Tata Power Hosts Odisha’s First Neurodiversity Summit to Strengthen Autism Support Ecosystem
Event brings together over 400 participants as the Pay Autention initiative expands its reach, promoting awareness, caregiver resources, and inclusive opportunities across the state.
Tata Power, through its social impact arm – the Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) – and in collaboration with the Tata Power–led Odisha discoms, successfully hosted the first-ever Odisha Neurodiversity Summit 2025 at Rama Devi Women’s University here.
Held under the banner of Pay Autention – a Phygital (Physical Digital) Autism Support Network, the summit marked a pioneering step in strengthening Odisha’s neurodiversity ecosystem, mainstreaming awareness, and expanding the reach of the Pay Autention platform across the state.
According to a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Paediatrics, 1 in 68 children in India is affected by autism. Despite rising prevalence, significant gaps persist in India’s neurodiversity care ecosystem, underscoring the urgent need for accessible support and awareness.
The summit drew participation from over 400 attendees, including more than 200 neurodiverse individuals and persons with disabilities, caregivers, special educators, volunteers, and representatives from corporates and civil society. Through leadership dialogues, experiential workshops, and inclusive exhibitions, the event created a platform for knowledge exchange and community collaboration to strengthen Odisha’s neurodiversity inclusion efforts.
An informative resource titled “Guide for Caregivers of Neurodiversity” was also launched to help parents and educators understand fundamentals of neurodiversity, including distinctions between neurotypical and neurodivergent profiles to co-existing challenges and holistic wellbeing approaches.
Speaking 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.”