Ekrang 2.0: Where Over 800 Souls Painted Pune in the Colours of Inclusivity

It was a weekend that defied definition. It wasn't just a festival; it was a movement. Ekrang 2.0, organised on February 21 and 22 at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Koregaon Park, transformed the venue into a powerful, emotional, and vibrant testament to the beauty of an inclusive society.

With a footfall of over 800 people, the two-day fest, envisioned by Romal Surana (Founder and Director, Nanhaagyan Foundation) and Soma Gupta (Founder and Director, Ghumakkad and Ahilya), succeeded in its mission to let society experience inclusivity. It was a space where every emotion found a home—the happy tears of parents watching their children shine, the pride of educators, the joy of individuals discovering their own strength.

Ekrang 2.0: Where Over 800 Souls Painted Pune in the Colours of Inclusivity

The event was graced by an esteemed lineup of guests who lent their presence to the cause. The chief guests included Ms. Sneha Jadhav (President, Special Olympics Thane) and Mrs. Meena Nikam (Founder, Sai Pathways). Adding a touch of star power was celebrity guest Saaniya Chaudhari, famed for her role in Sangeeta Tu Ashes Ka, Daar Ughad Baye on Zee Marathi. The occasion was further elevated by the presence of Girish Konkar (CEO, Beyond Horizons Consultancy), Dr. Urvashi Shrivastava (CEO, Urvashi Kala Shriti), Ravi Rajhas (Retired Design Executive, Tata Motors and Tata Technologies), and Neela Rajhas (Retired Professor, VIT and COEP, Pune), who graced the event across both days. They loved the event and said "it is the colour of inclusivity which they have seen for the first time in their life."

Day 1: Honoring Hope and Building Futures

The first day, February 21, was marked by the prestigious Umeed Awards, which celebrated exceptional individuals and educators who travelled from different cities and states to receive their recognition. This was followed by a power-packed panel discussion on a crucial topic: "Growing Dignity: Inclusion and an Independent Future." The energy soared with the Rhythm of Togetherness performance, setting the stage for one of the most impactful initiatives of the fest—the Job Fair.

This year, the job fair saw 35 individuals participate, ready to take their place in the workforce. The companies that on-boarded for this noble initiative included Grow – Dr. Reddy's Foundation, Me Marathi, Asha International School, Adycraft, Water World, and Ghumakkad, proving that ability knows no bounds.

Day 2: Celebrating Resilience, Enterprise, and Creative Expression

February 22 shone the spotlight on resilience with the Healing Light Awards. A staggering 46 awardees gathered from far and wide—including Delhi, Bangalore, Datia, Nasik, Karad, and Pune—to be honored for their journeys.

Adding a vibrant splash of commerce and creativity to the day was the Ahilya Bazaar. Throughout the two days, this marketplace was a major attraction, featuring wonderful entrepreneurs who proudly showcased and sold their goods. From handcrafted jewellery and art to delectable treats, the stalls were a testament to the spirit of enterprise and self-reliance, proving that talent and determination know no barriers.

The day then erupted in color and sound with the Rhythm of Togetherness group performance. The beat of Djembe drums, a spontaneous flash mob, and soulful singing and dancing opened the hearts of all individuals present. The celebration of talent continued at the Ekrang Expression Art Mela, a platform where everyone could showcase their unique abilities.

The seamless flow of the two days was expertly managed by the talented stage team. The organisers expressed their deep gratitude to Vinamrata Bhatia, Petula Alphonso, and Janhavi Khare for their stellar work handling the stage and compering.

The Sponsors: The Pillars of Success

Such a large-scale event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of its sponsors. The organisers extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Pravin Dhole (Founder, Kinder Spring), Masarrat Tavawalla (Co-Founder and Director, Sunderji Global Academia), Shringi Dubey (Founder and Director, The Asha International School), Asmita Vidya (Founder and Director, Anishaan Educational Trust - Future Priide Day Care and Inclusion School), and Vijay Sah (Founder, Waterworld). Gratitude was also extended to media partners Stay Featured, Mahaaz Times, and Me Marathi for helping amplify the message.

A Movement, Not Just an Event

The overwhelming feedback received by Romal and Soma post-event was summed up most eloquently by sponsor and attendee Masarrat Tavawalla, whose words captured the very soul of Ekrang 2.0:

"Some weekends pass. Some weekends pause time.

21st–22nd February was not an event — it was a movement.

Ek Rang – Season 2 was not just curated by Romal Surana and Soma Gupta — it was crafted with heartbeats.

Two days. One colour. Infinite stories.

Stalls lined with courage — pani puri and pav bhaji served with confidence, donuts dusted with determination, jewellery strung with patience, art dipped in self-expression. Vocational dreams from Sunderji Vocational Center and Sunderji Institute of Special School standing tall, not as exhibits — but as enterprises.

Then came the applause that mattered... A Job Fair that didn’t just collect resumes — it collected aspirations. Conversations about strengths, preferences, individuality. Dignity in dialogue. Possibility in the air.

And then… the most beautiful rhythm of all. Rhythm of Togetherness. A child and a parent. A sibling and a dream. A cousin and courage. On that stage, inclusion wasn’t spoken about — it danced, it painted, it sang.

As a panelist in the discussion, as Chief Guest for Rhythm of Togetherness, I did not feel invited to an event. I felt included in a vision.

Romal Surana and Soma Gupta — what you created was not Season 2. It was Chapter 2 of a social revolution.

You built a platform where neurodiverse children were not 'accommodated.' They were celebrated. They were entrepreneurs. They were performers. They were professionals-in-the-making.

And perhaps most importantly — they were seen.

Ek Rang reminds us: When society chooses one colour, it limits itself. When it embraces every shade, it becomes art.

Here’s to more seasons. More stages. More job offers. More parents wiping tears in the audience. More teachers standing taller. More children discovering that the world is ready for them.

Not gratitude. Not thanks. Just respect — for building something that truly matters. 🌈"

Ekrang 2.0 has indeed set a new benchmark, proving that when a community comes together, it doesn't just create an event—it creates a masterpiece of humanity.