October – Down Syndrome Awareness Month

When I first met Ritik, I didn’t know that change could be difficult for him. I was simply someone new entering his family, and I wondered how he would accept me.

But he welcomed me in his own beautiful way, with little gestures, hugs, and a quiet trust that grew with time.

Today, we are best friends, and I feel lucky to have found such a special bond with him. He may not say it in words, but he has shown me in a hundred little ways that I belong.

Ayesha, Ritik’s sister-in-law

I have known Nathan since we were tiny dots in our lives. He’s taught me that fun is fun — diagnosis or not, every kid just wants the best, loudest, silliest childhood ever.

My favourite time with him is when we sing together. I teach him songs, and he remembers all the lyrics so well.

And the best part? His face absolutely lights up the second someone says my name — like an instant VIP alert! He’s not just my cousin, he’s my favourite duet partner and the coolest brother I could ask for.

Sharona Trinidad, Cousin of Nathan Ferrao

Diva — Our Little Sunshine

I have known Diva since Day 1, and watching her grow has been an absolute joy. She came into our lives when my daughter left abroad and beautifully filled that vacuum.

Every morning, she wants to come to our house. We enjoy Bollywood music, dance together, do puja rituals, and share so much laughter. Her warm hugs, naughty ways, and seeing me off with my lunch box make every day special.

And thanks to her, I have the sweetest name—Bubba! 😊

I feel truly blessed to have Diva in our lives and look forward to every little moment with her. ❤️

— Mr. Dange, Diva’s Neighbour

I knew Ananya since we were 2 tiny dots in our mother’s womb… from that day till now our ‘sister secrets’ game is most dear to my heart.

We talk our hearts out to each other… from most genuine emotions to nasty pranks!

Ananya heard my first heart beat and she still hears it every time it beats a little faster…

Thanks Nona for being an incredible sister in the whole wide world!

– Ashni (Ananya’s sister)

Raffaela is not just our little sister and cousin—she is our tiny bundle of fun, mischief, and endless laughter! From her funny little expressions and unexpected giggles to the silly things she does that leave us all laughing, she has filled our home with countless happy memories.

We have watched her grow from those precious early days of fighting through so much to now confidently walking into play school like she owns the place!

She keeps us busy, makes us laugh, and sometimes drives us a little crazy too! But most of all, Raffaela has taught us that love, joy, and togetherness can make every ordinary moment truly special.

It started with a simple connection between a teacher and a student—soon, it grew into a beautiful bond of dance, trust, friendship and joy.

Karthik saw Abinav’s unique energy and celebrated it. Together they found more than dance—they found each other.

Abinav taught Karthik that dance is about confidence, happiness and a full heart. Karthik reminded Abinav that every step matters, every effort counts, and he always has a place on the dance floor.

Their journey is not about what makes them different, but what brings them together.

One teacher. One student. One beautiful friendship. One rhythm. Two hearts. ♥

Karthik, Abinav’s Teacher

One morning, I was getting ready for college and suddenly couldn’t find my phone anywhere. I searched everywhere while my sister sat quietly nearby, trying her best not to laugh.

After looking for a while, I realised she had hidden my phone because she didn’t want me to leave. When I finally found it, she gave me the most innocent smile as if she had done absolutely nothing.

I couldn’t even be angry with her. Moments like these make life with her so much more fun and special. It’s just her smile and innocence that lights up my world everyday.

So grateful to have her by my side. 💖✨

Hemakshi, Lucky sister of Sonakshi

My Guardian Angel: Sahil

I have been training Sahil in yoga for two years, but a recent incident connected us by heart forever.

When I fractured my hand, Sahil’s extraordinary sensitivity amazed me. He didn’t need to be told anything; he would gently place a cushion under my injured arm, fetch water for me, and after class, walk me outside to open the cab door and safely seat me.

While the world calls them ‘special,’ Sahil showed me they possess a rare empathy that others often lack.

His pure, selfless care didn’t just touch my heart—it made me the proudest teacher alive.

—Kamlesh Singh (Sahil’s Yoga Teacher)

The Smile Ashish Gave Me

My little brother Ashish, was born with Down Syndrome. I think of him as someone born to make other’s happy.

There was a difficult phase in my life when I found myself crying more often than I wanted to. There were days when the sadness felt heavy, and I did not know how to make myself smile.

Ashish would look at me with that familiar, innocent smile of his. Sometimes he would come close to me and give me one of his warm hugs. It was such a simple moment, but it stayed with me.

He taught me that even when life hurts, we can still find a reason to smile. And perhaps that is one of the most precious lessons my little brother has ever given me.

A grateful Sister to Ashish.

One thing I love about Dhyan is the way he connects with both me and my son.

If I’m upset about something with my son, Dhyan will ask me what happened and then talk to my son. And the lovely thing is, my son actually listens to him. Somehow, Dhyan knows just how to talk to him in a way that works.

Then he comes back to me, still trying to sort things out, and I can’t help laughing as I watch him negotiate so seriously and try so hard to solve the problem.

That is Dhyan for me: so sensitive to the people he loves, so caring, and always wanting things to be okay.

In him, I got another son. ❤️

Smitha, Dhyan’s aunt

Every morning at exactly 10 o’clock, the doorbell rings. “Ding-dong!” Aastik’s face instantly lights up because he knows Rahul Bhaiya is there. Rahul lovingly asks him little questions, and Aastik replies with his adorable innocence and cuteness.

Sometimes they play, sometimes they talk, and sometimes they simply enjoy each other’s company.

Once Rahul Bhaiya came and told Aastik “I am going to ride bullet.” Because Aastik loves bullet and loved that’s loud sound he runs with his elder friend and did a ride on his bike with him and came home with lots of happiness, excitement and chocolates.

Truly Aastik can make any moment worth treasuring.

Rahul Bhaiyya

I’m 24 now, and she’s ten, but somehow our bond hasn’t grown older. With my little sister, I’m still the same person who plays “zombie” with her, gets chased around the house, and dances to the same favourite songs on repeat until we can’t stop laughing.

She is mischievous, stubborn, incredibly funny, and always finds new ways to keep me on my toes. Years may have passed, and life may have changed, but the little moments with her still feel exactly the same.

She reminds me that growing older doesn’t mean growing apart. She is my little bundle of chaos and love.

Avvyai
(Andriya’s big brother)

Misha is my granddaughter, my caregiver, and the joy of our family. She takes care of me with love and maturity beyond her years.

She always reminds me to take my medicines and notices every little thing. Once, leaving for a party, I forgot my diabetes medicine. As soon as we sat in the car, Misha asked, “Baba, did you take your medicine?” and reminded me.

She remembers where I keep my glasses. Whenever I am upset, she notices and asks, “Baba, what happened?”

Her caring nature, smile, and dancing make me proud.

The Proud grandfather of Misha

My brother Mohit Krishna is my treasure and my biggest gift. He has down syndrome, but he never down’s anywhere. He taught me how to grow – like simple things like how to respect elders, how to eat, how to do simple activities. He is greatest gift for our family.I am so proud to being sister for this like lovable person.Love you Mohit bro forever 😍🥰💛

Little sister Rashmika

I’m Arushi, Shaan’s sister, and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. Shaan has always been a pure soul—funny, full of witty replies, and always making everyone laugh.
But on my wedding day, as I stood overwhelmed at the thought of leaving my family, we had all promised not to cry. Then, during my Vidai, Shaan walked up to me holding a flower. His usual laughter was gone; his eyes were filled with tears. He hugged me tightly, and in that moment, he couldn’t hide how much he would miss me. I broke down, and soon, everyone around us was crying too.
It was hard to believe that behind the boy who is always dancing, joking, and making everyone smile was a little brother with a heart so tender—one who could never imagine his world without his sister in it.

Arushi,
Sister of Shaan

When Phanindra was born 36 years ago, our life changed direction. I set out to teach him — but he became my teacher instead. He taught me patience!

I lost my husband when he was just 7. Raising both my children alone, it was his journey that kept us steady. To this day, he keeps the best routine in the family, and is the one person we can always depend on.

Today he holds the keys to our house, runs the household, and is the reason for our happiness. He’s been a wonderful uncle too — teaching my granddaughters, through his gentle nature, what it means to be kind.

Our life didn’t go the way we planned.

He gave it purpose instead.

Roja,
Phanindra’s mother

I still remember one little moment with my sister Charvi that touched my heart deeply. I called her one day, and the moment she heard my voice, her face lit up with the happiest smile. Charvi may not always speak clearly, but she understands emotions in a way that amazes me.

Since the day she was born, I have been deeply attached to her—from babysitting her and helping her mother to collecting her tiny clothes from the terrace.

What touches me most is how she senses my feelings. If I am upset, she notices—and sometimes even cries seeing me sad.

Charvi has taught me that love needs no words. It simply needs to be felt.

Nupur Nalwaya Charvi’s Favourite Cousin Sister

As an advanced-batch student at my dance school, I once noticed a little boy from the junior batch dancing with incredible energy. His name was Laksh. ❤️

I started talking to him and his mom and learned that he has Down syndrome. His speech wasn’t always clear, but somehow, I understood him.

Initially, he would shy away, but soon, the moment he saw me, he would run towards me for a hug—even leaving his class midway! Today, he wants me beside him at his dance competition, cheering for him.

He calls us Tom & Jerry.

Alisha, Dance senior and now buddy.
Some bonds need no words.

Every day, whenever I come back from the office, she hands me a glass of water with a smile and shares every little detail of her day. Somehow, those simple conversations instantly lift my mood.

She also gives the warmest, most loving hugs, the kind that give me the courage to face any stress and make everything feel a little easier.

Pranami, Shrabani’s Sister

My sister Ananya is a little bundle of joy, music, positivity, and love. One special moment I will always cherish is her hug whenever she visits me. She comes with so much excitement and happiness that her hug fills me with a warmth that words cannot explain. I still remember the day she wrote a letter calling me her ‘best friend’—a memory that will always stay close to my heart.

She has taught me to see life with positivity and love. From holding my hand in crowded places to always caring for me, Ananya reminds me that the purest love is often found in the simplest moments.

Sanchita, Ananya’s sister

My sister Girija Prasanna is my greatest teacher and my biggest joy. She has Down syndrome, but she never lets anything bring her down. She is full of life and so naughty — she will hide my books, my slippers, and my things, and then laugh the loudest when I run around searching for them. Her laugh fills our whole house.

But she is also the kindest soul I know. If I am sad or tired, she will come and hug me tightly without even asking why.

She taught me a big lesson — that happiness is simple. It can be a favorite song, a small dance in the hall, or a tight hug. She doesn’t need any reason to smile, and because of her, now I also smile without a reason.

Varsha, Girija’s proud sister

Netik, what not! When he is around, there is never a dull moment—or any ME time! He is the naughtiest, sweetest and most emotional child I know. My nephew, he has a way of keeping everyone on their toes—and their belongings safely tucked away!

But beneath all that mischief is a heart full of love. He will give you a head massage, offer foot reflexology, cry with you, run with you, or simply be your shoulder when you need one.

A foodie, a prankster, an empath and a sweetheart—Netik has it all. Wherever we go, somehow, everyone notices our Netik!

by Manoranjan, Netik’s Mamu

Every day, without fail, my Puchki reminds me to take my medicines at exactly the right time. She never forgets! And whenever Sarakshi falls sick, the first thing she wants is her Manu by her side.

No matter how angry Mama or Papa may get with her, she knows exactly where to go—straight to me! And I am always ready to take her into my arms.

My love for my Puchki is just as strong. I never leave town around her birthday because, for me, celebrating my Puchki’s special day is simply non-negotiable. These little moments are precious to me, and I treasure every one of them.

Being Sarakshi’s Manu is one of the greatest joys of my life.

Sarakshi’s Manu (Grandmom)

When my husband passed away, Babli stood by me like a rock. Her love carried me through my darkest time, and our bond of nearly forty years grew even stronger.

I thought I was teaching her, taking her to swimming, dance and music. It was the other way round. I learnt to swim because Babli sat at the pool’s edge and kept prodding me: ‘Lift your left hand higher. Move from side to side.’

Babli’s never-say-die spirit teaches us all about life. I have never been her teacher. She has always been mine, and so it is with all our self-advocates.

Rama Sudarshanam, friend for nearly 40 years