A 22-year-old Indian-origin woman from Dubai is set to make her mark on one of the world’s biggest stages. Amanda DSilva will appear on the iconic digital screens of New York’s Times Square on September 6 as part of a global awareness campaign led by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

Amanda was selected from more than 2,600 entries for the organisation’s annual presentation. The video, featuring nearly 500 children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from 50 US states and 11 countries, will run for an hour before the New York City Buddy Walk, one of the world’s largest advocacy events for the community.

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Amanda wrote: “I’m beyond honoured to have my photo featured at Times Square, New York. This moment is a dream come true, and I’m so proud to represent our beautiful community on such a global stage.”

Who is Amanda DSilva?

Born in 2003 and raised in Dubai to parents from Mangalore and Mumbai, Amanda works as a hostess at a French restaurant in Sofitel Downtown Hotel. She is also a freelance model, appearing in campaigns that highlight diversity and inclusion.

A former student of Gems School in Dubai, Amanda discovered her passion for modelling at a young age. She is the youngest of two daughters and will travel to New York with her parents, where she will be joined by her sister, who lives in Canada.

Amanda’s mother, Anita Dsilva, shared her daughter’s inspiring journey. “Amanda has come a long way, from being a sickly child who used to hide herself from guests and close her ears to the slightest sound, to now working full-time with Sofitel Downtown Hotel in Dubai and part-time as a model. She has graduated from a mainstream high school, and today, she is full of confidence and charm. Having her photo displayed at Times Square is a rare and special moment, and I hope her story encourages other families to believe that a diagnosis is not the end of the world. With acceptance and support, these individuals can shine.”

The Times Square honour is “a rare and special moment” she said, and hopes Amanda’s story inspires other families: “A diagnosis is not the end of the world. With acceptance and support, these individuals can shine.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which affects physical development, learning, and overall health.

Amanda’s Times Square moment is not just a personal milestone; it’s also a powerful message of acceptance, inclusion, and hope.

Event Details:

The Times Square Video Presentation will be held on September 6 from 9:30 to 10:30 am (Eastern Time) and will be displayed on two Jumbotron screens above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The programme will also be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page.