“Everyone deserves a friend.” These simple yet profound words from 20-year-old Mihaan Dhall reflect a truth we all hold dear. Friendship is not just a luxury; it’s a lifeline. For Mihaan, who has Down Syndrome, friendship took on an extraordinary meaning when he met Vir Kapoor, a neurodivergent teen with autism.

Despite their contrasting personalities, these two young men have built a connection that transcends the boundaries of their disabilities. Inspired by their unshakeable bond, their mothers, Moneisha Gandhi and Gopika Kapoor, created Buddy Up Network, a friendship app designed exclusively for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

The Spark Behind Buddy Up Network

Vir and Mihaan’s story began with a simple yet universal desire: to belong. While Vir is a quiet soul who loves solving puzzles and building LEGO models, Mihaan is a vibrant extrovert with a passion for music. Their differences could have kept them apart, but humor and mutual respect became the glue that bonded them.

Watching their sons thrive in this unique friendship, Moneisha and Gopika realized a crucial gap in the world of neurodivergent individuals — the lack of spaces where they can form meaningful connections. While much emphasis is placed on therapy, education, and employment for people with disabilities, friendship often gets overlooked.

This realization sparked the creation of Buddy Up Network, a safe and inclusive platform where individuals with disabilities can build authentic relationships.

Breaking Barriers: Redefining Friendship for the Disability Community

For years, Gopika struggled to find a friend for her son Vir. Play dates, though well-meaning, were often rigidly structured, leaving little room for organic connection.

“It was stressful for him,” Gopika shares. “He found it hard to open up in such controlled settings. But with Mihaan, things were different. Their bond formed naturally, without any intervention.”

This was exactly the kind of connection both mothers wanted to foster for others in the disability community.

“Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to making friends,” says Moneisha. “Everyone deserves a space where they can just be themselves.”

How Buddy Up Network Works

Launched earlier this year, the Buddy Up Network app is a game-changer. Designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages, it helps users connect with friends who share similar interests, regardless of location or background.

Here’s what the app offers:

• Multiple Languages: Available in Hindi and English for accessibility.
• Customizable Searches: Users can search for friends based on age, location, interests, gender, and disability.
• Caregiver Accounts: For children under 18 or individuals who need assistance, caregivers can monitor and manage accounts.
• Safe & Inclusive Environment: The app prioritizes safety and inclusivity, ensuring every user feels welcomed and valued.

Friendship: A Pillar of Mental and Emotional Well-Being

For individuals like Vir and Mihaan, friendship isn’t just about shared laughs or common hobbies; it’s about understanding, acceptance, and growth.

“Vir’s love for building models amazes me,” says Mihaan with admiration. “And he always makes me laugh!”

Vir echoes the sentiment, appreciating how easy it is to be friends with someone as cheerful and supportive as Mihaan. Their dynamic serves as a beautiful example of how neurodivergent friendships can thrive when given the right environment.

A Vision of Connection and Belonging

At its core, Buddy Up Network embodies a simple yet powerful idea: friendship matters.

“When kids with disabilities are young, the focus is on therapy and academics. As they grow older, it shifts to employment. But friendship is just as important as these milestones,” explains Moneisha.

By creating a space where individuals with disabilities can find genuine companionship, Buddy Up Network is not just building connections — it’s fostering belonging, joy, and confidence.

A Friendship That Inspires

As we listen to Vir and Mihaan laugh together, we’re reminded of the beauty of human connection. Their story inspires us to think beyond traditional definitions of friendship and embrace the diversity that makes each relationship unique.

Mihaan sums it up best: “Everyone should have a friend. A friend like Vir.”