Kolkata :The aroma of freshly cooked food, the clinking of plates, and the sound of children’s laughter filled the air as the India Autism Center celebrated Children’s Day with a heartwarming Sit-Down Supper and Kitchen Takeover. In a vibrant showcase of inclusion and confidence, children on the autism spectrum donned aprons, stepped into the kitchen, and served joy one dish at a time.
Held on November 12 and 13, the initiative brought together more than 30 young participants from Amrit Somani Memorial Center, Marga Wellness Studio, and WeCan Society. Under the mentorship of Chef Shashvat Dhandhania, the children planned, prepared, and presented a memorable supper for their parents and mentors. The kitchen transformed into a space of creativity, connection, and pride.
Parents watched with overwhelming joy as the young chefs plated their creations — turning an ordinary meal into a celebration of talent, patience, and boundless enthusiasm.
Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO, India Autism Center, said,
“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 carried the flavour of pride and happiness.”
Chef Shashvat Dhandhania, founder of To Die For (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 rather than limitation, magic happens. Each plate they served was a masterpiece of effort and love.”
For parents, the celebration was deeply emotional. Priyanka Guha, mother of 17-year-old Inesh, shared,
“When my son was diagnosed with autism at two, I couldn’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 acceptance, opportunity, and a space to be himself. These moments are priceless.”
Adding to the warmth of the occasion, chefs Vasundhara Kochar and Stuti Saraf Jain, founders of Cheesserted Patisserie, along with Jayatri Biswas, founder of The Mischief and Company, joined the children, offering guidance and encouragement that made the celebration even more special.
Inspired by the success of this initiative, the India Autism Center aims to make such inclusive, skill-based experiences a regular feature in its annual calendar — continuing to nurture confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging among children on the spectrum.
