Autism Centre for Excellence Supported by Fortis Gurugram Light Up Safdarjung Tomb in Blue, Driving Early Diagnosis and Inclusion for Autism

Autism Centre for Excellence Supported by Fortis Gurugram Light Up Safdarjung Tomb in Blue, Driving Early Diagnosis and Inclusion for Autism

-April is Autism Awareness Month

Gurugram, 6th April 2026: Reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive care and autism awareness, 
Autism Centre for Excellence (Ace-India.org) in association with Sabhyata Foundation, and supported by 
Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, marked World Autism Awareness Month with a powerful 
symbolic gesture—illuminating Safdarjung Tomb in blue, the globally recognized colour representing 
autism awareness, calmness, and acceptance. The initiative was made possible through the efforts of 
Sabhyata Foundation, with Fortis extending support in amplifying awareness and media outreach.

Taking the initiative beyond symbolism to meaningful community engagement, the team will host a flash 
mob at Sunder Nursery on April 25, designed to bring autism into the public conversation in an interactive, accessible, and engaging format. The initiative aims to encourage dialogue around early diagnosis, 
acceptance, and sustained support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Complementing the activity, a dedicated awareness stall at Sunder Nursery will engage visitors through 
informational resources on autism and the critical role of early intervention, simple, sensory-friendly 
games and activities for children and families. The stall will also showcase continued commitment to 
mental health and developmental care through curated educational materials and on-ground engagement.

Leading the initiative, Dr Archana Nayar, Director at the Autism Centre of Excellence, said, “On World 
Autism Awareness Day, we celebrate not just awareness, but acceptance, inclusion, and the extraordinary beauty of neurodiversity. Every autistic child brings a unique way of seeing, feeling, learning, and 
connecting with the world — and it is our responsibility as educators, families, and communities to create 
spaces where they are understood, supported, and truly valued. At the Autism Centre for Excellence, we 
believe that when we honour each child’s individuality with compassion, evidence-based care, and respect, we do more than help them thrive — we build a more joyful, inclusive, and humane society for all.”

Speaking about Safdarjung Tomb being illuminated in blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day, Ms. 
Avantika Dalmia, Co-Chairman, Advisory Board, Sabhyata Foundation, said, “Our vision has always been to make heritage more accessible and meaningful for people. Initiatives like this reflect the values of our 
society and our commitment to creating cultural spaces that are more inclusive—where diversity is not 
just acknowledged but embraced.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Samir Parikh, Chairperson, Fortis National Mental Health Programme 
& Adayu Mindfulness said, “Autism awareness must extend beyond a single day and evolve into a 
sustained, collective responsibility. Initiatives like these create inclusive spaces where families feel 
understood, supported, and empowered. Early intervention and greater societal awareness are essential 
to helping individuals on the spectrum reach their full potential, and at Fortis, we remain committed to 
driving this change through both clinical excellence and community outreach.”

Yash Rawat, Facility Director & Senior Vice President, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added, “At Fortis Gurugram, we strongly believe that healthcare goes beyond hospital boundaries. Our 
collaboration with ACE reflects a focused effort to take awareness directly into the community. By engaging people in open, inclusive spaces like Sunder Nursery, we aim to build empathy, promote early 
screening, and enable timely intervention—ultimately contributing to a more inclusive society for 
individuals with autism and their families. Through these initiatives, Fortis Gurugram and ACE continue to 
strengthen awareness, promote early diagnosis, and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment 
for individuals with autism.”