DIRECTOR

After completing his intermediate education at Kodagu Vidyalaya, he moved to Mangalore to pursue higher studies. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the esteemed St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. Eager to specialize, he further obtained a Master’s Diploma in Psychology and Special Education from Palampur University Chandigarh, gaining critical expertise to work with children facing developmental and cognitive challenges.

 

Two Decades of Experience in Therapy and Counseling

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Mr. Devaiah has served as a counselor for parents of children with special needs and as a behavior therapist, helping families navigate complex emotional and behavioral concerns. His calm demeanor, patience, and insightful approach have made him a trusted guide in the special education community.

 

His deep understanding of the psychological landscape has helped countless families build stronger, more understanding relationships with their children, while also empowering children to communicate, express, and grow at their own pace.

 

Devdan Special School: A Safe Haven for the Specially-Abled

At the core of Mr. Devaiah’s vision stands Devdan Special School, a nurturing and inclusive institution for children with:

 

Intellectual disabilities

 

Cerebral palsy (CP)

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Down syndrome

 

And other complex learning and physical challenges

 

The school goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Every child is treated with dignity and respect, with personalized learning plans that focus on individual growth, not just academic success.

 

Empowerment Through Education and Vocational Skills

Under Mr. Devaiah’s leadership, Devdan Special School blends academic instruction with vocational training, preparing students for real-world challenges and opportunities. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to promote self-reliance and independence.

 

Some of the core vocational and therapeutic programs include:

 

Gardening and horticulture

 

Baking and kitchen skills

 

Music therapy and rhythm sessions

 

Art and creative therapy

 

Self-care and essential life skills

 

These activities are not just functional—they’re deeply healing and confidence-building, allowing children to discover their strengths and passions.

 

Holistic Approach to Child Development

At Devdan, education is more than just academics—it's about nurturing the mind, body, and soul. Mr. Devaiah ensures that each child receives support in every area of development:

 

Cognitive development through tailored learning methods

 

Emotional growth through counseling and expressive therapies

 

Social interaction via group activities and play

 

Physical well-being through physiotherapy and motor skill development

 

This holistic approach ensures that children are not only educated but also empowered to live dignified and meaningful lives.

 

A Vision Rooted in Compassion and Purpose

Mr. Devaiah’s unwavering vision is to empower every child with special needs to lead a life of independence and fulfillment. He believes that disabilities should never define the limits of a child’s future. Instead, with the right guidance, every child has the potential to shine.

 

Planning to open a residential school for special children in such a way that every child who enter the premises will get out of the premises where he/she will make sure that they will get adopted to the social norms of the society and pledge an example for better living and make the parents, teachers, guardians, guiders and society proud. So, that every potential effort which has been put on the child to nurture to the extent of blooming and making them a capable individual to lead their life qualitative.

 

Through his dedicated service, he is not just transforming the lives of children—but also changing mindsets in the community. Devdan is now recognized as a model for inclusive education in Karnataka, with Mr. Devaiah being its humble yet dynamic force.

 

His vision is to make the kids physically capable to participate in state level, national level as well as international level through special Olympics Bharat (Karnataka) heading athletics division.

 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators and Families

Mr. Devaiah’s work inspires young educators, therapists, and volunteers to pursue careers in special education. He actively collaborates with professionals and institutions like SVYM, SARGUR to spread awareness in All India Radio (Akashvani Mysore) and conduct training all across Coorg and in and out of Mysore, ensuring that more children across the region get the support they deserve.

 

By representing Karnataka participated in UMANG 2025 in Hoshiyarpur Punjab and won 2 golds and one silver and made the whole state proud by representing Devdan Foundation.

 

He is also a vocal advocate for parent education, conducting regular workshops and counseling sessions to equip families with the tools and empathy needed to raise a child with special needs.

 

Conclusion: A True Pillar of Hope

In a world that often overlooks the differently-abled, Kotera Dilip Devaiah stands tall as a pillar of hope, love, and relentless dedication. His life's work is not just about running a school—it's about creating a society where every child, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and valued.

 

His journey is a reminder that with compassion, vision, and courage, we can build a more inclusive and empowering world—one child at a time.