Shayama Chona, Educationist
Educationist

Shayama Chona

Born 12 August 1942 · verify

Founded Tamana Association to support disabled children and led Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram as principal.

Shayama Chona is the Founder-President of Tamana Association and the former Principal of Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram. In 1997, she was presented with the National Award for Individual for Best Work Done in The Cause of the Disabled.

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A detail that
surprised us

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The Tamana Special School was inaugurated by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1992, linking Indian disability education with global humanitarian figures.

The Story

1
In 1984, Shayama Chona founded the Tamana Association in Delhi, inspired by her daughter Tamana, born with cerebral palsy, marking a personal pivot to disability education.
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👑 On February 12, 1992, the Tamana Special School was inaugurated by Diana, Princess of Wales, spotlighting international recognition of Chona’s work with intellectually disabled children.
3In 1997, she received the National Award for Individual for Best Work Done in The Cause of the Disabled, reflecting her pioneering efforts in inclusive education before it became mainstream policy in India.
4🌟 As Principal of Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, she integrated visually impaired students into mainstream classrooms, a concept rare in India during her tenure.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1999
Padma Shri
2008
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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The Tamana Association was named after Shayama Chona’s daughter, Tamana, who was born with cerebral palsy, making the organization deeply personal and pioneering in disability advocacy from 1984 onward.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth of Shayama Chona
Shayama Chona was born on August 12, 1942, marking the beginning of a life that would influence disability education in India.
1942
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Career
Founded Tamana Association
Chona established the Tamana Association in Delhi, named after her daughter with cerebral palsy, focusing on intellectual disability education.
1984
⚡
Career
Tamana School inaugurated by Princess Diana
The Tamana Special School was inaugurated by Diana, Princess of Wales, giving international recognition to Chona’s work.
1992
🏅
Award
Received National Disability Award
Awarded the National Award for Individual for Best Work Done in The Cause of the Disabled, acknowledging her pioneering efforts.
1997
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
The Government of India honored Chona with the Padma Shri for her work in education and social service.
1999
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan
Chona was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing her sustained contributions.
2008
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1992, Diana, Princess of Wales personally inaugurated the Tamana Special School in Delhi, highlighting international endorsement of Chona’s work in intellectual disability education.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Before inclusive education was part of India’s National Policy on Education, Shayama Chona had already pioneered the integration of visually impaired students into mainstream classrooms at DPS R.K. Puram.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

She holds a Guinness Book of Records recommendation for receiving the largest number of awards, including over 80 accolades in education and social service.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Tamana Public Service Film - Interview on Doordarshan National
More from this archive
Tamana Public Service Film - Interview on Doordarshan National
01
Tamana Public Service Film - Interview on Doordarshan National
Education is an emergent need for the country: Shayama Chona
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Education is an emergent need for the country: Shayama Chona
Attitude of society can change the Landscape of the Indian Education system : Dr. Shayama Chona
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Attitude of society can change the Landscape of the Indian Education system : Dr. Shayama Chona
Meet Tamana And Shayama Chona Who Are Enabling People With Disabilities With Love
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Meet Tamana And Shayama Chona Who Are Enabling People With Disabilities With Love
Episode 11: Interview on Privacy, Acceptance & Safe Environment | Dr. Shayama Chona | Prarthna Chona
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Episode 11: Interview on Privacy, Acceptance & Safe Environment | Dr. Shayama Chona | Prarthna Chona
Delhi Public School Principal, Mrs Shyama Chona talks about importance of computers
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Delhi Public School Principal, Mrs Shyama Chona talks about importance of computers
Episode 1: Dr. Shayama Chona | Introducing Enabling the Disabled
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Episode 1: Dr. Shayama Chona | Introducing Enabling the Disabled
Episode 5: Dr. Shayama Chona & Tamana Chona | Freedom of Thought | Protecting the rights of children
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Episode 5: Dr. Shayama Chona & Tamana Chona | Freedom of Thought | Protecting the rights of children
#TheAnswersYouKnow | S2 • E9 | Dr. Shayama Chona - Tamana Foundation, Delhi
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#TheAnswersYouKnow | S2 • E9 | Dr. Shayama Chona - Tamana Foundation, Delhi
TEDx DPS Gurgaon - Dr. Shyama Chona
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TEDx DPS Gurgaon - Dr. Shyama Chona

🌱 What changed because of them

Shayama Chona transformed the landscape of disability education in India by pioneering inclusive education models at Delhi Public School and through the Tamana Association. Her advocacy influenced national education policies on integration and normalized education access for intellectually disabled and visually impaired students. The Tamana Association also became a bridge for socio-economically disadvantaged children, expanding inclusion beyond disability to broader social equity.

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