Published Apr 02, 2026 | 5:12 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 02, 2026 | 5:12 PM
Children with autism wearing Suraksha Kavach pendents (Supplied)
Synopsis: On World Autism Awareness Day, that fear met a small but thoughtful technological response in Hyderabad. Project Chetna distributed 60 smart QR-based “Suraksha Kavach” pendants to children with special needs in collaboration with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), under the union ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
For many parents of children with special needs, anxiety does not begin only when a child steps out of sight. It travels with them through the day–in crowded places, on the road, in unfamiliar situations, and in those small moments when a child may not be able to communicate who they are and whom they belong to.
On World Autism Awareness Day, that fear met a small but thoughtful technological response in Hyderabad. Project Chetna distributed 60 smart QR-based “Suraksha Kavach” pendants to children with special needs in collaboration with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), under the union ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Speaking to South First Akshay Ridan, founder of Project Chetna said, “By distributing these pendants we reaffirm a simple belief at Project Chetna — technology, when guided by empathy, can transform lives.”
He explains that this initiative is not just about innovation, but about dignity, safety, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Each pendant represents reassurance, connection, and hope.
Parents along with their children wearing the Suraksha Kavach pendants
At first glance, the pendant may look simple. But behind it sits a system designed to act quickly in moments of distress. Each pendant stores key details such as emergency contacts, medical information, and family details. If the QR code is scanned, the information becomes instantly available, while an alert is also sent to the child’s family through email.
For parents and caregivers, that can mean something invaluable: the hope that if a child is ever separated, confused, or unable to explain their situation, help may arrive faster.
Project Chetna describes the pendant as a digital “Suraksha Kavach” — a protective shield. Akshay Ridan says, the phrase is not just symbolic. “For families of specially abled children, safety is often tied to constant vigilance. Any intervention that reduces response time in an emergency can make an enormous difference.”
The partnership with NIEPID also gives the initiative wider meaning. It places the focus not only on awareness, which often dominates conversations around autism and disability, but on practical support that families can use in everyday life.
That is perhaps what makes the idea resonate. It is not technology for its own sake. It is technology built around a very human fear — and a very human hope that every child, regardless of ability, should be safe, identifiable, and protected.
Project Chetna, which focuses on smart QR-based solutions for individuals with special needs and elderly citizens, says the broader goal is to build systems that promote safety, dignity, and independence.
And in that vision lies the heart of the initiative: not just a pendant around a child’s neck, but a little more confidence in a parent’s heart.
Meanwhile, Akshay and other parents express gratitude to partners who supported this mission. Priyank Kothari, Director Arvog Finance, one of the partners says, ‘On World Autism Awareness Day, we took a small but meaningful step towards safety and inclusion.”
He says it is a reminder that while we build businesses, we also have a responsibility to build a safer, more inclusive society. A small step, but one that brings real peace of mind to families. The initiative was supported through CSR contributions from Finkurve Financial Services and Augmont.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
