Officials announced on Saturday the inauguration of Umeed Niketan, an advanced therapy center for children with special needs, at an IAF facility. Neeta Chaudhari, President of the Air Force Family Welfare Association, visited the Base Repair Depot, Air Force Palam on Friday to formally open the center.

Umeed Niketan aims to provide a nurturing environment conducive to the growth and development of children with special needs, enabling them to cultivate essential life skills through tailored recreational activities. The Ministry of Defence emphasized in a statement that the center is conceptualized to offer a range of programs, including sensory exploration, speech therapy, adaptive sports, and interactive immersive experiences. These initiatives are designed to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of special children.

The facility is set to benefit approximately 55 specially abled children, who will be supported by a dedicated team of trained special educators.