Sumana and Anirban Dutta transformed their search for meaningful autism support for their daughter into the Akshadhaa Foundation, now helping nearly 2,000 children across Bengaluru with personalized therapies, education, and family-centered care.
- Supports nearly 2,000 children and 3,200 families in Bengaluru
- Individualized education and therapy plans with family involvement
- Developing a nature-based assisted living community for lasting care
What happened
When their daughter was diagnosed with autism, Sumana and Anirban Dutta noticed a lack of comprehensive, affordable support that addressed the needs of children and families. Sumana, initially trained in computer science, furthered her education in special education and recognized the importance of continuous, collaborative care with personalized education plans.
In 2012, they launched the Akshadhaa Foundation from their Bengaluru apartment, starting with just four children. Over the years, the foundation has expanded to serve nearly 2,000 children and thousands of families, providing integrated therapy, education, and life-skills training while actively involving parents in their children's progress.
Why it feels good
Akshadhaa Foundation shifts the focus from what’s wrong with children to recognizing and nurturing their unique strengths and interests. By tailoring learning and therapy to each child's pace and abilities, the foundation fosters a supportive, empowering environment.
Families find comfort in the foundation’s origin story, which grew out of the founders’ personal challenges. Parental counseling offers emotional support and practical guidance for lifelong autism care, creating a nurturing community that goes beyond traditional therapy.
What to enjoy or watch next
Looking ahead, Akshadhaa is building an assisted living community on the outskirts of Bengaluru designed to provide safe, ongoing care for adults with autism when their parents are no longer able to support them. This nature-inspired facility will include therapy and vocational spaces, community areas, and even a café to foster meaningful daily engagement.
Meanwhile, the foundation continues to offer vocational training and apprenticeships, with several young adults earning stipends through jobs in retail, hospitality, and corporate settings. These initiatives bring hope and dignity to autistic individuals and their families, illustrating how support can grow with them through every life stage.