National Conference · 2026

Bridging the Gaps: From Awareness to Action for Every Childhood

A two-day national gathering of clinicians, educators, families and policymakers, marking six years of Shalabhangal Holistic Development Centre for Children.

📅 24–25 November 2026 📍 Kottarakara, Kerala ⛪ Under the Society of Mar Thoma Institution for Life Empowerment

Four Questions, Two Days

Every session across the two days is built around one of four questions — how we notice a child, connect the people around them, empower families, and build what lasts.

Day 1 · See & Connect

See

Recognise the child in front of you, not just the case file.

Day 1 · See & Connect

Connect

Link families, professionals and systems around that child.

Day 2 · Empower & Build

Empower

Equip caregivers and communities with tools that last.

Day 2 · Empower & Build

Build

Turn awareness and connection into lasting local infrastructure.

The Five-Stage Journey

The conference traces a single child's journey — from first noticing a difference, to a community equipped to act on it.

1

Awareness

Noticing a developmental difference early.

2

Identification

Naming and understanding what's observed.

3

Connection

Linking the child to the right people and services.

4

Intervention

Structured therapy, education and support.

5

Empowerment

Family and community carrying it forward.

Closing session: Day 2 ends with the Early Childhood Commitment — a shared pledge for delegates — and introduces the Early Childhood Ambassador role for continuing this work beyond the conference.

Who Should Attend

Delegate categories are organised by each person's role in a child's developmental journey.

Medical & Healthcare Professionals
Therapy & Rehabilitation Specialists
Education Sector
Community & Government Frontline Workers
Parents & Families
Church & Faith-Based Organisations
Local Self-Government & Policymakers
Higher Education & Research
NGOs & Development Organisations
StudentsDiscounted category

Resource Persons

Clinicians, researchers and policy leaders anchoring the two-day programme.

Dr. Samuel P. Oommen
Head, Department of Developmental Paediatrics, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
Dr. Roopa
Senior Leadership Team, Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai
Dr. Suja K. Kunnath
Professor Principal & Former Executive Director, NISH
Dr. Anna Daniel
Head, Department of Occupational Therapy, NIPMR
Sharon Susan Sam
Speech Language Pathologist, Child Development Centre (CDC), Thiruvananthapuram
Dr. S. Ramakrishnan
Former Chief of Physiotherapy, Department of Medical Education, Government of Kerala
Geetha Gopi
Psychologist, Special Educator & Child Development Professional
Shri C. Chandrababu
Rehabilitation Leader & Institution Builder
Dr. Usha Titus IAS
Former Principal Secretary, General Education & Social Welfare; Former CMD, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, Kerala
Dr. Arun S. Nair IAS
Director, Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala

Registration

General instructions

  • Registration is by delegate category — choose the one that matches your role.
  • Complete the registration form to confirm your seat; payment details will follow by email.
  • Group registration is available for teams of five or more — write to the organising team for details.
  • Student delegates should carry a valid ID for the discounted rate.
  • Accommodation can be arranged on request, subject to availability.

Reserve Your Seat

Individual Registration Group Registration

Both buttons currently point to the same form. Send a separate group-registration link if you'd like them split.