AAINA Marks 27th Foundation Day with Statewide Celebrations and Dialogue on CSR and Disability Inclusion
Bhubaneswar, 16-01: 2026:
AAINA celebrated its 27th Foundation Day on January 15, 2026, with programmes organised across its project locations in Khordha, Kandhamal, Bhubaneswar, Dhenkanal, and Ganjam. The celebrations reflected AAINA’s long-standing engagement with persons with disabilities, women, and marginalised communities across different regions of Odisha.
As part of the Foundation Day observance, AAINA organised a Reflection and Dialogue on “CSR and Disability Inclusion” on January 16, 2026, at Hotel Suryansh, Bhubaneswar. The programme brought together CSR leaders, development practitioners, and inclusion experts to reflect on how disability-focused CSR initiatives can move beyond short-term, event-based activities towards more sustainable and meaningful inclusion.
The programme opened with a presidential address by Ms. Lalita Missal, President, AAINA, who highlighted the organisation’s journey and the relevance of sustained inclusion in community development. This was followed by an organisational reflection by Ms. Sneha Mishra, Secretary, AAINA, who shared key milestones, learning, and evolving approaches from AAINA’s work over the years.
The panel featured Shri Jagadananda, Mentor & Co-Founder, CYSD; Shri Samir Ghosh, Senior Inclusion Consultant, World Bank; Ms. Priya Siqueira Mahapatra, General Manager – CSR, Tata Consultancy Services; Shri Pradeep Ghosal, Head (CSR), Odisha, Tata Power & Central Odisha Distribution Limited. Noted Film Personality and President Dhwani Film Festival Shri Jitendra Biswal also spoke on this occasion.
During the discussion, panelists shared practical insights from their respective sectors, noting that disability inclusion is more effective when integrated into programme design from the outset and supported through partnerships with grassroots organisations and public systems. Speakers reflected on challenges such as short project timelines, fragmented interventions, and the need for stronger follow-up to ensure continuity.
The dialogue concluded with a forward-looking reflection that posed critical questions to corporate stakeholders—whether persons with disabilities are being engaged only as beneficiaries of CSR initiatives, or recognised as partners and contributors to development processes. Panelists also emphasised the need to shift from isolated, short-term activities to more sustained and systematic approaches to disability inclusion, grounded in long-term engagement, skills development, accessibility, and community-level pathways.
The programme witnessed active participation from representatives of NGOs, CSR teams, and civil society organisations. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gayatri Patnaik, Treasurer, AAINA. Programme Officer Sri Debi Prasad Dash has moderated thr sesison.
