From Expression to Inclusion: The Inspiring Journey of Shweta Runwal and Tickle Your Art

Some journeys redefine not only personal purpose but also the meaning of inclusion, creativity, and community. Shweta Runwal’s story is one such inspiring journey — one built with resilience, empathy, motherhood, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.

An architect by training, a mother by heart, and the founder of Tickle Your Art, Shweta has transformed personal experiences into a meaningful movement that celebrates artists with Intellectual Disabilities through creativity and expression.

Meet Shweta, Dhriti, and Ira

“I am Shweta Runwal, a mother, an architect by training, and the founder of Tickle Your Art. I am also a learner every single day because of my two daughters, Dhriti and Ira.”

Shweta shares that her elder daughter, Dhriti, was born with Down syndrome, while Ira, her younger daughter, brings empathy and curiosity into their lives every day.

Tickle Your Art began as a personal space where Dhriti could freely express herself through art. Over time, it evolved into a platform where many artists with Intellectual Disabilities could feel seen, heard, and celebrated through creativity.

Redefining Life Through Motherhood

Becoming a mother to Dhriti transformed Shweta’s perspective on life completely.

“It taught me patience, presence, and the importance of slowing down.”

Later, with Ira, she learned balance and perspective. Together, her daughters reshaped her understanding of creativity and success.

“Creativity is not about skill or perfection, but about freedom, expression, and confidence.”

Through motherhood, she unlearned many social definitions of achievement and replaced them with empathy, kindness, and acceptance.

Values That Built Strength

Shweta credits her upbringing for shaping the mother and person she is today.

She grew up in a home rooted in simplicity, resilience, and respect. While her education gave her structure and discipline, life itself became her greatest teacher.

When Dhriti was born, her family became her strongest support system.

“At a time when many doors felt uncertain or closed, their belief and constant support gave me the strength to keep going and to find purpose in the journey.”

Beyond family, Shweta also found encouragement in a growing community that believed in her vision. This collective support helped transform challenges into meaningful change and inspired her to create spaces rooted in empathy, inclusion, and shared growth.

Recognising Unique Strengths Early

As a mother, Shweta noticed her daughters’ strengths very early in life.

“With Dhriti, I noticed early on how deeply she connected with colours and patterns. Art became her language long before words did.”

With Ira, she observed a natural sense of empathy and fairness.

“She always included her sister naturally, without being told.”

These moments reminded Shweta that every child possesses unique strengths that deserve nurturing rather than comparison.

The Birth of Tickle Your Art

What began as a safe emotional and creative outlet for Dhriti gradually grew into something much larger. “Over time, I realised that many children and adults were seeking the same freedom of expression.” Today, Tickle Your Art works with more than thirty artists, curates exhibitions across cities, and has created the children’s book Bubble Paints Joy, reaching over 2,200 young readers.

As the initiative evolved, Shweta realised people were seeking more than creativity — they were searching for connection, belonging, and acceptance.

This vision eventually inspired the idea of creating an inclusive art café a community space where creativity, conversations, and inclusion can come together naturally.

A National Moment of Pride

One of the most emotional milestones for the family was when Dhriti received the National Award for Shreshth Divyang Balika.

“When Dhriti was born, we were told by doctors that they could not say whether she would walk or talk.”

Those early years were filled with uncertainty and fear. Watching Dhriti confidently receive a national award became a deeply powerful and emotional moment for the family.

“That moment represented years of belief, patience, and quiet perseverance.”

For Shweta, the award was not just recognition for Dhriti, but also hope for every family navigating a similar path. “It was a reminder that every child’s journey has meaning, value, and immense potential.”

Ira’s Quiet Yet Powerful Contribution

Shweta beautifully highlights the often-unspoken role of siblings in families of children with special needs. “The role of a sibling in families like ours is rarely spoken about, even though it shapes so much of the emotional world at home.”

She describes Ira as someone who naturally embodies empathy, patience, and inclusion.

“She has never seen her sister as different, only as someone to stand beside, support, and celebrate.”

According to Shweta, Ira brings balance, honesty, and warmth into their family while teaching everyone around her that inclusion truly begins at home.

The Shark Tank India Experience

Appearing on Shark Tank India with her daughters became another memorable milestone.

“It was not just about pitching a business. It was about showing that purpose and heart can exist alongside entrepreneurship.”

The experience amplified the visibility of their mission and reinforced the importance of giving inclusive ideas a platform.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience

Like many purpose-driven journeys, Shweta’s path came with challenges, uncertainty, and self-doubt. Raising a child with special needs while simultaneously building an initiative from scratch was emotionally and mentally demanding.

“Building Tickle Your Art while navigating motherhood, therapy schedules, responsibilities, and expectations was not easy.”

She explains that scaling a purpose-driven initiative comes without a rulebook. Every step required learning, unlearning, patience, and trust.

What helped her move forward was the unwavering support of her family, mentors, close friends, and community. “Over time, I learned to take one step at a time, to ask for help without guilt, and to trust that growth does not have to be rushed.”

A Message for Parents, Educators, and Society

Shweta leaves behind a powerful message that resonates deeply with families, educators, and communities alike:

“Every child has something valuable to offer. When we shift our focus from fixing differences to celebrating them, we create spaces where everyone can grow.”

She reminds us that inclusion is not charity — it is a way of life.

“And when we choose empathy, creativity, and acceptance, we build a kinder world for all.”

Celebrating Inclusion Through Stories

At 1SpecialPlace, we believe stories like Shweta, Dhriti, and Ira’s inspire families to embrace possibilities, celebrate differences, and create inclusive spaces where every individual feels valued. Their journey reminds us that with empathy, support, creativity, and belief, every child can shine beautifully in their own unique way.