Sammohan is a pioneering initiative by Gopinath Muthukad, aimed at providing a national platform for children with special needs to showcase their artistic talents and creativity

An aspirational pursuit of Gopinath Muthukad. ‘Sammohan’ is more than a National Festival for the Differently Abled; it includes comprehensive events aimed at bringing the differently abled into the social mainstream.

The Different Art Centre (DAC) with the support of the Department of Empowerment of People with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, and Social Justice Department, Govt. of Kerala organised, the National Art Festival, for children with special needs. Named as Sammohan, this two-day national festival was conducted on 25th and 26th of February 2023 at Different Art Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Sammohan was attended by specially-abled children from different states of the country participating in different events. Nine national institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment took part in the festival, supported by the Union Ministry and the State’s Social Justice department.

Sammohan was a dream idea of Gopinath Muthukad to raise awareness among the general public, parents, decision-makers, elected representatives, professionals, organizations and, institutions working in the field of disability, college/school students, corporate employees and other sections of society.

The two-day event was comprised of exhibits, performances and discussions on relevant topics. Performances included magic, music (vocal), dance (classical, regional, folk), instrumental music, painting, clay modelling, mime and more.

Several dignitaries from the government, media and from the differently-abled sector participated in the programmes, making the event a huge success.