From the classrooms of Study Hall in Lucknow to the national stage, two young leaders are set to carry Uttar Pradesh’s message of inclusion to the National Youth Leadership Summit 2025. Students Ayana Singh of Study Hall and Astha Rai of Study Hall DOSTI have been chosen to represent the state at the summit, bringing with them grassroots experience in sensitisation, creative outreach, and youth leadership.
About the National Youth Leadership Summit 2025
The National Youth Leadership Summit, organised by Special Olympics Bharat, is a flagship youth leadership event that brings together Athlete Leaders, Youth Leaders & Mentors from 26 State Chapters. By bringing states together on a national platform, the Summit deepens youth-athlete partnerships and contributes to the global mission of Special Olympics through training, workshops and collaborative projects. The 2025 edition will be held on 16 December in Dharampur, Solan, focusing on the theme Educate, Engage, Empower.
Champions of Inclusion: Ayana Singh and Astha Rai
Ayana Singh and Astha Rai’s selection reflects sustained effort and leadership within their school community. Guided by special educator Ms. Shikha Tiwari, the pair have worked to translate the idea of inclusion into everyday practice. Astha Rai’s recent state award from the Chief Minister underlines the visibility and impact of their work at the state level.
The students’ initiatives are practical and engagement based. They have led inclusivity workshops for school students, sensitisation workshops for teachers, conducted outreach with economically weaker section women, held sessions with Group D staff of hospitals and interviewed industry leaders on leadership. Their activities included poster making, Pinterest board workshops and competitions that used creativity to spark conversation about acceptance and equal opportunity.
About Study Hall Educational Foundation and DOSTI
Study Hall Educational Foundation, through its DOSTI programme, focuses on inclusive education by integrating children with physical, learning or intellectual disabilities into mainstream learning and community life. Beyond classroom support, DOSTI runs awareness programmes, teacher sensitisation and community engagement to normalise inclusion and reduce stigma.
The achievements of Ayana and Astha have been supported by school leadership. Ms. Tarannum N. Khan, Headmistress of Study Hall DOSTI, and Ms. Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall, have provided institutional guidance that helped the students scale their outreach and advocacy work.
