Aasra | SPJIMR DoCC's inclusive sports and cultural event for PwDs and seniors

Celebrating inclusion

Aasra is an inclusive sports and cultural event for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens. The name ‘Aasra,’ meaning ‘support,’ reflects SPJIMR’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society. Organised annually by SPJIMR’s Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC), Aasra attracts over 300 participants from non-profits and schools across Mumbai. Launched in 2018, the event aims to raise awareness of disability inclusion. Disability inclusion focuses on understanding how individuals function and engage with society while ensuring equal opportunities for all. It embraces people regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, ages, or medical needs, promoting equal access and participation in all aspects of life.

The 2026 edition of Aasra will take place at the SPJIMR campus on Saturday, 17th January 2026. It will play a key role in promoting inclusive values by bringing together diverse stakeholders and raising institutional and societal sensitivity. As in previous years, the DoCC team, DoSu-DoCC, the Sustainability Committee, and volunteers from the SPJIMR community will welcome and assist the participants, creating a safe environment where everyone is encouraged to take part.

The event consists of sports activities and a cultural festival. The DoCC and DoSu teams work with experts in the field and educational institutions to design activities based on participants’ mental and physical abilities, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment. Sports such as hand cricket, hit the target, dodgeball, penalty shootouts, and balloon tapping are chosen to match the participants’ abilities. Cultural activities are developed in consultation with schools, experts, and parents to ensure they cater to diverse skill sets and mental ages. The event always serves as a platform to create connections between PwDs, senior citizens, and society, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

This year, the DoCC team has launched the Aasra Collective, an initiative designed to scale inclusivity efforts. We invite you to join the Aasra Collective by contributing any amount you wish to. Every contribution is an important step towards building a disability-inclusive society.

Join the DoCC Aasra Collective

Our purpose

Objectives of Aasra

Roundtable conference

To identify and recognise persons with disabilities (PwDs), promoting disability-inclusive development through employment opportunities.
To encourage diversity and inclusivity among participants.
To provide a significant platform for the specially-abled and elderly to showcase their talents and receive recognition.

To celebrate and embrace the passion and resilience of children and adults with special needs.
To build broader institutional and societal sensitivity towards inclusivity in cultural and sporting activities.
To encourage meaningful dialogue between stakeholders and foster an understanding of innovation in relation to responsibility.

The Aasra roundtable aims to:

Facilitate meaningful conversations and discussions on disability inclusion.
Build future advocacy and support systems.
Establish networks that drive collaboration and long-term impact.

Learnings from Aasra

Mohil Mehta, an alumnus from the PGDM batch of 2018-2020, recalls:

“Aasra as an event stands out the most as I recall my joyous journey at SPJIMR. Aasra was a sports day that we, the students of SPJIMR, organised for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). We thought we would attend the event and inspire them. However, to our surprise, these talented participants inspired us so much more! They participated in all events with the highest levels of enthusiasm and showed us how one can live life without any complaints and enjoy every tiny moment to the fullest. I would strongly urge everyone to participate in such events going forward, and kudos to the institute for pushing students to organise and participate in such events!”

Vasudha, a participant from Aawhan Palak Sangh who attended the online version of Aasra in 2020, shared her thoughts:

“Just like the extra chromosome that our children have, which makes them so special and divine, you guys made our day special with online Aasra. The concept of the break room was new, but the programme was flawless. For the first time during this lockdown, the children enjoyed playing so much, and all credit goes to your team.”

These testimonials echo the joy, enthusiasm, and spirit of Aasra, reinforcing its profound impact on participants and organisers alike. Through Aasra, SPJIMR continues to champion inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and inspire meaningful connections, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.