An Array of Expertise: Shaping the Evolving Role of Parents and Caregivers with Inputs from Educationists, Psychologists, Medical Professionals, Sports, and Finance Experts, Alongside Candid Teenage Perspectives
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a bid to revolutionize the landscape of child wellness in India, Happiest Health recently hosted the ‘Get Set, Grow! 2023: Children’s Wellness Summit’ at The Leela Palace. This day-long event brought together over 250 participants, including parents, educators, medical professionals, psychologists, sports and wellness experts, under one roof. The summit provided a platform for multidisciplinary experts to shed light on the comprehensive approach needed for nurturing happy children and confident young adults.
A series of insightful talks and panel discussions tackled various facets of parenting, education, and caregiving. Renowned figures from diverse fields offered their perspectives, ensuring a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by today’s youth.
From a medical standpoint, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Coordinator of the Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) clinic at NIMHANS, and Dr. Supraja Chandrasekar, Paediatric Intensivist at Dhee Hospital, shared their expertise. Meanwhile, luminaries in education and career counselling, including Dr. Florence D’Souza and Ms. Manju Sharma, Principals of prominent schools, along with Child Psychologist and Counsellor, Poorva Ranade, enriched the summit with their valuable insights.
A pivotal highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Are You Listening? – Voices Of Adolescent Survey 2023’, a comprehensive research endeavour undertaken by Happiest Health. Drawing from the perspectives of over 500 adolescents, aged 12 to 18, across the nation, this survey illuminated the uncharted realities that today’s youth navigate. It underscored the urgent need for parents, schools, and peers to adapt their approaches to nurturing adolescents.
The summit tackled pressing topics of our times, including technology addiction, nutrition, stress management, and career choices. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma emphasized the 3As – Accessibility, Affiliation, and Acknowledgement – crucial elements in understanding and mitigating technology addiction.
The power of play and sports in child development was another focal point, emphasizing the physical, cognitive, and social benefits of unstructured play. Meanwhile, discussions on stress management during exams and career decision-making provided invaluable insights from experts like Dr. Poorva Ranade, Mr. Neeraj Kumar, and Mr. Mahesh Yadav.
Addressing the communication gap between children, parents, and teachers, Ms. Manju Sharma advocated for tailored approaches based on age and emotional context. Dr. Supraja Chandrasekhar’s talk on nutrition shed light on the critical role of a balanced diet in children’s lives.
Anindya Chowdhury, President & CEO of Happiest Health, expressed his vision for the summit: “Through the ‘Get Set Grow!’ summit, we hope to bring a new paradigm of nurturing and awareness to the systems that care for children. We want to challenge the age-old notions of parenting and education with up-to-date research and hearing about the realities of youth from their own experiences.”
In a time when raising children is more complex than ever, the ‘Get Set, Grow! 2023: Children’s Wellness Summit’ emerges as a beacon of hope and knowledge, uniting stakeholders to create a foundation for a resilient and prosperous nation. Happiest Health’s commitment to transforming wellness in India is poised to leave a lasting mark on generations to come.
