Pratik Bijlani – Amid the leadership discussions, industry conversations, and celebrations of women shaping the maritime sector at WIMCA 2026 on 16th May, one of the most touching moments of the event came through a quiet yet powerful display of creativity created by autistic and neurodiverse children connected to the maritime fraternity.
Organised with the support of Capt Anthony Rodriguez in collaboration with Strokes and Stories by Dr Purva Khandelwal, the special art showcase brought an emotional and deeply human dimension to the Women in Maritime Celebration & Awards 2026 organised by Marex Media in Mumbai. The exhibition featured paintings and artworks created by children on the autism spectrum, offering delegates an opportunity to witness creativity expressed through colour, imagination, and emotion.
Far more than an art display, the initiative reflected the importance of inclusion, awareness, and community support within the maritime fraternity. Delegates spent time interacting with the children and their families, appreciating the artworks and understanding the stories behind them.
The showcase highlighted how art can become a powerful medium for self-expression, confidence-building, and emotional connection for neurodiverse children.
For Capt Anthony Rodriguez, the initiative carried special personal significance. Speaking from his experience as the parent of an autistic child, he explained that the exhibition was designed not only to celebrate the talents of these children, but also to recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by families — particularly mothers and sailors’ wives — who support children with special needs through therapy, education, and everyday life.
“Children on the autism spectrum do not need sympathy, they need empathy, encouragement, and opportunities to showcase their talents. When people interact with them, appreciate their work, and recognise their creativity, it builds confidence and helps them feel accepted as an important part of society,” said Capt. Anthony Rodriguez.
He further emphasized that neurodiverse children possess remarkable abilities across various forms of art and craftsmanship, and platforms like WIMCA help create visibility, acceptance, and dignity for their work. He also noted that encouraging people to value the artwork for its creativity rather than out of pity was an important part of the initiative’s message.
The heartfelt exhibition stood out as one of the most memorable elements of WIMCA 2026, reminding attendees that maritime gatherings can also become platforms for compassion, awareness, and meaningful social impact.
Marex Media