District 3131 Chapter of Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives (DAGMHI) Presence at RI Singapore Convention
Rtn. Sanket Saraf, Secretary, represented District Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives 3131 (DAGMHI 3131).
He was one of the volunteers for at the booth at the RAG Mental Health Initiatives. He also had a speaking slot on Sunday 26th May 2024 at a breakout area near the booth and spoke about an Elder Care project done at Tapas by students of Symbiosis. He in his talk spoke about this project which was done with the involvement of Rtn. Dr. Amit Mungale RC Pune University and Rtn. Prof. Dr. Alpana Vaidya, HOD Psychology in Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, RC Pune Sarasbaug, both charter board members of our district RAGMHI chapter. The topic was Geriatric Care/ Elder Care and sensitising Psychology students to the work in an Elder Care Center
Tapas Elder Care Insitute is established in Pune since last 7 years. There are two centres of Tapas - One emphasises on care for Alzheimer and Dementia and palliative care, The other centre is about healthy ageing or an assisted living centre. The centres have a capacity of 120 and 100 patients respectively.
32 Final year BA Clinical psychology students underwent the accredited internship program of 1 month at the centres.
The students were assigned few tasks at the beginning of internship. Every 4 students were given 1 case.
Expert talks were organised for the students. First day Dr. Amit Mungale spoke about Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Geriatrics and common disorders caused by ageing.
Dr. Anagha Karve gave a detailed insight about psychiatry, depression, insomnia and common problems old people go through.
Then there was a lecture by Prafulla Mohite who spoke in detail about REBT - Rational Emotional Behaviour Therapy.
Also a session by Dr. Farzana Mulla was conducted wherein she spoke in detail about dementia as she is a neuropsychologist. She also told about few steps to avoid or reduce the likelihood of dementia.
Then there was a session by Dr. Prajakta Wadhavkar Director Of Tapas who shared her experiences as how the idea of Tapas was conceived and how they all work hard for it.An interesting session by Dr. Anand Nadkarni was conducted where he spoke in detail about IPH and his vast experience in the field of psychiatry.
Last day every one gave a brief case presentation and were given certificates.
In India where there is not so much of awareness of keeping elders that need such care in centres, such internships serve the purpose of sensitising future professionals to the working, the issues and the resolutions of a successfully run unit. In a country where such centres are poised to increase exponentially such internships are indeed useful for any other professionals who wish to enter this segment with perhaps their own such centres in other areas/ cities or to understand techniques followed in a successfully run centre.
In many other countries / cities such internships can be replicated with their elder care / assisted living centres with encouragement received from members from such Action Groups.
Rtn. Vrinda Walimbe, RC Shivajinagar RID 3131 was elected to the Global Board of RAGMHI during the convention. We congratulate her and wish her the best in her new Role.
RI President Gordon McInally emphasised on the importance of Mental Health and the RAGMHI Group opening Chapters in different districts worldwide. Subsequently the work done by these district chapters can be undertaken as long term impact making projects. Increased focus on Mental Health among Rotary Clubs across the world is the legacy that RI President Gordon leaves behind. Rtn. Rita Aggarwal District 3030 Chair Chapters in Asia RAGMHI Global Board Member was one of the six Rotarians to be recognised by Rotary International in the Singapore Convention as People of Action: Chamions of Impact for her project Wellness in a Box. Rtn. Rita was instrumental in advising our district for the opening of our District Chapter.
Rtn. Anita Kaulgud RC Deccan Gymkhana serves as Chair for the District Chapter with Rtn. Alpana Vaidya as Co Chair.
Rtn. Sanket Saraf
Secretary (DAGMHI 3131)
