VOSAP Highlights of Q2 2026

Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) hosted its first-ever fundraiser gala on April 25, 2026, in Atlanta. Held at Chef Dinesh Cafe in Duluth under the theme “Empowering Ability: VOSAP Gala – Atlanta,” the evening united 150 guests at full capacity — community leaders, doctors, philanthropists, and advocates — all rallying behind a shared vision of a more inclusive and accessible world.

“Coming back to Atlanta after 25 years and seeing so many friends and people rallied behind VOSAP’s mission, it is humbling and energising”
— Usha Desai, VOSAP Founder

The gala was graced by distinguished chief guests Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Smt. Madhu Sheth. Dr. Sheth — a globally renowned scholar and philanthropist whose foundation supports over 60 non-profit organisations — delivered a moving address on his journey from hardship to becoming one of India’s most celebrated academics. His message to the room was clear: giving is not a burden; it is a privilege and a purpose.

The most unforgettable experience of the evening came from VOSAP Ambassador Sparsh Shah — a celebrated singer born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta — whose live performance was met with cheers, tears, and standing ovations.

A Community That Showed Up

The gala’s success reflects months of dedicated outreach by VOSAP’s Atlanta Chapter, led by Nimish and Parul Sevak, alongside advocates including Mustafa Ajmeri, Jatin Shah, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Dr. Dhaval Shah, Dr. Darshana Vyas, Dr. Sameer Parikh, Atul Bhingarde, Mukesh Shah, and Ashish Udas. Behind the scenes, 26 volunteers aged 14 to 75 brought the evening to life — from AV and photography to guiding guests through an assistive-technology exhibition and art showcase.

The FIRST “HITARTH SAHAYAK” National Convention, organised by PARIVAAR NCPO (National Confederation of Parents Organizations) in collaboration with VOSAP USA, concluded successfully on June 14, 2026. Centered on the theme “Strengthening Community Support for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Health Coverage and Rehabilitation Services,” the convention brought together 112 Hitarth Sahayaks from 13 states and Disability Commissioners from 4 states.

Keynote by Pranav Desai, VOSAP Founder

Joining virtually from Los Angeles, Founder Pranav Desai emphasised building a nationwide grassroots network to reach families of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the community level, and shared a long-term vision of expanding the “HITARTH” program to serve millions through technology-enabled engagement. VOSAP leaders Jayana Shah and Usha Desai also joined the proceedings.

Distinguished Guests of Honour

• B.J. Rajput, IAS — State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Gujarat
• Prof. Himanshu Shekhar Jha — State Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh
• Dr. Ajay Kheriya — State Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh
• Tongpang L. Jamir — State Commissioner, Nagaland
• Dr. Pankaj Maru — National President, PARIVAAR NCPO & Founder, SNEH Nagda
• Commander Shringi Bindu (Retd.) — Former National President, PARIVAAR NCPO

Key Sessions

Sessions covered the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme (Dr. Pankaj Maru), the HITARTH digital platform’s journey and roadmap (Viplove Chouhan), and new opportunities for Sahayaks in community-based rehabilitation and digital empowerment (Dhruv Chavda and Mohd. Faiz, VOSAP). An Open House discussion allowed state representatives to share success stories, challenges, and recommendations for the road ahead.

Interested in becoming a HITARTH Sahayak? Registration remains open at impacthub.autistrys.com/l/172ccf126c.

Book Review Committee for “Symphony of Abilities”

VOSAP has assembled a dedicated Book Review Committee for its upcoming publication, Symphony of Abilities. The committee is guiding the editorial review process, gathering feedback from the community, and helping shape a book that reflects the breadth of stories, resilience, and achievements across the VOSAP family. Comprising volunteers with backgrounds in writing, editing, and disability advocacy, the committee brings valuable expertise and diverse perspectives to this important initiative.

Meetings with SAP Heroes Globally

Throughout the quarter, VOSAP leadership continued meeting with SAP Heroes, the specially abled individuals featured in the Symphony of Abilities book—across different geographies. These meaningful interactions deepened personal relationships, built trust, and strengthened VOSAP’s enduring bond with the remarkable individuals whose stories inspire the community.