- Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, attended Akan Aahvaanam 2026 alongside actress & Educationist Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker, Temple Architect Anand Sai, Dr. Zelalem Birman Taffesse, UNICEF and other guests.
- Held in a unique “Pay-As-You-Please” format, the event brought together food, live music and community participation for a social cause.
- Proceeds from Akan Aahvaanam 2026 will support accessibility initiatives, autism support programmes and skill-development workshops for neurodivergent youth through The Good Talk Factory Foundation.
- Akan incorporated inclusive measures at the venue, including wheelchair accessibility, low-sensory seating and sensory-friendly service hours.
Akan Hyderabad marked Independence Day with the latest edition of its annual flagship initiative, Akan Aahvaanam 2026, bringing together policymakers, artists, hospitality leaders and guests for an afternoon centred on inclusion, empathy and purposeful hospitality.
The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; actress Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker, Dr. Zelalem Birhanu Taffesse, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Hyderabad, Journalists Anjali, Swapna, actor Kadambari Kiran, Temple Architect Anand Sai, among others, who joined the gathering to support the cause of accessibility and social inclusion.
Akan Aahvaanam 2026 followed a unique “Pay-As-You-Please” format, where guests enjoyed a curated aritaku bhojanam and live acoustic performances without fixed prices. Every contribution collected during the event was directed towards social initiatives through The Good Talk Factory Foundation, supporting public accessibility upgrades across Hyderabad, family-centric autism support programmes and skill-development workshops for neurodivergent youth.
Aahvaanam, which translates to “Invitation,” was conceived as a platform to transform hospitality into meaningful social action. Since its inception, the initiative has aligned Independence Day celebrations with causes that create lasting community impact.
Nihal Reddy, Managing Director of Akan shares his gratitude, “Akan is happy to be a part of such missions and initiatives that matter. Emphasis on the environment should be safe. Every child has not only a right but given the right opportunity then they can grow to the greatest place.”
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana,who spent time with the intellectually challenged children showcasing their talents, says “On Independence Day, we often measure our progress through GDP, incomes and economic growth. But true independence also means creating a level playing field for everyone, particularly those who face disadvantages. Akan Aahvaanam 2026 is a reminder that progress is meaningful only when it reaches everyone. We need to be more sensitive to the challenges faced by intellectually challenged individuals and create a society that accommodates and includes them.”
Actress Dhaassyam Geetha Bhascker says, “Independence is truly meaningful when every individual has the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel included. Aahvaanam is an important step towards creating greater awareness and reminding society that inclusion is not an option, but a responsibility we all share.”
She added, “Every individual experiences the world differently, and we need to take the time to understand those differences with empathy and sensitivity. Events like Aahvaanam help us listen, learn and create spaces where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can feel seen, respected and valued.”
Reflecting the mission of Akan Aahvaanam 2026, Akan incorporated inclusive features within the venue, including full wheelchair accessibility, a designated quiet and low-sensory seating area, and sensory-friendly service hours, enabling guests of different abilities to participate comfortably. The proceeds of the event will support The Good Talk Factory initiatives, over 500 guests enjoyed the meal and contributed to the cause.
