Documentary Premiere and Event Details

On August 31, 2026, The Shape of Belonging—a documentary film created by Priyansh Sinha, a Class 12 student at Shiv Nadar School, Noida—premiered at Magnolia, India Habitat Centre on Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The screening ran from 3 PM to 5 PM and was followed by high tea.

Film Focus and Census Context

The film is described as “A Sensory Exploration of Every Brick and Path” and investigates two broad dimensions of accessibility: (i) physical accessibility, covering mobility, vision and hearing needs, and (ii) cognitive and sensory accessibility, addressing experiences linked to autism, intellectual disabilities, dementia, sensory‑processing differences and mental‑health conditions. According to the 2011 Census, India has 26.8 million persons with disabilities, representing 2.21 % of the national population.

Panel Discussion and Participants

A post‑screening panel brought together experts from architecture, education and disability advocacy:

  • Ms. Anshu Sharma, Vice Principal – International Curriculum, Shiv Nadar School, Noida;
  • Dr. Deepa Malik, Padma Shri award‑ee, Khel Ratna and Arjuna award‑ee, Paralympic medallist and author;
  • Dr. Sewa Ram, Dean (Research), School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi;
  • Ms. Merry Barua, Founder Director, Action for Autism;
  • Mr. Mohit Ahuja, Founder, Know Disability.

Key Quotations

  • Dr. Deepa Malik stated, “Accessibility conversations in India have largely focused on ramps and infrastructure, but true inclusion goes far beyond that. Films like The Shape of Belonging push us to think about dignity and independence as design principles, not afterthoughts.”
  • Ms. Merry Barua added, “For individuals with autism and sensory processing differences, the built environment can either be a source of comfort or a daily challenge. This documentary brings much‑needed visibility to cognitive and sensory accessibility—a dimension of inclusion that is too often overlooked in mainstream design conversations.”
  • Priyansh Sinha remarked, “Accessibility should be integral to how we imagine and design the spaces around us. The Shape of Belonging brings an important perspective to this conversation by looking beyond physical accessibility and drawing attention to the need for greater cognitive and sensory inclusion.”

Attendance and Audience

The event attracted faculty and students from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi and Shiv Nadar School, alongside architects, urban planners, psychologists, accessibility professionals, organisations working with persons with disabilities and members of the media.

Future Outlook

Priyansh Sinha indicated that the premiere marks the public launch of the documentary, with plans for wider screenings and outreach activities to further promote understanding of inclusive design that encompasses both physical access and cognitive‑sensory comfort, dignity, independence and a genuine sense of belonging.