Pune, (Maharashtra) [India], March 06, 2026: This past weekend wasn’t just another date on the calendar—it was a landmark moment for inclusion. Ekrang 2.0, held on February 21 and 22 at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Koregaon Park, transcended the idea of a simple festival to become something far more profound: a movement. Over two days, the venue pulsed with emotion, color, and an overwhelming sense of unity as more than 800 people came together to celebrate the beauty of a truly inclusive society.
Conceived by Romal Surana (Founder and Director, Nanhaagyan Foundation) and Soma Gupta (Founder and Director, Ghumakkad and Ahilya), the festival created a rare space where every feeling was valid. There were tears of joy from parents watching their children take the stage, pride beaming from educators, and the quiet thrill of self-discovery among participants. It was a living, breathing testament to what happens when diversity is not just accepted, but embraced.
The event drew an inspiring roster of guests. Chief guests Ms. Sneha Jadhav (President, Special Olympics Thane) and Mrs. Meena Nikam (Founder, Sai Pathways) lent their support, while television actress Saaniya Chaudhari, known for her role in Sangeeta Tu Ashes Ka, Daar Ughad Baye on Zee Marathi, added a touch of starlight. Also gracing the occasion were Girish Konkar (CEO, Beyond Horizons Consultancy), Dr. Urvashi Shrivastava (CEO, Urvashi Kala Shriti), and Ravi and Neela Rajhas, who collectively described the experience as witnessing “the colour of inclusivity” for the first time.
Day 1: Honoring Hope and Building Futures
The festival opened on February 21 with the poignant Umeed Awards, celebrating exceptional individuals and dedicated educators who traveled from various cities and states to receive their recognition. A compelling panel discussion followed, tackling the vital topic of “Growing Dignity: Inclusion and an Independent Future.” The energy then shifted to a joyful celebration with the ‘Rhythm of Togetherness’ performance, leading into one of the event’s most impactful initiatives: the Job Fair.
Here, 35 aspiring individuals stepped forward, ready to carve their place in the professional world. Companies like Grow – Dr. Reddy’s Foundation, Me Marathi, Asha International School, Adycraft, Water World, and Ghumakkad opened their doors, proving that capability and talent transcend all boundaries.
Day 2: Celebrating Resilience, Enterprise, and Creative Expression
The spotlight on February 22 turned to personal triumph with the Healing Light Awards. An incredible 46 awardees, journeying from Delhi, Bangalore, Datia, Nasik, Karad, and Pune, were honored for their inspiring paths.
Adding a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit to the day was the Ahilya Bazaar. Throughout both days, this marketplace buzzed with activity, showcasing talented entrepreneurs who proudly displayed and sold their creations. From handcrafted jewelry and art to delicious treats, each stall was a powerful statement of self-reliance and creative spirit.
The day exploded into a riot of color and sound with another ‘Rhythm of Togetherness’ performance. The infectious beat of Djembe drums, a spontaneous flash mob, and soulful singing and dancing opened hearts and brought everyone together. The celebration of talent continued at the Ekrang Expression Art Mela, a platform for everyone to share their unique gifts.
The seamless flow of the two days was expertly guided by the talented stage team, with organisers extending heartfelt thanks to Vinamrata Bhatia, Petula Alphonso, and Janhavi Khare for their exceptional work in compering and stage management.
The Sponsors: The Pillars of Success
The scale and success of Ekrang 2.0 were made possible by its dedicated sponsors. The organisers expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Pravin Dhole (Kinder Spring), Masarrat Tavawalla (Sunderji Global Academia), Shringi Dubey (The Asha International School), Asmita Vidya (Anishaan Educational Trust – Future Priide Day Care and Inclusion School), and Vijay Sah (Waterworld). Thanks were also extended to media partners Stay Featured, Mahaaz Times, and Me Marathi for helping to share the message far and wide.
A Movement, Not Just an Event
The resounding feedback from attendees was perfectly captured by sponsor Masarrat Tavawalla, whose words embody the very soul of Ekrang 2.0:
“Some weekends pass. Some weekends pause time. 21st–22nd February was not an event — it was a movement.
Ek Rang – Season 2 was not just curated by Romal Surana and Soma Gupta — it was crafted with heartbeats.
Two days. One colour. Infinite stories… Stalls lined with courage… A Job Fair that didn’t just collect resumes — it collected aspirations… And then… the most beautiful rhythm of all. Rhythm of Togetherness. On that stage, inclusion wasn’t spoken about — it danced, it painted, it sang.
Romal Surana and Soma Gupta — what you created was not Season 2. It was Chapter 2 of a social revolution. You built a platform where neurodiverse children were not ‘accommodated.’ They were celebrated. They were entrepreneurs. They were performers. They were professionals-in-the-making… Ek Rang reminds us: When society chooses one colour, it limits itself. When it embraces every shade, it becomes art.
Here’s to more seasons. More stages. More job offers. More parents wiping tears in the audience. More teachers standing taller. More children discovering that the world is ready for them… Just respect — for building something that truly matters. 🌈”
Ekrang 2.0 has undeniably raised the bar, demonstrating that when a community unites with purpose, it creates far more than an event—it creates a masterpiece of shared humanity.
