Draft:Dr. Surekha Ramachandran

Dr. Surekha Ramachandran (1953- ) is the President of the Down Syndrome Federation of India. When Babli, her daughter was born in 1981 at Chennai, she did not get information from anywhere. The medical fraternity had already decided that since the child was a person with Down syndrome, she would not be able to do anything. They even advised the young mother to leave the child in an institution. But Dr. Ramachandran was very sure that she would learn more about the condition and raise her child regardless of how bleak the doctors made her future sound.

She then went abroad, learnt from doctors in the US and UK about the condition and came back to help not only her daughter but other children with Down syndrome too. Mathru Mandir (MM) in Chennai was the only School in India devoted to the cause of rehabilitation of children with Down Syndrome established over 40 years ago. Mathru Mandir’s vision is to facilitate a nurturing and supporting environment both within the family and society for individuals with Down Syndrome by providing counseling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy where each training program is personalized according to the person. From six children in 1984 to over 7000 families today - the journey of Dr. Ramachandran has been an eventful one.

She realized that it was not only Chennai where persons with Down syndrome had no acceptance, the story was the same everywhere. So she started reaching out to parents across the country through the Down Syndrome Federation of India. Today, doctors and hospitals refer persons with Down syndrome to DSFI to help in their further development.

Dr. Ramachandran’s contribution to the field of Down syndrome is unmatchable. She has created a network which supports and guides persons with Down syndrome across any part of the country and even the world. Given are her various contributions: 1. She has personally cared for and counseled over 7000 people with Down Syndrome across India and also other countries from the Middle East 2. Was instrumental in bringing out the Down Syndrome Passbook which helps parents and doctors keep a record of the child’s health 3. Has been focusing on various activities for the health of children and adults with Down syndrome. While prior to the Pandemic, camps were help almost every month across states, during the pandemic she organized for online medical camps for Down syndrome – the first in any country. 4. During her tenure as Area Director – Special Olympics, Tamilnadu, around 19 athletes from Tamilnadu represented India in various Games and Sports held in the Special Olympics at Dublin in 2003. 5. Instrumental in setting up Support centers/ Outreach Programs at various locations in India Under her guidance, most of the states in India have Parent Support Groups that assist new parents and also support adults with Down syndrome 6. Has been continuously supporting parents during the pandemic by organizing events, seminars and even an award program for them. For Self-advocates, there have been constant sessions to keep them occupied during these times 7. Has been instrumental in organizing for surgeries for children with Down syndrome across the country who could not afford it. Over the past 6 months alone, she has supported close to five surgeries 8. Started the first ever course on Down syndrome in association with a parent and IRC – an organization recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India. 9. She has been a guest speaker across the country not only in person but also through virtual events 10. Organized the World Down Syndrome Congress in Chennai in 2015 bringing India on the World map in the area of Down syndrome.

Dr. Surekha Ramachandran has been a beacon of inspiration for many families dealing with Down syndrome, offering love and support. She consistently advocates for the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome in all aspects of life. Her three books, "With Love from Babli - A Child with Down's Syndrome - (A Referral Guide)," "Life Starts at Sixteen - Down's Syndrome," and "Down but not Out – Babli’s Story," serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for parents and caregivers of those with Down syndrome, providing simple insights into integrating individuals with Down syndrome into society as equals.

The India International Down Syndrome Conference (IIDSC) was established to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome in India are recognized, integrated into society, and provided with the right opportunities to lead fulfilling lives through information, networking, and support. This conference unites all parties involved in the Down syndrome community to foster positive change in the lives of people with Down syndrome in India.

At the United Nations World Down Syndrome Day Celebrations, Dr. Ramachandran has played an active role over the years. Despite the challenges of the pandemic in 2021, she organized a virtual event at the UN office in Geneva, chaired by Shri Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN. She brought self-advocates with Down syndrome to the session, where they made a significant impact with their confidence and grace.