4th Indian NeuroRehabilitation Conference of Occupational Therapy (INCOT 2026)

Theme: Reimagining Practice Through Tradition, Research and Innovation

The 4th Indian Neuro Rehabilitation Conference of Occupational Therapy (INCOT 2026), organized by Chetna Foundation was held at the Auditorium, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), New Delhi, was successfully conducted on 19th and 20th September 2026. It provides the platform bringing together clinicians, academicians, researchers, and students from across the country. The theme of the conference was "Reimagining Practice Through Tradition, Research and Innovation" focuses on advancing evidence-based Neurorehabilitation practices through expert talk and interactive discussions. It aims to foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional excellence in occupational therapy.

The successful organisation of the 4th INCOT 2026 was made possible through the dedicated leadership and coordinated efforts of the Organising Committee. Under the leadership of Organising Chairperson Dr. Priyadarshi Alok and Organising Secretary Prof. (Dr.) Surendra Kumar Meena, the committee ensured effective planning, inter-committee coordination, and efficient execution of conference activities. Organising Co-Secretary Dr. Ankit Kumar Singh (OT), Convenor Dr. Santosh Kumar, and Co-Convenors Dr. Barkha Shorey(OT) and Dr. Laxmi (OT) and Dr. Joginder Singh Bhati made significant guidance and contributions to the overall organisation, administration, and smooth conduct of the academic and cultural programmes, ensuring the successful execution of the conference.

Under the leadership of Chairperson Registration Committee, Dr Farzana Nashu(OT) along with co-chairperson Dr Vivek Kumar(OT), Dr Vanshika(OT) and Dr Shadab Ameer(OT), a total no of 147 registrations were recorded for the conference, comprising 48 professionals and 99 students from all over the country reflecting strong participation from both experienced practitioners and emerging occupational therapy professionals. Apart from professional registration, the conference also have attendees as 24 sponsor partners, 9 awardees, 15 speakers, 3 moderators and 18 committee members.

The two day INCOT Conference held on 19th and 20th September 2026, emphasized academic discourse through scientific sessions, along with recognition of professional excellence and vibrant cultural programs.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by our esteemed Chief Guest, Ms. Sharmila Dhankhar, an accomplished Indian para-athlete specializing in shot put and the gold medallist in the Women’s F57 Shot Put at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The ceremony was further honored by the presence of our distinguished Guest of Honour, Mr. Sachin Chamaria, an accomplished international para-boccia athlete, who has secured silver in the BC3 Pairs and bronze in the BC3 Individual event at the Cairo World Boccia Challenger. Dr Vikram (PT) was honored by momento of distinguished Guest.

The scientific proceedings were led by the Chairperson Scientific Committee, Dr. Priyanka Vijay, along with the Scientific Co-Chairpersons Dr. Lipika Malik(OT), Dr Amit Prajapati(OT) and Dr. Saba Irem(OT). The scientific sessions featured an outstanding panel of 15 eminent speakers who delivered high-impact scientific sessions on contemporary themes in neurorehabilitation. The scientific programme of INCOT 2026 was designed to create a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, clinical learning, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration in neurorehabilitation.

The scientific programme of Day-1, consist of 1 scientific paper presentation session, 2 experts session and 2 Multidisciplinary sessions on Geriatric Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The scientific session-1 consists 5 competitive paper focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Spastic CP and Global Developmental Delay. The first Expert Session, featured two insightful presentations by Dr. Murali S. Krishnan (OT) and Dr. Richa Kapoor (OT). Dr. Murali S.Krishnan elaborated on the principles and clinical relevance of Neuroplasticity, while Dr. Richa Kapoor highlighted the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Therapy assessment. The session provided valuable insights into contemporary approaches and technological advancements shaping neurorehabilitation practice.This was followed by an expert- led Multidisciplinary Session – I moderated by Dr. Arun Kishore focusing on Geriatric Health, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (Neurologist), provided valuable insights into cognitive health, while Dr. Deepa Sundareswaran(OT), elaborated on psychosocial interventions in geriatric care. The session offered a comprehensive multidisciplinary perspective on addressing the cognitive, psychological, and psychosocial needs of the geriatric population. Expert Session – II featured Dr. Gopalakrishnan (OT), who provided valuable insights into the role of Occupational Therapy in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro-ICU), highlighting the importance of early, specialized rehabilitation interventions in critical care.

The Multidisciplinary Session-II was on "Traumatic Brain Injury: Beyond Survival to Functional Recovery," moderated by Dr. Neeraj Mishra (OT), featured Dr. Vishal Jain (Neurosurgeon), Dr. Durgesh Pathak (OT), Dr. Vijay (Speech & Language Pathologist) and Dr. Geeta Kathuria (ENT Specialist). The session explored neurosurgical recovery, active rehabilitation, cognitive-communicative interventions, and airway-swallowing management, emphasizing the value of integrated multidisciplinary care for functional recovery following TBI

The Day-2 consists of 3 Scientific session comprising of 9 competitive papers and 4 non- competitive papers. The Expert session-III, have 2 speakers Dr. Smita Ingle(OT) and Dr. Rashida Begum (OT) focuses on AI, Robotics and VR in neurorehab and Internet gaming disorder among adolescents respectively. The Multidisciplinary Session-II focuses on "Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: From Acute Care to Community Reintegration," moderated by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Nitin Bameta (PM&R), featured Dr. Tungish Bansal (Neurosurgeon), Dr. Randhir Lal Ranjan (OT), Mr. Jitendra Kumar Saini (ST) and Mr. Ranjani Bhushan (P&O). The session addressed early surgical decision-making, functional rehabilitation, speech-related concerns, and advancements in assistive technology, highlighting a comprehensive approach to promoting independence and community reintegration following SCI.The programme also incorporated 11 scientific poster presentations and 3 Mini-movies entries from different collages. The Scientific Movies added a creative and engaging dimension to scientific communication, demonstrating how clinical concepts and rehabilitation practices can be effectively conveyed through visual media.

The cultural events of INCOT 2026, held on Day 1 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. Ankita Sharma(OT) along with, Dr. Nalini(OT), Dr. Prashant and Dr. Gurdrisht(OT) serving as Co-Chairpersons. Participants from different institutions including Jamia Hamdard University, Santosh Medical College, Indian Spinal Injury Centre - Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences and MGM Medical College Indore took part in the competitions.

The cultural segment of 4th INCOT 2026 featured a diverse range of creative and inclusive events celebrating resilience, recovery, participation, ability, and innovation. Participants showcased their talents through Solo and Group Dance, Singing, Open Mic, Reels, Fashion Show, Live Painting/Art, and an Innovation Hackathon. Each event was designed around rehabilitation and inclusion-focused themes, encouraging participants to creatively portray therapy journeys, overcoming challenges, motivation, the therapist's life, adaptive fashion, and innovative rehabilitation solutions. The Innovation Hackathon - "Rehab Re-imagined" further provided a platform for participants to present working prototypes addressing functional challenges in rehabilitation. 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 Prof (Dr.) R K Sharma, Dr. Madhu Chanda Mohanty, Prof (Dr.) S K Meena Agarwal, and Dr. Priyanka Vijay. The Award Distribution Ceremony starts with felicitating multiple prestigious awards to honor excellence in occupational therapy, including Lifetime Achievement Award, Academic Excellence Award, Clinical Excellence Award, Innovative Clinical Solution Award, Emerging OT Award, Award of clinical expertise in OT and Young Entrepreneur Award. These recognitions celebrated outstanding professional service, leadership, innovation, and academic contributions in the field. Awards were given to 24 sponsors partners. Winners of Scientific and Cultural activities was also awarded. To acknowledge academic excellence and active participation, college trophies were awarded to five 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 2026 successfully.

Our Dedicated Organising Committee

We sincerely acknowledge and appreciate every member of the organising committee for their dedication, cooperation, and hard work. Their efforts, both seen and unseen, have been an integral part of planning and conducting INCOT 2026 successfully.

Celebrating Excellence

We are delighted to recognise the awardees of INCOT 2026 and congratulate them on their achievements. Their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the field deserve appreciation and recognition.

Our Distinguished Partners

INCOT 2026 gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contributions of our distinguished partners, whose unwavering support, trust, and collaboration have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Their partnership strengthens our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, advancing innovation, and promoting professional excellence.