Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A fully equipped special school dedicated to the memory of social worker Usha SM Bhandari was inaugurated on Tuesday in Indore.
The initiative, inspired by her work in social service and education, was launched by family members, including Dr Vinod Bhandari, Dr Manjushree Bhandari and Dr Madhu Jain.
Named Usha Divya Bal Mandir, the school is located in Scheme No. 78 and has been set up to support children with special needs, including autism and developmental challenges. The institution aims to carry forward Bhandari’s legacy of guiding children and instilling values.
The school operates under the Shri Aurobindo Group and includes a centre for holistic development of children with conditions such as Down syndrome, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties and attention disorders. Dr Vinod Bhandari said the initiative seeks to help children lead independent and meaningful lives by addressing their educational, emotional and developmental needs.
Recognised by the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education, the school offers academic and health support services. Chancellor of Shri Aurobindo University, Dr Manjushree Bhandari, said the institution provides special educators, vocational training and individualised education plans.
Facilities for yoga, pranayama and naturopathy have also been introduced.
Principal Sunil Singh Tomar said services such as child neurology, psychiatry, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy are available under one roof. The school will also address behavioural and emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and social difficulties.
Parents present at the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a comprehensive platform for the development of children with special needs.
