A mother's love became a movement.
Founded by a mother of a child with Down syndrome who, faced with the absence of comprehensive support in Meghalaya, decided to build what didn't exist.
Why Aadya Foundation Was Established
Aadya Foundation was born out of a mother's journey with her son who has Down syndrome. Faced with the challenges of accessing comprehensive services and information tailored to her son's needs, she recognised the need for a centralised hub that could provide holistic support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Witnessing firsthand the struggles of navigating multiple service providers and the lack of family support, she was motivated to create a solution — a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals with Down syndrome could receive the support they needed to thrive, and where families could find guidance, resources, and community.
Today, Aadya Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and support for the Down syndrome community in Meghalaya. With a passionate team, a growing network of supporters, and a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, the foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.
"I was driven by the recognition of the critical importance of early intervention. Research has shown that timely programmes focusing on speech and language therapy, motor skills development, and cognitive stimulation can lead to significant improvements — and that knowledge became our foundation."
Vision, Mission & Values
What We See
Every individual with Down syndrome has access to the resources, education, and support needed to lead fulfilling and independent lives — regardless of where they live in Northeast India.
What We Do
To empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life through health screenings, communication support, physical skill development, education, parent workshops, counselling, and resource provision.
How We Work
Compassion · Empathy · Respect for diversity · Early intervention · Holistic care · Community inclusion. These principles guide every programme we design and every family we support.
What Makes Aadya Foundation Different
Our unique combination of lived experience, diverse expertise, and holistic approach sets us apart
Lived Experience at the Core
Our founder is a mother of a child with Down syndrome. This personal connection shapes every service we design — we understand what families need because we have lived it. This empathy allows us to provide truly holistic care, including innovative nature-based approaches alongside clinical therapies.
Specialist Nutrition Guidance
Our team includes a nutrition expert who offers specialised dietary plans tailored to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome, addressing specific nutritional challenges and promoting overall health — a service rarely available in Northeast India.
Digital Education & Assessment Tools
Our background in technology and mathematics education enables us to develop digital assessment tools and customised educational programmes, ensuring our services are effective, engaging, and accessible even for families in remote Garo Hills.
First Mover in Holistic One-Stop Care
The lack of a holistic, one-stop solution for children with Down syndrome in Northeast India gives us a critical first-mover advantage. We integrate health, education, therapy, and family support under one roof — no family needs to navigate multiple providers alone.
Parent-to-Trainer Model
We don't just serve families — we empower them. By training parents as local facilitators, we multiply our reach across West Garo Hills and beyond, creating a community-powered support network that continues growing independently.
Recognised Innovation
Aadya Foundation is a runner-up at UNDP Youth Co:Lab 2023–24, amplifying our voice in advocating for the rights and needs of children with intellectual disabilities. We are also mentored by Enable India, one of India's leading organisations for persons with disabilities.
Our Team
Women-led, community-rooted, and driven by purpose
Founder & Director
Mother of a child with Down syndrome · Plant Science Expert
Brings personal experience, empathy, and holistic care approaches including nature-based therapies. Drives programme design, family outreach, and organisational strategy across West Garo Hills.
Nutrition Lead
Nutrition Expert
Provides specialised dietary guidance and nutrition counselling addressing the unique health needs of children with Down syndrome — including feeding difficulties, immune support, and weight management.
Technology & Education Lead
Technology & Mathematics Education Specialist
Develops digital assessment tools, customised educational programmes, and the Maths Tools platform. Ensures services are effective, engaging, and accessible for children at all levels.
Mentor Organisation
Enable India · Bengaluru
Aadya Foundation is mentored by Enable India, one of India's premier organisations for persons with disabilities. This partnership provides training frameworks, assessment tools, and national credibility.
Recognition & Partnerships
UNDP Youth Co:Lab 2023–24
Runner-up at the United Nations Development Programme Youth Co:Lab — recognising our innovative approach to supporting children with intellectual disabilities in Northeast India.
Mentored by Enable India
Enable India, one of India's leading organisations for persons with disabilities, mentors our team — providing training frameworks, programme design guidance, and national-level credibility.
Government Partnerships
Working with the Meghalaya Health Department and Assam State Government Social Welfare Department for rural camp access, referral pathways, and programme recognition across Northeast India.
Empowering Abilities, Igniting Hope.
Join us as a donor, volunteer, partner, or parent trainer. Together we can reach every family in Garo Hills.