Bengaluru | 21 February 2026: Prakramika Vocational Institute, fondly referred as PVI hosted its Third Convocation for the India batch, at Seshadripuram First Grade College, North Bengaluru, Yelahanka, bringing together learners, families, educators, employers, and community partners for a morning that celebrated outcomes, dignity, and real-world readiness. The event featured a formal graduation ceremony for learners completing one-year and two-year programmes and individual courses, inspiring addresses by distinguished guests, and a strong call for collective action through PVI’s Pledge for Inclusion.
A key highlight of the convocation was the launch of “Beyond Labels – A Reference Guide for Special Schools”, presented as a “mega dream project” and positioned as a practical, structured resource for special educators and inclusive classrooms. The book which was authored by Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan, Mrs. Akshaya Lalith Soundar, Ms. Akhila Lakshminarasimhan, Dr. Shobha Ramesh, Mrs. Pushpa Nari, Ms. Franceisca Geeta Souza, Mrs. Nagaarthi Kalyanaraman and Ms. Chandan P Mahajani. The journey of writing of the book and the benefits of the book to the neurodivergent community were detailed by Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan, Founder Director of PVI, and the book was formally launched in the presence of the Mr. Das Suryawanshi, State Commissioner for persons with Disabilties, Government of Karnataka, as Chief Guest. The Special Guests for the occasion were, Dr. Brinda Venkatraman, currently the Vice-Principal, as well as Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology, at Indira Medical College & Hospital in Thiruvallur, Mr. Ashok W.D. the Chairman of Seshadripuram High School, Yelahanka, and the Chairman of Seshadripuram College, Tumkuru Branch, and serves as a permanent trustee of the Seshadripuram Education Trust, and Ms. Pushpa Preeya, Nari Shakthi Puraskar awardee from the President of India and an Indian scribe, IT professional and a volunteer. Mrs. Padma Ramani, a veteran Special Educator and Advisory Board Member of PVI also graced the occasion. The book launch was followed by recognition of contributors, illustrators, mentors, and supporters who helped make the publication possible.
Founded in 2015, PVI has built a model that combines certified online skill-development, learner support, and pathways to internships and jobs—while also strengthening the ecosystem by training educators, teachers, parents, and carers. Over time, PVI’s work has expanded across geographies, including engagement with the Indian diaspora in the United States, reinforcing its vision of inclusion as a global, community-driven effort.
The convocation reflected this spirit through an agenda that blended ceremony with meaning: lamp lighting, prayer, performances, welcome and keynote addresses, the pledge roll-out, the book launch, and the graduation and felicitation of learners. The PVI Pledge segment underscored a clear message—that inclusion is not an individual act but a shared responsibility. During the event, a pledge video “voiced by the entire PVI family” invited every participant to carry the commitment beyond the hall and into daily life.
Alongside graduation and the book launch, the event also featured conversations that connected learning to livelihood. A panel discussion titled “Empowering Ability: A Dialogue Between Talent Developers and Inclusive Employers” explored how training organisations and inclusive workplaces can co-create pathways from skills to meaningful careers. The session was moderated by Ms. Rashmi Sood Anand and included panelists Ms. Laharee (Head of Inclusive Hiring, Atypical Advantage) and Ms. Archana G S (Head, Autism at Work Program, SAP Labs India), bringing perspectives from inclusive hiring, workplace design, and long-term career enablement.
Ms. Chandan P. Mahajani led a calming Sound Meditation for Clarity and Mindfulness, followed by an energising Brain Gym “Ways to Move” session by Mrs. Alamelu Harish, where simple movements helped improve alertness, coordination, and focus. The event also featured heartfelt parental reflections and feedback, sharing how PVI’s learning content, structure, and consistent mentoring translated into visible growth and meaningful outcomes for learners. Adding depth to the dialogue, Ms. Smrithy Rajesh delivered a talk on “Parenting with Purpose,” offering practical insights and encouragement to families on nurturing strengths, building independence, and sustaining progress beyond the classroom.
The event concluded with gratitude and recognition—honouring contributors, partners, and behind-the-scenes teams who enabled both the convocation and the book launch. Volunteers from Seshadripuram First Grade College were also acknowledged for supporting the smooth conduct of the programme. In addition, the post-ceremony engagement included an inclusive job-fair supported by partner organisations, Atypical Advantage and AssisTech Foundation, reinforcing the event’s theme of outcomes and opportunity.
