Posted On:
26 OCT 2026 1:36PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Thiruvananthapuram, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in association with UNICEF, is organising a one-day media workshop on ‘Inclusive Early Childhood Development’ for media professionals. The workshop will be held on October 27, 2026 (Tuesday), at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Thiruvananthapuram. Registration will begin at around 11.30 am.
UNICEF Communication Specialist Shri Syam Sudheer Bandi will deliver the introductory address at the inaugural session. Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Shri V. Palanichamy IIS will deliver the welcome address.
As part of the workshop, Shri Muralikrishna Chinnadurai, Google News Initiative India Network Trainer and AI expert, will conduct a session on ‘Using AI for Effective Storytelling’.
Dr. Vivek Virendra Singh, Lead - Health, Communication Specialist at UNICEF India, will introduce the concept of ‘Inclusive Early Childhood Development (ECD)’. Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran, Director of the Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, will speak on ‘Parenting Children with Spectrum Disabilities’.
Dr. Renu Raj IAS, State Mission Director, National Health Mission, Government of Keralam, will lead a session on ‘Building an Inclusive Health System’. Dr. Neelam, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), will explain the importance of Mainstream Screening, Management and Treatment of Spectrum Disabilities in Children.
The valedictory session, scheduled for 3.40 pm, will be addressed by Smt. Bindu Krishna, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Keralam. This will be followed by experience-sharing sessions featuring parents and caregivers of children facing developmental challenges. Smt. Parvathy V., IIS, Director, PIB, will propose the vote of thanks.
The workshop aims to create awareness about ensuring holistic early childhood development and the importance of early identification of developmental delays and disabilities, followed by appropriate care and support.
The programme also seeks to highlight the need for inclusive healthcare and support systems for children with developmental challenges and their families, while promoting responsible media reporting on these issues.
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