Podcast category: Educator's Lens

About the Guest: Sharmila Jois Vellal
Sharmila is a special educator with over 20 years of experience in inclusive education. She is the founder-director of Anantha Academy for Special Education, where she creates safe spaces for children to thrive at their own pace. Sharmila is also a co-founder of Ishanya Center for Special Needs and Eka Educational and Charitable Trust. She serves on the board of SERPA, advocating for the rights of children with disabilities across Karnataka.

Social Media Links:
Instagram: / ananthaacademy.blr
LinkedIn: / sharmila-jois-vellal-77080a9b
Website: www.Ananthacademy.com

In This Episode

In this episode of Just Your ‘Normal’ Misfit, host Ann engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sharmila Jois Vellal, an experienced special educator and the founder of Anantha Academy for Special Education. Sharmila shares her insights gained from over two decades in inclusive education, her motivations behind establishing Anantha Academy, and her journey towards creating safe, empowering environments for children with diverse needs. The discussion also covers the importance of individualised education plans, early diagnosis, various therapy options, and the challenges parents face. Full of practical advice and wisdom, this episode is a resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in special education.

Championing Inclusive Education: A Conversation with Mangala Jayachandran

In this episode of ‘Just Your Normal Missfit,’ host Ann Thomas sits down with Mangala Jayachandran, a pioneer in the education sector known for her work in disability and inclusion. With over three decades of experience, Mangala shares her journey from teaching dance in Bombay to developing inclusive education models at Lady Andal School in Chennai. She discusses the challenges, strategies, and successes in integrating special education into mainstream schooling, emphasizing the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and a solutions-based approach.

This insightful conversation highlights the essential role of teachers, parents, and the community in shaping a supportive educational environment for children with learning disabilities.

Inclusion isn’t a checklist. It’s a way of life.
In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, I speak with Anjena Raghuram, special educator and founder of Saksham Centre for the Specially Abled‪@sakshambyanjena‬

From autism to ADHD to learning disabilities, Anjena has worked with children who often get overlooked in classrooms and communities. Together, we explore:

What a special educator really does (and doesn’t do)
How parents can set realistic expectations and ask the right questions
The role of IEPs, skills over syllabus, and early intervention
Why creating safe spaces and focusing on strengths—not “fixing”—matters

This is a conversation full of heart, practical wisdom, and hope for families navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent children.

👉 Watch, listen, and share if you believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.

In a country where education is often synonymous with exam results and entrance ranks, how do we make space for every kind of learner?

In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, we speak to Manju Balasubramanyam, Principal of Delhi Public School Bangalore North, a National Award-winning educator, Fulbright alumna, and one of India’s leading advocates for inclusive education.

Manju has been instrumental in building one of the most comprehensive inclusive education programs in the country, with over 23 special educators and counsellors working across 5 academic boards to ensure that children with learning differences and neurodivergence are not left behind.