In a first, World Down Syndrome Congress in India

The World Down Syndrome Congress is organized to create worldwide awareness and support for persons with this genetic condition. The congress aims at providing accurate and up to date information on best practices in the field of Down syndrome to parents, self-advocates, educators, medical professionals, and direct service professionals across the world.

Representatives from 38 countries including Australia, USA, Germany, France, South Africa, Japan will be present at the event. Dr Surekha Ramachandran, founder of DSFI and DSAT, said, “In India 20,000 children are diagnosed with Down Syndrome annually. People with Down syndrome face many challenges as children and adults, which may prevent them enjoying their basic rights. In certain parts of the country the situation is worse as people are just not aware of it. For example in places like Vadodara I had had some hair rising experiences. Compare to that Chennai fares quite well and is number one in terms of providing health care. Awareness levels in Chennai and TN are also pretty high. Pediatricians are also well trained so that there is early an interventation and proper treatment can be provided”.

Meanwhile, actor Aravind Swamy, launched the official anthem of the congress — ‘Shine’ sung by eminent singer Shankar Mahadevan. Speaking to DC he said, “ I have been associated with this project for the last 10 years and it gives immense joy to be a part of the project again. The abnormality is in the perception of society and not among people. The mindset needs to change for which raising an awareness is a key aspect.”

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a person possesses three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two, resulting in certain physical, psychological and medical issues. One out of every 850 births is a person with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, an English doctor who identified the features of people with this genetic condition.