Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) are set to organise a free-for-all concert at Tudikhel on March 18. Popular band 1974 AD renowned for their hits like ‘Parelima’ and ‘Sambodhan’ will be performing at the concert. The event, which is supported by the Australian Embassy, will begin at 1pm.

The main objective of the concert is to raise awareness about autism and neurodiversity. A report published by ACNS estimated that 300,000 children in Nepal have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Under the hashtag #EmbraceAutism, the programme aims to inform the public that with early intervention, children with autism can improve their learning, communication and social skills.

Sunita Dangol, the deputy mayor of the KMC, says that disability inclusion is a special priority for KMC and that they are working with different organisations to increase awareness.

Similarly, Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk hopes that the attendees leave the concert with the energy to share the message of embracing autism. “This concert is history-making,” she said.