`Unique and United’: Meet teenager Swetcha Reddy, who has embarked on mission for inclusive education in two Telugu states

Hyderabad: On a sunny morning, G.V. Swetcha Reddy walks down a street with a heavy load of study material. As she knocks at the classroom door, a stream of special children jostles to hug the favorite `didi’. Screaming with joy, the kids go to their seats to listen to her patiently.

A pin drop silence ensues as Reddy starts her lecture. For the next 30 to 40 minutes, the children seem to be in the seventh heaven, trying to relish every moment they spent with `didi’.

Welcome to `Unique and United’, a youth-led initiative to raise awareness about inclusive education for children with special needs.

Leading the mission is Swetcha, a high school student, who founded `Unique and United’ to make education for children with special needs inclusive and without prejudice or discrimination. Her mission is rooted in empathy, driven by experience, and carried out through direct action in schools.

Swetcha launched `Unique and United’ to foster acceptance and understanding of neurodivergent children—those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities.

Through interactive classroom sessions, she uses storytelling, visuals, and real-life experiences to break down stigma and inspire meaningful conversations around inclusion.

Though her campaign has reached schools in multiple cities, Swetcha holds a deep emotional connection to Proddatur in Kadapa, her hometown. She believes that giving back to one’s roots is essential and has made it a point to bring her awareness sessions to schools in Proddatur, where such conversations are often missing but deeply needed.

Her work has made a significant mark in many schools. To name a few, Sri Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Narayana Junior College, PM SHRI YVS MPL High School, Vidya Bharati School, Zilla Parishad High School, Annie Besant Memorial High School, Scholar’s High School, Samisti International School, Hyderabad, and MPUP School, Gandipet, lead the race.

As a student, Swetcha’s voice is both relatable and powerful. Her sessions focus on empathy and practical understanding, creating a safe space for young minds to ask questions and challenge biases. In schools where inclusion is still misunderstood, she is helping turn awareness into action.

Swetcha hopes to reach more schools, build educational tools, and make inclusive education not just a policy, but a practice embraced by every classroom.