The Neuroaid & Research Foundation (NRF), in alignment with its commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of the community, partnered with Smiler Megha Deshpande Tripathi and Smiler Sunanda Rana of the Tri-origin Smile Foundation to orchestrate an impactful workshop tailored for parents of children with special needs. The hands–on workshop took place on April 6, 2024 and was imbued with a spirit of generosity, as the Smile Foundation graciously shared their expertise pro bono as part of the World Autism Awareness Day observance. The workshop served as a poignant acknowledgment of the struggles faced by caregivers, particularly in the context of neglecting their own well-being while prioritizing the needs of their children with special needs. Recognizing the prevalent issue of caregiver neglect in long-term rehabilitation, the workshop aimed to bridge this gap by equipping caregivers with essential tools and resources to foster their emotional and physical well-being. Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, participants were empowered to prioritize self-care, thereby creating a supportive environment conducive to the holistic development of children with special needs.
The workshop commenced with Dr Monika Srivastava, the lead Occupational Therapist, extending a warm welcome to the attendees and introducing the distinguished speakers for the session. Launching into the presentations, Smiler Megha Deshpande Tripathi delivered an insightful discourse on lifestyle disorders and ailments arising from various factors such as stress, dietary habits, posture, and environmental influences. Emphasizing on a holistic approach to healing, she expounded upon the concept of Origin Smile Mudras Meditation, originally formulated by Professor Park Jae Woo and further developed by Dr. Pankaj Jain. These mudras, characterized by specific finger postures and mindfulness, have therapeutic benefits in harmonizing both physical and mental well-being. Stressing on their universal applicability, Smiler Megha highlighted that these techniques could be seamlessly integrated with conventional medical practices, alternative therapies, and spiritual disciplines. Furthermore, the speakers underscored the holistic nature of healing, addressing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, soul, and spirit, thereby providing attendees with a profound understanding of how Smile Mudras Meditation can serve as a potent tool for comprehensive wellness.
Following the enlightening discourse on Smile Mudras Meditation, the workshop transitioned into a hands-on training session, offering participants a practical experience of these transformative techniques. Attendees were guided through the intricate movements and gestures of Smile Mudras, enabling them to actively engage with the practice and witness its therapeutic effects first hand. Moreover, the significance of infusing smiles into every facet of a child’s environment was underscored, with innovative suggestions such as utilizing smiley balls, embellishing fruits with smiley faces, and employing smiley stickers to instil joy into daily routines. As parents delved deeper into the practical application of Smile Mudras and meditation, they posed queries and shared concerns regarding their incorporation with children. Meaningful discussions ensued, addressing uncertainties and providing insights into effectively integrating these techniques into caregiving routines. Participants were encouraged to embrace the potency of positive affirmations through mantras such as “ma”, “la”, “ha”,and “aha,” fostering optimism and vitality in both caregivers and children alike. Through this experiential learning approach, attendees gained practical insights into incorporating Smile Mudras Meditation into their daily lives, thereby nurturing an environment conducive to holistic healing and well-being, and comprehended how these techniques can positively impact the well-being of their children as well.
In conclusion, heartfelt gratitude was extended to Smiler Megha Deshpande Tripathi and Smiler Sunanda Rana from the Smile Foundation for their invaluable contributions to this workshop. Their dedication and expertise have enlightened us all, arming caregivers with essential tools and insights to support children with special needs. The expression of gratitude was particularly touching as it came from the parents of the children, who conveyed their appreciation through a personalized bouquet and card. The Letter of Appreciation envelope, adorned with a painting by one of our children under the guidance of Mrs. Rajni Nagar, Special Educator at NRF, and the ‘Thank You’ note written by another child, truly encapsulate the spirit of gratitude and collaboration that defines our community. It was heartening to see 13 parents attend of who 6 were fathers. As the workshop concluded, all participants were invited for refreshments and to interact with the resource team. Verbal and written feedback was taken and we were deeply encouraged by the suggestion for future iterations.
