3rd Indian NeuroRehabilitation Conference of Occupational Therapy (INCOT 2025)

Theme: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IS THE HEART & SOUL OF LIFE

The 3rd Indian Neuro Rehabilitation Conference of Occupational Therapy (INCOT 2025), organized by Chetna Foundation and held at the Auditorium, Indian Spinal Injury Centre, New Delhi, was successfully conducted on 20th and 21st September 2025. It provides the platform bringing together clinicians, academicians, researchers, and students from across the country. The conference focuses on advancing evidence-based Neurorehabilitation practices through expert lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions. It aims to foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional excellence in occupational therapy.

Under the guidance of Registration Chairperson Dr Saswati Banerjee (OT) along with co-chairperson Dr Vivek and Dr Reena, a total of 253 registrations were recorded for the conference, comprising 97 professionals and 156 students from all over the country reflecting strong participation from both experienced practitioners and emerging occupational therapy professionals.

The conference was conducted in two phases. The Pre-Conference Hands-on workshop held on 19th September 2025 followed by the main conference held over two days. The workshop primarily focuses on splinting and Neurocognitive rehabilitaion. The splinting workshop, led by Dr. Deepak Ganjiwal focused on Basics Principles of Splinting along with Dr. Shubha Arora on Splinting as a Rehabilitation strategies in Neurological Disorders with hands-on practical training to enhance clinical skills. Whereas, the neurocognitive rehabilitation workshop, facilitated by Dr. Noor Mohammad, Dr. Murali Krishnan, and Dr. Gita Jyoti Ojha, emphasized on Core Principles of Neuroplasticity, concepts of neuroplasticity, comprehensive assessment and Recent Advancements in Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Practice, providing participants with valuable practical insights for clinical application. These highly interactive sessions combined evidence-based knowledge with practical demonstrations, equipping participants with advanced skills and contemporary therapeutic approaches. The workshops set a strong academic tone for INCOT 2025 and were widely appreciated for their depth, relevance, and hands-on learning experience.

The two day INCOT Conference held from 20th to 21st September 2025, emphasized academic discourse through scientific sessions, along with recognition of professional excellence and vibrant cultural programs.

Shri Manoj Tiwari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), North East Delhi, Bharatiya Janata Party, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The scientific proceedings were led by the Scientific Chairperson, Dr. Priyanka Vijay, along with the Scientific Co-Chairpersons, Dr. Arun, Dr. Lipika Sachdeva (OT) and Dr. Farzana Nashu (OT). The scientific sessions featured an outstanding panel of 6 eminent speakers who delivered high-impact scientific sessions on contemporary themes in neurorehabilitation. Renowned experts including Dr. Sujata Missal, Dr. Manjusha Vagal, Dr. Ruchi Nagar Bakshi (OT), Dr. Smita Ingle (OT), Dr. Robins Kumar (OT), and Dr. Murali Krishnan Srinivasan shared evidence-based insights spanning kinesiotaping in neurorehabilitation, occupational therapy in CNS cancers, assistive technology for the elderly, psychosocial interventions, fall prevention strategies, functional independence after neurological conditions, and upper-extremity rehabilitation. The sessions were highly engaging and practice-oriented, offering participants valuable clinical perspectives, innovative approaches, and updated knowledge to enhance occupational therapy practice across diverse neurological settings.

The scientific programme consisted of six structured scientific sessions, featuring a total of 18 Scientific research paper presentations delivered by clinicians, academicians, and researchers from across the country. Among these, 15 papers were presented in the competitive category, while 3 papers were included in the non-competitive category. Day 1 included three scientific sessions comprising 8 paper presentations, along with expert lectures and a panel discussion on Advances in neurorehabilitation. Key themes included virtual reality, cerebral palsy, autism, fall prevention, upper-extremity rehabilitation, kinesio-taping, and functional independence following neurological conditions. Day 2 comprised three scientific sessions with 10 paper presentations, focusing on assistive technology for the elderly, dementia care, sensory integration, balance training, CNS cancers, pediatric and geriatric rehabilitation, and parent empowerment in early childhood development. The conference concluded with an insightful panel discussion on National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), emphasizing policy awareness and professional advancement.

Dr Kunal (OT) secured the winner position in paper presentation while the runner-up position were shared by Dr Mishika Joshi (OT) and Dr Amit Prajapati (OT). The programme also incorporated 6 scientific poster presentations, of which 5 were competitive and 1 was presented as a non-competitive poster.

The cultural events of INCOT 2025, held on Day 2 of the Conference, provided a platform for students to showcase their creativity and cultural talents. The events were organized under the leadership of Cultural Chairperson Dr. Ankit Singh (OT) along with Dr. Ankita Sharma (OT), Dr. Jyoti (OT) and Dr. Abhishek Jha (OT) serving as Co-Chairpersons. Participants from different institutions including Jamia Hamdard University, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped (PDDUIPH), Santosh Medical College, and MGM Medical College Indore took part in the competitions. The cultural competitions included Solo Dance (Theme: Brain Gym Dance), Group Dance (Theme: Beyond Disability Lies True Ability), Fashion Show (Theme: Inclusion is Our Strength), Solo Singing (Theme: Voice of Hope), Group Singing (Theme: Healing Through Harmony), Nukkad Natak (Theme: Power of AI in Occupational Therapy) and Reel Making (Theme: Expectations vs Reality of Occupational Therapy). These activities added vibrancy, energy, and a spirit of inclusivity and enthusiasm to the conference, highlighting the artistic talents of participants while reinforcing the values of creativity, collaboration and awareness within the field of Occupational Therapy.

The Valedictory was chaired by Dr R K Sharma, Dr S K Meena, Dr Anoop K Agarwal, Dr Vijay Batra, Dr Rashida Begum and Dr Joginder Singh Bhati. The Award Distribution Ceremony starts with felicitating multiple prestigious awards to honor excellence in occupational therapy, including Lifetime Achievement, Professional and Clinical Excellence, Neurorehabilitation Excellence, Academic Contribution, Innovative Practice, and Emerging Academician Awards. These recognitions celebrated outstanding professional service, leadership, innovation, and academic contributions in the field. Awards were given to 14 sponsors partners. To acknowledge academic excellence and active participation, college trophies were awarded to eight institutions representing leading occupational therapy departments across India. These awards recognized institutional commitment to education, research, and professional development. Special awards were presented to the Organizing Secretary, Co-Organizing Secretary, Scientific Chairpersons, Registration and Cultural Committee members, and Convenor in recognition of their dedicated efforts in planning and executing INCOT 2025 successfully