Freedom Carnival 2026 Brings Together 1,000+ Children with Special Needs in a Celebration of Inclusion

Chennai: Ooruni Foundation, a non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to advancing the three pillars of human development — Education, Environment, and Equal Opportunities — organized its flagship event Freedom Carnival 2026 at Vels University, Pallavaram.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Arumugam, Managing Trustee of Ooruni Foundation, followed by the inaugural address by Dr. Rathinavel Rajan, Founder and Trustee of Ooruni Foundation, who emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive society where every child is given the opportunity to express their abilities and participate with dignity.

The vibrant celebration brought together over 1,000 children with special needs from 35 schools, along with their parents, special educators, and more than 200 volunteers from corporates and institutions, creating a powerful platform for inclusion, joy, and community engagement.

The programme was coordinated by the office bearers of the Foundation, including Treasurer Arun Kumar, along with Radhakrishnan, Charles Lenin, Nagarajan, Nagalakshmi, Siddharth, and Kasthuri, supported by a large team of dedicated volunteers who ensured the smooth conduct of the event.

Throughout the day, the children enthusiastically participated in a wide range of activities including talent performances, games, play stations, and drawing sessions, while also enjoying special food counters and entertainment zones. The carnival atmosphere enabled the children to showcase their abilities and creativity, bringing immense joy to parents and educators who witnessed their participation with pride.

Several awards, prizes, and gifts were distributed to appreciate the talents and enthusiasm of the participating children.

In addition to the festivities, expert sessions for parents were conducted by Dr. K.K. Dhanavendan, Principal and Head of Unit (CP) at NIPMED, Dr. Akila Palani, Director of Bright The Learning Center & Early Intervention Services India, and Mrs. Annapoorna Raj, Founder of Inspire Lives Trust. The sessions focused on disability rights and policies, improving communication among children with developmental delays, and the importance of integrated education combined with vocational development.

Freedom Carnival 2026 served as a meaningful initiative promoting inclusion, empowerment, and community collaboration, reinforcing Ooruni Foundation’s commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable society.

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