20/08/2026
Saarth – Autism Screening Camp: A Sensitive and Future-Oriented Initiative by Rotary Club of Badlapur Industrial Area
Badlapur, August 15, 2026: With the message “Early Identification • Early Intervention • Brighter Future,” Rotary Club of Badlapur Industrial Area, under the priority initiatives of Rotary International District 3142, organized “Saarth – Autism Screening Camp” on August 15 in Badlapur. The initiative aimed to promote early identification of developmental concerns among young children, create awareness among parents, and provide access to expert guidance wherever required.
The camp was organized in collaboration with the expert team from Get Set Early at ID International School and Little Sunshine Preschool, Raut Chowk, Badlapur. A total of 33 children between 1.5 and 3.5 years of age underwent preliminary screening. Of these, 9 children were identified as requiring further developmental assessment and expert guidance.
The camp was inaugurated by Rtn. Dr. Nilesh Jaywant, District Governor, Rotary International District 3142. Rtn. Dr. Amol Ubale, President, Rotary Club of Badlapur Industrial Area, and Rtn. Dr. Dilip Mangekar, Project Head, welcomed the guests and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nilesh Jaywant emphasized that early identification of autism and developmental differences is extremely important for a child’s future. Timely identification enables parents to access appropriate guidance, training, counselling, and interventions, thereby creating better opportunities for the child’s overall development. He urged parents not to approach autism with fear or misconceptions, but to prioritize early screening and appropriate professional guidance.
Appreciating the Saarth initiative, Dr. Jaywant expressed the expectation that the project should be expanded on a larger scale across the district. He also emphasized the need to create greater awareness and sensitivity towards autism among parents, teachers, schools, and society.
The initiative was conducted in alignment with the broader “OM – Oral & Mental Health” focus of Rotary District 3142. It represents an important step by the club towards creating awareness not only about p