The origin of Madras Dyslexia Association goes back to 1990. It all began when Alpha and Omega learning centre arranged a session for the parents of children who suffer from dyslexia by the vice president of the British Dyslexia association, Hazel Mckay from the UK.

As Siddharth was taking the help of the centre at that time, his mother Shanthi attended the session. Mckay told the parents that an organisation is needed to go ahead with the movement and not just a group of few individuals. That was when Chandrasekhar decided to start the Madras Dyslexia Association. He himself formulated the articles and became the Founder Secretary of the association.

Starting with awareness talks, the association moved to counselling and assessment of children. As the work went on, the association realised that there were dyslexic children who require long-term remediation which was not possible in regular schools. So, they started their own full time learning centre called Ananya (means unique) which was on a "pull- out" basis which meant dyslexic children are pulled out from main school, helped at Ananya and sent back. Today, Ananya has 100 children though there is a demand to admit more children. Lack of infrastructure makes them restrict the number to 100.

Today, Siddharth is one person who gives regular talks to the students and parents.

The Chandrasekhars advice to all the parents who have dyslexic children;

*Instead of worrying about the child, accept him/her as he is. By accepting the child, half the battle is won.
*Ask what next? Identify what the child is good at and allow him to pursue that.

Image: A poster of Jilunu oru Kadhal, also designed by Siddharth's company

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