Manipal, 21^st February 2023: On the 16^th and 17^th of February 2023, Manipal College of Health Professional conducted an International Symposium on Early Intervention and Family Centred Services: Bridging the Gap to Participation and Inclusion for Children with Disabilities in collaboration with Amar Seva Sangam, University of Toronto, and McGill University; sponsored by Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. This symposium is the first of its kind to be hosted by Manipal College of Health Professions.

The symposium was inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr Prachi Kaul, Director, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute appreciated the Manipal Academy of Higher Education for getting prestigious conference awards funded by Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. The guests of honour Shri Sankara Raman Srinivasan, CA and visionary behind the Enabling Inclusion Program at Amar Seva Sangam, Dr Karunakar Kotegar A, Director International Collaborations, Dr. Padmaraj Hedge, Dean of Kasturba Medical College were present during the inauguration.

The organizing chairperson, Dr G. Arun Maiya, Dean Manipal College of Health Professions welcomed the gathering, Dr Dinesh Krishna, Director of strategy, enabling inclusion App, Amar Seva Sangam gave the overview and objectives of the symposium and convener, Dr John Solomon, Head Department of Physiotherapy at Manipal College of Health Professions proposed the vote of thanks.

 The symposium was focused on a partnership approach to health care, with families as the major stakeholders in the decision-making process. The symposium was held in the hybrid mode with offline as well as online participants and delegates from MAHE, University of Toronto, McGill University Canada, Amar Seva Sangam, Chennai were participated. Over 175 participants were a part of this symposium making it an incredible experience. The symposium hosted a total of 18 speakers (10 National and eight International) with nine of the speakers presenting their speeches in person while the rest nine joined us online.