility and creativity in their teaching, educators ensure every student has equal opportunities to succeed.
7. What is your vision for the future of inclusive education in India?
My vision is an education system where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. This includes accessible infrastructure, widespread awareness, teacher training programs, and many other programs for general people that equip educators and parents to handle diverse needs. Ultimately, it’s about building a society where differences are celebrated and every child is given the opportunity to succeed.
Shared By: Miss Anjali,
Special Educator, NK Bagrodia Global School
