The Shakti Ratna recognises women achievers making a meaningful difference to society – women across different spectra whose work empowers and uplifts others, and Sardesai bagged the honour as an accomplished author whose books give voice, strength, and visibility to women’s stories and marginalised children.

Sardesai’s books are socially themed and a researched documentation of changing norms.

• ‘Child of My Heart: A Comprehensive Guide to Adoption in India’ –  a first-of-its-kind – examines how adoption works in India against the broader backdrop of how the country views its vulnerable children.
• The Amazon bestseller ‘When Love is Lost: Cases from the Family Courts of a Changing India’ is a critically acclaimed look at the changing face of marriage in a deeply conservative society.
• ‘Punyakatha: The Story of a Million Years’, done for Heritage India, is a children’s book chronicling the history of Pune and the Deccan Plateau from the Stone Age to the present.
• Her recently released ‘Lost Among the Myths: Her Stories from the Ramayana’ is a feminist reclamation in which thirteen women characters from the epic tell their own stories in their own voices.

“I feel deeply honoured by this recognition, and it strengthens my resolve to continue exploring issues that impact us all. My next two books trace the history of Maharashtra for over 2000 years in a manner that is interesting and engaging to every reader, as well as a reclamation of women’s voices from the Mahabharata,” shares Sardesai.

A gold medallist in Journalism and English Literature from Pune University, Sardesai has written for The Indian Express, The Times of India, DNA, and Heritage India, among other leading publications.

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Located within Phoenix Marketcity Pune, the new store will span approximately 21,000 sq. ft. and offer UNIQLO’s complete range of LifeWear apparel for men, women, and children. Designed around simplicity, quality, and functionality, the store aims to deliver a seamless and elevated shopping experience for Pune consumers.

The launch marks a significant addition to Phoenix Marketcity Pune’s international fashion portfolio, further strengthening its position as one of the city’s premium lifestyle and shopping destinations.

Driven by increasing customer appreciation for high-quality, everyday essentials, UNIQLO continues to expand its presence in India by bringing its globally recognized LifeWear philosophy — clothing designed to make everyday life better — to newer markets across the country.

Commenting on the launch, Anshuman Bharadwaj, Senior Centre Director- Phoenix [Pune Malls], said: “At Phoenix Marketcity Pune, we continuously strive to bring globally admired brands and elevated retail experiences to our consumers. UNIQLO’s arrival marks a significant addition to our international fashion portfolio and reflects the evolving aspirations of Pune’s shoppers who increasingly seek quality, functionality, and contemporary global fashion under one roof.”

The new store at Phoenix Marketcity Pune will feature UNIQLO’s modern retail design language along with the brand’s signature visual identity, offering shoppers an immersive and contemporary retail environment.

The store will officially open to customers on:
Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: UNIQLO, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

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NEW DELHI: India’s maternity healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with more women accessing formal, institutional care than ever before. As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with over 88–90% of births now occurring in institutional settings, the share of institutional deliveries has reached 97.3% in 2023–24, signalling a sustained shift towards formal, hospital-based maternal care. Government data presented in 2025 further showed that C-section deliveries accounted for over 27% of all reported births in India during 2024–25, reinforcing the growing shift towards medically intensive maternity care.

Against this backdrop, Care Health Insurance highlights a clear expansion in women’s health claims, both in scale and intensity. Women’s health insurance claims rose 37% from FY25 to FY26, with the 20–40 age group continuing to drive this growth, increasing from 25% over the same period.

At the same time, maternity-related claims are becoming more cost-intensive, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities continuing to account for a larger share of overall claims, contributing to 60% of all maternity claims reported to the company.

A shift in the maternal age profile is also visible. In FY26, women aged above 35 years accounted for 12% of total maternity claim volumes, which was higher compared to previous years and increasing. The cost of this age group was 18% of the overall claim amount, indicating higher cost intensity associated with later-age pregnancies.

Overall maternity claim outgo has risen by 25% over the last two years, even as claim volumes have fluctuated, indicating a shift towards higher spend per case.

While deliveries are becoming increasingly institutionalized and more efficient, the proportion of women discharged within five days for maternal care has increased from 75% in FY24 to 82% in FY26. This duration of discharge is not resulting in cost reduction; instead, the company has seen an upward trend in cost intensity for maternal treatment.

Taken together, these trends reflect a structural shift in maternal healthcare, with rising cost intensity and evolving care patterns driving higher financial exposure. The findings are further reinforced by broader public health data, which indicates that a majority of women in India are accessing formal antenatal care services, while three out of four continue to have inadequate dietary iron intake, highlighting persistent nutritional gaps and long-term health vulnerabilities beyond maternity.

Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Care Health Insurance, said, “Women’s health insurance claims are no longer following a linear growth pattern; they are expanding in both scale and intensity. We are seeing a clear shift in the maternity landscape, with costs rising steadily. While care pathways are becoming more efficient, the financial exposure associated with maternal healthcare is increasing. This is not just a utilisation trend; it reflects a broader shift in how women are accessing and experiencing healthcare today. It is therefore important for individuals to periodically reassess their coverage to ensure it remains aligned with evolving needs.”

As maternal healthcare continues to formalise and utilisation rises, ensuring adequate and timely health insurance coverage remains critical to managing financial exposure and ensuring continuity of care.

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The award was presented by Ms. Priya Dutt, Chairperson of the Nargis Dutt Foundation and former Member of Parliament, at a ceremony held at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), Mumbai, on May 1, 2026. The event, organised in collaboration with Lions Clubs International, brought together a distinguished group of women achievers across diverse fields. Other awardees included Kainaz Messman Harchandrai, Founder of Theobroma, Dr. Ketna Mehta of Nina Foundation, actor Avantika Akerkar, and national racing champion Diana Pundole.

Renu Wadhwa has led K K Eye Institute since its inception in 2003, transforming it into one of Pune’s leading super-speciality eye hospitals. Today, the institute operates from a 38,000 sq. ft. facility in Koregaon Park, supported by a team of over 180 professionals, and performs approximately 15,000 surgeries annually.

Commenting on the recognition, Renu Wadhwa said: “Everything we have built rests on the foundation that Revered Dada Vaswani gave us; a vision of compassionate care and selfless service. This honour belongs to him.”  

Her leadership is anchored in the philosophy of #NoCompromise – no compromise on clinical excellence and no compromise on compassionate care, guided by a simple but powerful principle: “Always do what is best for the patient.” Under her direction, the institute has built a strong reputation for ethical, high-quality eye care driven by advanced technology, robust clinical systems, and a deep culture of patient trust.

Despite not coming from a medical background, Ms. Wadhwa has earned recognition from leading ophthalmic and social organisations, including the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society Conference (MOSCON), Association of Community Ophthalmologists of India (ACOIN), Rotary, and Lions Clubs, among others.

The Women of Wonder Awards recognise women who have made a meaningful impact through their work and contributions to society. This recognition acknowledges Ms. Wadhwa’s role in building a sustainable, values-driven healthcare institution that continues to set benchmarks in ethical and patient-first eye care.

The K K Eye Institute is part of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission and carries forward its legacy of dedicated service to society.

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PUNE: As the auspicious Gudi rises across homes in Pune, marking new beginnings and the onset of the wedding season, Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the House of Tata, launches a special campaign celebrating the Manasvinis of Maharashtra, a tribute to the proud Marathi woman who honours tradition while shaping its expression in her own distinctive way. As part of this cultural celebration, Tanishq unveils its exclusive Gudi Padwa Mangal Sutra Collection – Dor, rooted in Maharashtra’s cultural ethos and inspired by the spirit of the modern Marathi woman.

During this celebration, Tanishq has created the first-ever regional campaign film as a tribute to the modern Marathi woman. The film celebrates her everyday expressions of culture, pride, and individuality, while also bringing alive the Dor collection that reflects this spirit. The narrative seamlessly weaves in the extraordinary Dor Collection as a cherished symbol of pride, identity, and community, brought to life through the story led by renowned actress Priya Bapat, reflecting how the modern Marathi woman carries her heritage forward with pride. Through authentic cultural nuances and emotionally resonant storytelling, the film positions Tanishq as a brand that deeply understands Marathi cultural ethos.

Anchored in this cultural milestone, Chandra Dor, the Peshwai Mangalsutra stands apart through its royal, heritage-inspired design, deeply rooted in the grandeur of the Peshwa era. Characterised by intricate gold work, refined craftsmanship, and an ornate wati, it reflects the elegance and cultural richness associated with Maratha royalty. Inspired by temple and sunburst motifs and brought to life through intricate filigree work and warm antique gold craftsmanship, this piece forms a graceful, elongated silhouette that reflects heritage artistry with refined elegance.

The Dor collection also introduces a first-of-its-kind Banarasi enamel mangalsutra, bringing together delicate meenakari work, refined floral motifs, and vibrant enamel accents to reinterpret timeless craft in a contemporary form. Among its highlights is Kamal Dor, a striking piece featuring vibrant Banarasi enamel work with a blooming lotus motif, paired with a refined double-bead black chain that adds both elegance and symbolism to the design.

Additionally, the collection reimagines iconic Maharashtrian designs such as Tushi, Kolhapuri Saaz, and Shindeshahi Tode with delicate Glass Kundan, subtle meenakari, and intricate badroom work that blends heritage with contemporary style for the wedding occasions. Reversible Vajratik Haar & Tushi dual expressions in one piece, plain gold with nakashi detailing on one side, kundan on the other, combining elegance with tradition. The Nath, inspired by the Kolhapuri Saaz, was gracefully reinterpreted to celebrate Maharashtrian heritage. The peacock-inspired ear cuff with jhumka features Vajratik motifs, blending bold artistry with refined craftsmanship. It is a modern tribute to the Marathi woman, balancing tradition, style, and individuality.

The Dor collection showcases a rich interplay of Maharashtrian craft traditions and refined design details. It comes together across thoughtfully crafted wati and bead forms, celebrating the enduring symbolism of the mangalsutra. Each design is thoughtfully crafted for the woman who allows her culture to shine beautifully and, in her own quiet way, reflects both her individuality and her deep sense of community, which is captured beautifully in the film.

Speaking on the launch, Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Titan Company Limited, said, “In Maharashtra, culture lives beautifully through its women — in the pride with which they carry their traditions, the rituals they nurture, and the values they pass on every day. The Manasvanis embody this spirit with quiet confidence, preserving heritage passed down through generations while expressing it in ways that feel deeply contemporary. At Tanishq, the woman has always been at the heart of everything we do — she is our muse, inspiring the stories we tell and the designs we create. This campaign is our tribute to the Manasvanis of Maharashtra who honour tradition while shaping its future. Through such narratives and our designs, we celebrate the enduring spirit of women who preserve, reinterpret, and carry culture forward.”

Sharing insights on the curation of the collection and the design, Garima Maheshwari – Head of Design, Tanishq said, “While curating the extraordinary Dor Mangal Sutra collection, our inspiration was the modern Marathi woman who wears her culture in her own distinctive way. We looked closely at elements of Maharashtrian craftsmanship, such as Peshwai-inspired detailing and Kolhapuri artistry, and translated them into contemporary mangalsutra designs. From delicate enamel work and refined floral motifs to thoughtfully crafted wati forms and elegant black bead chains, every piece has been designed to honour tradition while allowing individuality to shine.”

On being the part of the launch, Actress Priya Bapat, who is associating with the brand for the collection, added, “On being the part of the launch, actress Priya Bapat said, “What resonated with me about this campaign is how truthfully it reflects the spirit of the Marathi woman. Our culture often lives through the choices we make every day — in how we dress, what we celebrate, and the traditions we continue. That is what the film captures so beautifully. Tanishq has always understood women beyond occasions; it recognises the emotions, values, and cultural nuances that shape who we are. Being part of a story that celebrates women as the custodians of culture feels deeply meaningful because it acknowledges how traditions continue to live and evolve through us.”

To mark the festive occasion, customers can avail a free gold coin with every jewellery purchase, up to 20 percent off on diamond value, and up to 100 percent exchange value on old gold brought from any jeweller. Available for a limited festive window from 14 March to 20 March 2026, customers are encouraged to make the most of these special Gudi Padwa offers at Tanishq stores across Pune.

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NEW DELHI: Swiggy (NSE: SWIGGY/BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today organized the 2026 edition of ‘She The Change’. This flagship initiative, with the tagline ‘From Vision to Venture’, is aimed at celebrating women who are redefining India’s culinary and business landscape. Organized ahead of International Women’s Day, the event was attended by prominent women restaurateurs, chefs, and F&B leaders from across the country. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India, was the Chief Guest at the event.

The Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Sriharsha Majety, Co-Founder, MD, and Group CEO, Swiggy, felicitated 28 women from the F&B industry across 2 categories- Entrepreneur of the Year and Chef of the Year. These awards recognized their contributions to culinary innovation and business success. Some of the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year award included Aditi Dugar (Masque), Akshaya Murali (Geetham Veg Restaurant),  Anisha Saini (Mrs. Kaur), Alina Alam (Mitti Cafe), Deepika Sethi (Ikk Punjab), Divya Parwani (Pind), Jaya & Poonam Tulsiani (Bassera), Lipsa Satapathy & Tamasa Mishra (VDumpling Dynasty), Mahek Sugandh (Cacao Springs & The Binge Chocolates), Niharika Shashi Kheria (Moi- The Dessert Studio), Payal Pathak (Simply Salad), Saloni Kukreja (Indu Ice Cream), Shivanie Mirchandani (Minus 30), Suchali Jain (Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse), Sridevi Jasti (Vibrant Living), Shreya Senapati (Spicy Signature), Toral Sanghavi & Sarah Jacob Nair (Nair on Fire),  amongst others. The top Chefs honored at the event included Aahana Gaur (Sous Chef at The Westin Mumbai Garden City), Amrita Kaur (Holistic Gourmet Chef), Hanisha Singh, Richa Johri (UNICO), Tanvi Arora (Tanviz Dream Oven), and Tarannum Sehgal (Espressos AnyDay).

This curated gathering of the pioneers, the disruptors, and the visionaries from India’s food industry reinforces Swiggy’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in the F&B industry. Swiggy has 70,000 women-run restaurants on its platform. As per Swiggy’s internal estimates, these entrepreneurs are generating close to 4,20,000 jobs, as each restaurant employs an average of 6 direct employees.

In his speech, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India, said, “Women-led businesses are vital to India’s growth, and it is inspiring to see them flourishing in diverse industries beyond just the major cities. Organizations that partner with and empower women entrepreneurs are essential for inclusive economic development. For over 12 years, Swiggy has made significant strides in promoting women’s entrepreneurship across the country. Initiatives like ‘She The Change’ celebrate their success, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue entrepreneurship.”

Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace, added, “She The Change is our flagship initiative aimed at celebrating the journey and success of women in the food ecosystem who are shaping the future of India’s culinary scene. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership are truly inspiring. As a platform, we are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs in their growth journeys.”

The event also included a star-studded panel discussion on the topic “Leading with Flavor”. The panelists included Samiksha Pednekar (Backbay), Saloni Kukreja (Indu Ice cream), Amrita Kaur (Holistic Gourmet), and Sridevi Jasti (Vibrant Living). The panel was moderated by Rocky Singh, a renowned food blogger and anchor. The panelists discussed various tenets around building a business, including how they started out, their journey, and what worked for them. In addition to this, they discussed the various changes in the Indian food industry over the last few years, the funding challenge, fads or trends in the market, and how they leverage them, as well as the future of the food industry and how they would like to influence the Indian food scene in the future.

To support the continued growth of entrepreneurs and chefs, Swiggy is enabling access to a 3-month Gen AI trial pack for all 50 winners and attendees, so they can explore AI-driven tools to enhance business operations, insights, and storytelling.

With each edition, #SheTheChange continues to strengthen its role as a platform that not only honors excellence but also encourages deeper conversations about women’s leadership in India’s rapidly growing food and restaurant industry.  In 2024, the inaugural edition of ‘She The Change’ commemorated nearly a decade of Swiggy working with women entrepreneurs and put a spotlight on both budding and established women entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry. Some of the winners from the last edition include Roma Sinha, Oriental Spice; Aparna Andrews, Biryani Blues; Alpa Bhatt, Aarambh Kitchen; Debjani Sahu, Garam Masala; RJ Vishnupriya, Kai Manam; Kakileti Pallavi, Hyggee Multicuisine Restaurant, amongst others.

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With this addition, Ujaas now operates two Ujaas Green Manufacturing Units in Maharashtra, collectively employing 45 SHG women and creating livelihood opportunities for nearly 1,500 additional women across the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. The earlier unit in Jalna has demonstrated strong outcomes, producing 111,125 reusable cloth pads over two years and establishing community-run manufacturing as a sustainable driver of local economic participation.

The Jalna unit has successfully distributed cloth pads locally and across neighbouring districts, including Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Parbhani, Beed, and Buldhana, while also expanding its reach across Maharashtra and pan-India through the Ujaas Menstrual Health Express Campaign. The campaign facilitated free pad distribution across 25 states and 121 cities, significantly strengthening awareness, accessibility, and outreach.

Poonam Patkar, Head – Ujaas, said, “The Ujaas Green Manufacturing Unit is designed as a fully women-managed production ecosystem — from cutting and stitching to quality control, packaging, marketing, and sales coordination. Based on the performance of our Jalna unit, each participating woman can earn a stable annual income of around ₹75,000, depending on skill and product demand, ensuring predictable financial support for her family while each SHG collectively benefits from sustained enterprise income. Beyond production, women are trained in financial literacy, hygiene standards, and business processes so they can independently manage and grow the unit. This is not just employment — it is structured livelihood ownership that builds confidence, skills, and long-term economic security.”

The new facility is projected to manufacture more than 55,000 reusable cloth pads annually, further strengthening Ujaas’ growing network of women-led production hubs. The initiative demonstrates how regions with active SHG ecosystems can build locally managed enterprises that generate income while addressing essential health needs.

In addition to enterprise creation, participating women lead awareness sessions in their communities to promote informed menstrual health practices and reduce stigma. Ujaas Green Cloth Pads are reusable and chemical-free, offering an affordable alternative to disposable products while reducing menstrual waste and supporting environmentally responsible consumption.

This expansion marks another step in Ujaas’ mission to scale women-driven grassroots enterprises across Maharashtra, creating sustainable pathways for livelihood generation, entrepreneurship, and community-led development.

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The announcement, made at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, follows the successful Mumbai and Bengaluru editions earlier this season, which drew large-scale participation and reinforced the Zydus Pinkathon’s growing footprint across major cities. In Pune, the platform returns with its signature mix of community and endurance formats, while continuing to spotlight women’s health, including awareness around early detection and regular self-breast examinations.

The Pune edition will feature a strong line-up of mascots that reflect the diversity and intent of the Zydus Pinkathon movement. Mrunal Inamdar will represent the Super 75 km category, taking on the distance in a traditional nauvari saree, while Lalita Pawar, a visually impaired runner, will lead the Fabulous 50 km category. The 100 km mascot will be Dr Neelam Vaid, a 61-year-old ENT surgeon, symbolising resilience and lifelong fitness. The 10 km run will be represented by Dr Mitali Upadhye, a cancer survivor, the Lifelong 5 km by Usha Soman, mother of Pinkathon founder Milind Soman, aged 87, and the 3 km category by Mayuri Das, a babywearing mother, highlighting inclusive participation.

Speaking at the unveiling, Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said, “Pune has always had a strong running culture, and coming back after seven years feels especially meaningful. As the platform continues its journey across India this season, Pune becomes an important stop, one that brings together community participation, competitive running, and health awareness under one umbrella. The return here reflects how women’s running in India has grown, and how consistently women continue to show up when given the right space.”

The Pune edition also continues the Zydus Pinkathon’s association with healthcare conversations, with a renewed focus on preventive practices and awareness around breast cancer, reinforcing the idea that fitness events can serve as platforms for long-term health dialogue beyond race day.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said, “With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference.

Joining hands with Pinkathon, we aim to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women’s health and Breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives.”

Ankita Konwar, Founder, Invincible Women, said, “What excites me is seeing women approach fitness as something they build into their lives, not something tied to a single event. In cities like Pune, there’s a quiet commitment to showing up regularly, pushing personal limits, and staying consistent. Pinkathon creates a structure where that mindset can grow across distances, ages, and stages of life.”

Adding to this, Dr Tushar Patil, leading oncologist, Zydus, said, “It’s inspiring to see women come together at Zydus Pinkathon for both fitness and awareness. While staying active strengthens the body, early screening is our strongest defence against breast cancer. A simple monthly self-exam, just two hands and three minutes, can help detect warning signs early. In cities like Pune, such small, consistent actions can truly save lives, and initiatives like Zydus Pinkathon help take these vital conversations into the community.”

The event is supported by a strong partner ecosystem led by Zydus as the Title Partner, and further strengthened by Lotus Herbals (Sunscreen Partner), Lifelong (Fitness Partner), Sirona (Hygiene Partner), and Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences (Hospitality Partner). Healthcare and wellness are reinforced through Fujifilm (Breast Health Partner), 3TENX (Hair Wellness Partner), alongside Bisleri (Hydration Partner), Zivame (Activewear Partner), and Tasty Nibbles (Tasty Meals Partner). The event is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) & Fit India. The experience is further enriched by Inc.5 (Gifting Partner), and Big FM (Radio Partner), with execution by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP.

Continuing its 2025–26 journey, the Zydus Pinkathon builds on successful editions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, with upcoming runs scheduled across key cities, including Hyderabad and Delhi, carrying forward its commitment to making women’s health, fitness, and participation visible, accessible, and sustained.

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Over 46 finalists participated in the competition, showcasing their skills across fashion, talent, and empowerment initiatives. Aarti Borole competed in the Silver Category and emerged as the winner, earning the prestigious title of Mrs Maharashtra 2025 Season 9. In addition to the main crown, she also won the Mrs Achiever Subtitle Crown and the Best Dress Crown.

Aarti returned to India from the United States in 2023 and has over 10 years of experience in the IT industry. She is currently working as a Senior Software Engineer at Apexon. Besides being a dedicated professional, fitness and dance are her passions, and she maintains a disciplined lifestyle, spending an hour daily at the gym.

Her journey to winning the title involved immense dedication and hard work. Aarti successfully balanced her professional responsibilities, family life, and rigorous pageant preparations. She often practiced late into the night, preparing for her introduction, talent rounds, and various stage segments. 

A big shoutout to my husband, Tushar! He’s been my constant motivation and support system alongwith my two children. I owe this crown to them, beams Aarti.

Expressing her gratitude further, Aarti shared that Anjana and Karl Mascarenhas, Founders of DIVA Pageants, were her strongest pillars of support throughout the journey.

My next goal is to participate in the Mrs India pageant and bring home the crown, smiles Aarti. 

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PUNE: Walnut Child Development Clinics, a Pune-headquartered network of child development centres founded in 2019, is urging parents to replace “wait and watch” with “early checks” when they notice small but repeated developmental concerns. Many challenges begin quietly, then become harder for the child and family as school demands increase and daily routines get more complex. A simple screening or early assessment can help families understand whether a child is within typical developmental variation, needs monitoring, or would benefit from timely support.

Walnut Clinics recommends a basic check-up when parents notice repeated developmental concerns. These may include late talking, unclear speech, limited eye contact, difficulty following instructions, frequent meltdowns, or short attention span. Other signs can include clumsiness, sensory sensitivities (noise, touch, or textures), feeding challenges, delays in play skills, or struggles with pre-academic readiness. Early action can reduce frustration for the child, bring clarity to caregivers, and make home and school support more structured and doable.

Walnut Clinics offers integrated care through a coordinated team of certified Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Special Educators, and Behavioural Therapists, working together under one roof. Services include early screening and assessments, speech therapy, fluency and voice therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, behavioural therapy, remedial education, paediatric physiotherapy, parent counselling, and group therapy/support sessions. The clinics commonly support children with autism, ADHD, speech delay, learning disabilities, sensory processing concerns, and developmental delays.

“Parents often tell us they were hoping their child would ‘grow out of it,” said Dr. Chanchal Agrawal, Founder & Clinical Director, Walnut Child Development Clinics. “Sometimes that happens, but when it doesn’t, the child may start feeling ‘I can’t’ long before anyone says it out loud. An early screening isn’t about labels; it’s about clarity on what’s typical, what needs watching, and what we can begin strengthening right away.”

“Walnut was built on one simple belief: families shouldn’t have to run from one specialist to another for answers,” said the Founding Team at Walnut Child Development Clinics. “When professionals collaborate, speech, occupational therapy, psychology, special education, and behaviour support, parents get a clearer roadmap, children get consistent goals, and progress becomes visible not just in the clinic, but at home and in the classroom.”

Walnut’s programmes focus on functional, measurable skills, including communication, attention, play, self-care, handwriting readiness, motor planning, emotional regulation, and classroom participation, with a strong focus on a holistic approach that supports the child across home, school, and social environments. Therapy plans are personalised, reviewed at regular intervals, and designed to be parent-friendly so families can practice strategies confidently at home, and schools can align support where needed.

With 5,000+ families served, Walnut Child Development Clinics currently operates in Kharadi, Fatima Nagar, Tingre Nagar, PCMC, and Baramati. Appointments are available for in-clinic evaluations, therapy programmes,s and parent guidance sessions.

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