“The development of the mind and soul is more crucial than just physical abilities of differently abled children.” Dr. Sunanda Rathi, Director, Yoga Initiative Centre at Chiranjiv Foundation
Pune, 10 January 2024: “Developmental Milestones for differently abled children should not be based on their academic progress alone.
Along with academics, the crucial factor is the development of the mind and soul along with the physical ability as the essence of being a human being lies in the soul and not the external attributes”, asserted Sunanda Rathi- Director of Yoga Initiative Centre at Chiranjiv Foundation while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of ‘_Guiding Stars: Parents Empowering Journey_’ a Parent Support Group organized by Kannada Sangha Pune’s Kaveri Group of Institutes.
The program was held today at Kalmadi Shamrao High School (KHS) Primary Section, Ketkar Road, Erandwane.
The inauguration was done with the traditional lamp lighting in the presence of dignitaries like Malati S. Kalmadi- Secretary, Kannada Sangha, and Director ITS Anjali Morris Education Foundation; Dr. Devasena Desai- Associate Director, Kaveri Counselling and Empowerment and Gifted Center, Swapna Damerla- COO, ITS Anjali Morris Education Foundation, Mr. Satyen Khashu- Founder of Listening Circle along with teachers, special educators from Baner, Ketkar road and Ganesh nagar schools and parents.
A philomath at heart Dr. Rathi believes in continuous learning. She further said, ‘As the first step, it is important for the parents of differently abled children to accept them unconditionally. The second step is to work towards their holistic development, and I believe that yoga is the answer to this. The ‘Panchakosha’ concept of yoga needs to be understood by such parents to hone their child’s physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels.” KGI also endorses ‘Panchakosha’ way of living and ensures that students of KHS imbibe the same.
Energizing the audience with claps and basic Yoga and breathing techniques, Dr. Rathi further said, “Instead of focusing only on the physical or external appearance of the differently abled children, their inner potentials need to be recognized and accepted as that is what being human beings is all about”.
Malati S. Kalmadi introduced the session detailing the aims and objectives of the initiative. She said the idea was to identify the latent potential of differently abled children, develop them, guide them, and teach their parents and teachers to collaborate and work together. Children are in schools most of the day they need the support of special educators, teachers, and parents and hence Kaveri Group of Institutes thought of starting this unique initiative at the school level.
Swapna Damerla said, “Society and parents should maintain a positive outlook when nurturing differently-abled children. In the world today, 25% of entrepreneurs and 30% of CEOs faced learning difficulties in some form as children. This goes on to show that children with learning difficulties have it in them to make it big if accepted and steered well”.
Pallavi Naik-Principal KHS Ganeshnagar (KHSG) spoke on supporting children with learning difficulties in school. Dr. Kanchan Deshpande-Principal KHS Baner elaborated on the significance of teaching aids in remedial programs while Mrs.Jyothi Kadkol-Principal KHS Primary deliberated on understanding the needs of low-performing students by teachers and special educators.
Satyen Khashu conducted a lively listening circle through songs with a spiritual touch. The audience joined in with enthusiasm with his captivating tunes.
Dr. Devasena Desai shared the dedicated work of each special educator for all their efforts, Dr. Desai ended the meeting with a vote of thanks and Pravda Nair was the compere for the event.
The parent support group is a first-of-a-kind initiative in an inclusive school for parents of children with learning difficulties. It has been designed to empower parents who will meet on every second Saturday at Ketkar Road to share their challenges, joys, and new ideas.
This initiative will be facilitated by the Empowerment Cell with special educators comprising Suhasini Kulkarni, Shama Mahajan, Shamika Kulkarni, Maithili Kadekar and Pravda Nair
