Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: India marked World Fragile X Awareness Day with a nationwide campaign that saw several iconic landmarks and institutions illuminated in teal green to raise awareness about Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the world’s most common inherited single-gene cause of autism and intellectual disability.
Led by the Fragile X Society India, the initiative brought together hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and corporate partners across the country to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, genetic testing and public awareness. While Goa did not feature among the illuminated locations, residents, healthcare professionals and educational institutions have been encouraged to join the national awareness drive by promoting conversations on the condition.
Among the landmarks participating in the campaign were the Taj Mahal Tower in Mumbai, Apollo Children’s Hospital in Chennai, The Connaught (IHCL SeleQtions) in New Delhi, WOW Crest (IHCL SeleQtions) in Indore, Daiwik Hotels in Rameswaram, Breach Candy Hospital, City Centre New Town and Salt Lake Kolkata, along with several educational institutions.
As part of the campaign, ‘Fragile’, India’s first short film dedicated to Fragile X Syndrome, has been released on YouTube through the Pocket Films channel. The film stars Rajniesh Duggall, Amruta Khanvilkar and Govvind Namdev, portraying the emotional and diagnostic journey of families affected by the condition.
Fragile X Society India Chairperson and Founder Shalini Kedia said the organisation’s mission is to ensure that no family faces the challenges of Fragile X Syndrome without support or access to accurate diagnosis.
“An accurate diagnosis doesn’t just explain a child’s present behavioural challenges; it also helps families make informed decisions about their future. By illuminating landmarks across the country, we hope to break the silence surrounding Fragile X Syndrome and encourage early intervention,” she said.
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties and behavioural traits often associated with autism. Experts say many affected individuals remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed due to limited awareness, despite genetic testing being available.
The awareness campaign has also invited citizens, including those in Goa, to support the initiative by watching and sharing the short film, spreading awareness on social media and encouraging discussions on genetic health and autism within their communities.
