India April 3: On World Autism Awareness Day, digital media platform Zingabad announced a collaboration with a very special GenZ creator – Maahir Tandon, marking an important step toward greater representation of neurodiverse voices in the Indian Media ecosystem.
While conversations around autism often focus on awareness, opportunities for autistic individuals to participate in mainstream media particularly as creators are non-existent..
Zingabad’s collaboration with Maahir aims to help shift that narrative by spotlighting neurodiverse talent and enabling creators with autism to share their stories directly with audiences.
Diagnosed with Grade 3 Autism & apraxia, Maahir has built a growing online community of nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram through his account @made.it.special. He documents journeys, everyday discoveries, and moments that celebrate curiosity, resilience, and joy through his videos. His storytelling has resonated with thousands of viewers, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating how digital platforms can empower creators with diverse abilities.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Rohit Saval, CEO of Zingabad, said:
“We started Zingabad to be the pulse of Gen Z, but the pulse is only as strong as the heart behind it. They say a voice is something you hear, at Zingabad- we believe a voice is something you live. Because being the voice of a generation means making sure everyone has a seat at the table. Inclusion cannot just be talked about. Raising awareness is not enough, we need to act on it.”
He further added:
“This is just the beginning. We want Zingabad to become a platform for all young voices. If you know someone who is breaking barriers or claiming spaces, reach out to us because we are here to change the narrative.”
Zingabad has taken an unconventional route in the media space since day one. The platform first made waves by launching with an anthem by Yo Yo Honey Singh, signaling its intent to do things differently. Continuing that approach on World Autism Awareness Day, Zingabad is going beyond conversation to create real space for neurodiverse voices in the creator ecosystem.
As the creator economy continues to expand, initiatives like this highlight the importance of building platforms that reflect the diversity of the real world. By amplifying Maahir’s journey and perspective, Zingabad hopes to inspire greater inclusion across the digital content landscape.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and behaviour in varying ways. In India, studies suggest that “approximately 1 in every 36 children is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to a report cited by the (Times of India)” yet awareness, understanding, and representation remain limited.
