Tata Power’s landmark Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025 champions statewide inclusion through Pay Autention initiative

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 17, 2025

In a pioneering effort to advance neurodiversity inclusion across Odisha, Tata Power, through its social impact arm — the Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) — in collaboration with the Tata Power–led Odisha discoms, successfully hosted the first-ever Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025 at Rama Devi Women’s University. Organized under the banner of Pay Autention, a Phygital (Physical + Digital) Autism Support Network, the summit marked a transformative milestone in mainstreaming awareness, strengthening support systems, and expanding the reach of neurodiversity initiatives across the state.

A 2021 study published in the ‘Indian Journal of Paediatrics’ indicates that 1 in 68 children in India is affected by autism. Despite the growing numbers, India continues to face significant gaps in its neurodiversity care ecosystem, highlighting an urgent need for accessible resources, awareness, and inclusive frameworks. Against this backdrop, the Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025 emerged as a catalyst for change, uniting children, caregivers, practitioners, corporates, and government representatives in a shared mission of inclusion.

The summit drew over 400 participants, including more than 200 neurodiverse individuals and persons with disabilities, alongside caregivers, special educators, volunteers, and civil society partners. Through leadership dialogues, experiential workshops, and inclusive exhibitions, the platform enabled meaningful exchanges and fostered collaboration to strengthen Odisha’s neurodiversity landscape. An essential addition to the event was the launch of an insightful resource titled ‘Guide for Caregivers of Neurodiversity’, aimed at helping parents and educators understand key distinctions between neurotypical and neurodivergent profiles, co-existing challenges, and holistic wellbeing approaches.

Commenting on the occasion, Himal Tewari, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power, said, “At Tata Power, inclusion is not just a vision, but a mission realized through Pay Autention, empowering neurodiverse children and their caregivers across India. Through the Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025, we aim to take this mission to the last mile — building an inclusive Odisha that celebrates diverse strengths and creates opportunities for all. This partnership between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha reflects our shared commitment to creating equitable opportunities for every individual. We are further complementing this through regional workshops and our digital platform E-Sanidhya for mass outreach.”

The summit brought together an eminent group of changemakers including Bratati Harichandan, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, and Akash Das Nayak, MLA and renowned artist; key representatives from Tata Steel, Croma, Tata Strive, Tata Class Edge, Tata Community Initiatives Trust, and Tata Trusts; NGO partners such as Mahashakti Foundation, Movement for Urbanisation, Iyurved, Youth4Jobs, Akshada Foundation, and Atypical Advantage; and senior leadership from Tata Power’s Odisha distribution companies including Gajanan Kale (Chief, Odisha Distribution Business & CEO, TPNODL), Arvind Singh (CEO, TPCODL), Amit Garg (CEO, TPSODL), Parveen Verma (CEO, TPWODL), as well as Prabhat Pani (Trustee, TPCDT), Prof. Chandi Charan Rath (Vice Chancellor, RDWU), Pankaj Kumar Singh (Chief Community Impact, Tata Power) and Pradeep Ghoshal (Head CSR, Odisha).

Emphasizing the importance of awareness, Bratati Harichandan noted, “Awareness on neurodiversity is crucial for society. For many families, the issue may seem distant, yet inclusion begins with understanding. It is the neurotypical population that must be educated on acceptance and empathy. Autism is a spectrum — every child needs support tailored to them; there is no one-size-fits-all. Hosting the Odisha Neurodiversity Meet in a women’s college is especially significant, as sensitising young women today helps shape a more inclusive tomorrow. Initiatives like Tata Power’s Pay Autention are commendable, and I urge more organizations and institutions to join this journey and make inclusion a shared societal mission.”

The summit featured deeply engaging experiential zones—from dance and music therapy to inclusive art corners, disability-rights awareness modules, and interactive art installations designed to encourage empathy-led learning. The event concluded with a shared commitment to expand the Pay Autention network throughout Odisha by partnering with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to strengthen early screening, caregiver training, and inclusive education support.

This initiative builds upon Tata Power’s continued presence in national inclusion platforms such as Purple Fest 2025 and reflects the company’s long-term dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through Pay Autention, backed by over 500 partner organizations, experts, and more than 12 Tata Group companies, Tata Power has already touched thousands of lives, especially within underserved communities, through programs focused on early diagnosis, caregiver support, inclusive education, skill development, and workplace inclusion.

With innovative efforts ranging from tech expos and street plays to accessible fairs, Abilympics participation, and cutting-edge digital tools like E-Sanidhya and a toll-free helpline, Tata Power continues to lead with creativity and technological integration in promoting neurodiversity awareness. E-Sanidhya, a pioneering digital platform under Pay Autention, bridges gaps by providing practical tools, training, and resources that support children with special needs both at home and in educational settings.

Launched in 2022 by TPCDT in collaboration with the Center for Autism and other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and Education (CADRRE), Pay Autention aims to reach 1,000 institutions by 2027 — an ambition reaffirmed through the historic Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025, which has set a new benchmark in India’s journey toward a more inclusive future.