Breaking Barriers: Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan’s Dedication to Inclusive Education

Summary

Dr. Gayatri Narsingh is a pioneering educator and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Through her organization, Prak Ramka Vocational Institute (PVI), she provides holistic training, skill development, and inclusive education to students with special needs. With extensive experience in vocational training across India and internationally, Dr. Narsingh is committed to creating meaningful, independent lives for neurodivergent individuals. Her work extends to authoring award-winning books and receiving multiple prestigious honors. Dr. Narsingh's mission is to build a more inclusive world, focusing on both education and workplace inclusion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Gayatri Narsingh is an entrepreneur and educator who began her journey in special education after encountering a child with special needs, which deeply impacted her and led to her mission in this field.
• 😀 Dr. Narsingh believes in providing education at no cost for neurodivergent individuals and their families, who already face significant financial and societal challenges.
• 😀 She is the founder of Prak Ramka Vocational Institute (PVI), which provides vocational training and skill development for neurodivergent individuals across multiple sectors.
• 😀 PVI offers a holistic two-year vocational training program that equips neurodivergent individuals with both foundational and specialized skills, preparing them for meaningful employment.
• 😀 Dr. Narsingh works on inclusive education frameworks, training educators and stakeholders to create inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students.
• 😀 Her institute has worked on projects offering career-focused vocational training and online courses for neurodivergent students, as well as skill development for various professionals.
• 😀 Dr. Narsingh has collaborated internationally, including in Oman and Kenya, to conduct skill development and inclusion training for neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers.
• 😀 Dr. Narsingh has authored three books on vocational training, curriculum design, and creating inclusive educational systems for neurodivergent individuals.
• 😀 Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 'Woman of Excellence' award in 2020 and multiple prestigious awards for her contributions to professional achievement and nation-building.
• 😀 Dr. Narsingh is determined to continue her mission by expanding neuro-inclusion into workplaces and building a more inclusive world for neurodivergent individuals.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Gayatri Narsingh and what is her background?

Dr. Gayatri Narsingh is an entrepreneur and educator dedicated to the field of special education. She became a trailblazer in special education after encountering a child with special needs, which prompted her to reflect on her purpose and led her to pursue a career focused on neurodivergent individuals.

What is the mission of Dr. Gayatri Narsingh's Prak Ramka Vocational Institute (PVI)?

The mission of PVI is to provide holistic training to neurodivergent individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for independent and dignified living. The institute offers vocational training, skill development, and inclusive education to enhance the lives of these individuals.

What types of training programs does PVI offer?

PVI offers intensive vocational training programs that focus on skill development, inclusive education, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. These programs are designed for both students and educators in the special education sector.

How does PVI's two-year career program work?

PVI’s two-year career program involves a two-step approach. In the first year, known as the Foundation Year, students complete six foundational courses. In the second year, they progress to more advanced professional training, selecting one of four career pathways based on their interests and aptitudes.

What are some international projects that Dr. Gayatri Narsingh has been involved in?

Dr. Narsingh has worked on international projects such as conducting online skill development courses for neurodivergent students, collaborating with NGOs for online vocational training in India, and working with the Omani Down Syndrome Association to support adults with Down syndrome in Oman.

How has Dr. Narsingh contributed to the field of special education through her books?

Dr. Narsingh has authored three books focused on vocational and skill-based training in special education. Her book *Unified Building Blocks of a Vocational Unit* serves as a practical handbook for establishing vocational units in special schools and has earned her prestigious awards, including the Golden Book Awards.

What is Dr. Narsingh's vision for the future of neurodivergent individuals?

Dr. Narsingh envisions a neuro-inclusive world where neurodivergent individuals are fully integrated into society, especially in the workplace, and where they have access to the training and opportunities needed to thrive independently.

What key challenges does Dr. Narsingh's work aim to address in special education?

Dr. Narsingh's work aims to address the challenges of societal stigma, lack of financial resources for families of neurodivergent individuals, and the need for inclusive education frameworks that accommodate diverse learning needs in schools and vocational settings.

What awards and recognitions has Dr. Gayatri Narsingh received for her contributions?

Dr. Narsingh has received several prestigious awards, including the *Women of Excellence Award* by Indian Achievers, *Inspiring Leaders Award* by Times Up, and recognition by key figures like Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, and Shri Indraman Pandey, IFS.

How does PVI support the establishment of vocational units in special schools?

PVI provides a step-by-step guide for establishing vocational units in special schools. This includes assistance in staff training, curriculum design, and the setup of infrastructure, ensuring that special schools can successfully implement vocational programs for neurodivergent students.