“Change begins when you show up, even for one
child, through one meaningful conversation.”
Inclusion is not a caption or a slogan, it is
humanity in action. In her book, Creating Classrooms Where Every Child
Belongs, Dr. Revathi Srinivasan delivers a compelling call for greater
inclusivity, equity, and dignity in the classroom. At her book launch held in
Thane, dignitaries called for greater inclusivity and dignity for students in
the classroom, and it was officially released by Maharashtra Deputy Chief
Minister Eknath Shinde.
For more than thirty years, Dr Revathi
Srinivasan has championed accessible education, establishing therapy centers
and targeted initiatives to mainstream children with special needs and
underrepresented backgrounds. Her global recognition at London’s House of Lords
stands as a testament to an impactful legacy.
Education is not just about coming to school. "I
want you all to experience my stories moving forward and living backwards, so
we live backwards to see what happened, and then we move to the next step,
that's how we learn and become a better human."
Education must act as a vehicle for
discovering a child's hidden potential and empowering them to live with
self-respect, its true purpose extends beyond literacy. She holds the belief
that dedicated efforts, including specialised therapy centers and innovative
educational initiatives, are essential to bring special needs and
underprivileged children into the mainstream, giving a transformative new
direction to their lives.
Despite a career marked by global recognition,
Dr Srinivasan’s heart remains firmly in the classroom. When asked which role
she cherished the most, she didn’t hesitate. "A teacher,” she said,
reflecting a lifelong passion. “I love talking to children and I love
teaching. To this day, I enter the classrooms to talk to my students.” It
is this deep, enduring passion that fuels her book, making it an essential
guide for anyone committed to helping every child find their place.
