United Minds Charitable Foundation is proud to support the establishment of the Synergy Centre of Physiotherapy at Arunodaya Open School in Nagpur, India, furthering its mission of empowering children with neurodiverse and learning needs through access to specialized resources and opportunities.
The center was inaugurated on June 23, 2026, by Deepak Kulkarni, Director of India Operations for United Minds Charitable Foundation, in the presence of the school’s leadership, faculty, and students. The Foundation provided the funding necessary to establish the center, equipping the school with physiotherapy and fitness resources that will benefit students for years to come.
The Synergy Centre is designed to help students strengthen fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, all of which are essential for children with developmental, learning, and neurological differences. These skills play a vital role in improving independence, confidence, classroom participation, and everyday life activities.
Beyond supporting physical development, the center will serve as a skills-based learning environment, introducing students to foundational concepts in health and wellness. Through guided activities and hands-on experiences, students will develop practical skills that can spark interest in future careers such as fitness training, physiotherapy, rehabilitation support, and other health and medical professions. By combining therapeutic intervention with vocational exposure, the center creates meaningful pathways for lifelong learning and future employment opportunities.
During the inauguration, school staff demonstrated the use of the specialized equipment, while students enthusiastically participated in guided activities showcasing the center’s immediate impact.
United Minds Charitable Foundation remains committed to creating inclusive opportunities that help every child reach their full potential. Investments like the Synergy Centre reflect the Foundation’s belief that access to the right resources can transform lives—building stronger, healthier, and more confident individuals while opening doors to brighter futures.
June 2026 marked a significant milestone for the United Minds Charitable Foundation as our Founder and President, Uma Pathe, traveled to Nagpur, India, to lead the Learning Differently, Thriving Boldly initiative. This international service project was made possible through the generous support of the Parkin Fellowship Grant, enabling the foundation to expand its mission of empowering children with disabilities through education, creativity, and opportunity.
Partnering with Arunodaya, a specialized center for children with learning and developmental disabilities, the initiative focused on creating enriching learning experiences through art, music,, and sensory-based activities. Together, United Minds and the Arunodaya team introduced specialized sensory teaching tools designed to enhance classroom engagement and support each child’s unique learning journey.
A key component of the project was exploring vocational pathways that align with students’ individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. By introducing opportunities in arts, printing, design, handicrafts, and other practical trades, the program aimed to help students develop valuable life skills that foster independence, confidence, and future employment opportunities.
The project came to life through immersive workshops that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. Through art and sensory experiences, students strengthened fine motor skills, built confidence, and discovered new ways to communicate and connect with others. These shared experiences also fostered meaningful relationships between the United Minds team, Arunodaya’s dedicated educators, and the remarkable students they serve.
United Minds Charitable Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the students, teachers, staff, and leadership at Arunodaya for their warm welcome, partnership, and unwavering commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Together, we continue to prove that when children are empowered with the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities, they don’t just learn differently, they thrive boldly.
📢 Leadership Announcement:
We are delighted to announce that Mr. Deepak Kulkarni has accepted to lead the India Operations for the United Minds Charitable Foundation (UMCF).
Mr. Kulkarni brings nearly four decades of distinguished experience in education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. A respected educator, former Vice Principal at Government Polytechnic Nagpur, accomplished author, motivational trainer, storyteller, and career counselor, he has dedicated his life to empowering young minds and shaping future generations.
His lifelong commitment to education and social impact aligns perfectly with United Minds’ mission of empowering children with disabilities and creating opportunities for underserved communities through education, skill development, and inclusion. His experience in mentoring students, inspiring individuals through storytelling, and building meaningful community connections will be invaluable as we expand our initiatives across India.
As the Director of India Operations, Mr. Kulkarni will help guide our programs, strengthen partnerships with educational and community organizations, and ensure our mission reaches more children and families who need it most.
We are deeply grateful that Mr. Kulkarni has chosen to join the United Minds family. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service will help shape the next chapter of our journey and amplify the impact we strive to make every day.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Deepak Kulkarni. We look forward to making a lasting difference together.
Welcome aboard, Deepak! Together, we will continue empowering minds, creating opportunities, and transforming lives.
