About the programme

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Thrivity Foundation, in partnership with the Fetal Care Research Foundation (FCRF) and the Centre of Excellence for Rare Disorders (CERD), implemented a full-day caregiver wellbeing programme on 4th April 2026 at the Dr. Hemant L. Shah Library and Conference Hall, Mediscan, Mylapore. Titled Encircling the Caregivers with Wellness, the programme was designed to place the caregiver — often the most overlooked member of the care journey — at the very centre of attention and support.
 

26 caregivers of children with disabilities participated in a carefully structured day of talks, reflective exercises, breathwork, and group sharing — creating a safe and nurturing space for them to be heard, supported, and replenished.
 

Programme highlights
 

Welcome & Partnership Vision: 
 

The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. R. Sujatha, Head of Projects, Research and Medical Records, Mediscan Systems, followed by an introduction to the concept of encircling caregivers with wellness by Mrs. Kavitha Rajagopal, Director, Thrivity Foundation and PhD Scholar, IIT Madras.
 

FCRF's Philosophy of Care

Dr. Sujatha M. Jagadeesh, Head of Genetics & Counselling, Mediscan Systems, and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Rare Disorders, spoke about FCRF's philosophy of care and the Patient Support Group under the TN Rare Diseases Association (TNRDA). Her session underscored the organisation's commitment to going beyond clinical care to build community and belonging among families.

Felicitation

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The felicitation session brought together Dr. S. Suresh, Director of Mediscan Systems and Managing Trustee of FCRF, and Dr. Uma Ram, Director and Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Seethapathy Clinic + Hospital and Trustee of FCRF. Their presence reflected the leadership's deep investment in caregiver wellbeing as an organisational priority.

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Parents' role in palliative care

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Dr. Sabitha, MBBS, MRCPCH, with a Fellowship in Pediatric Palliative Care from Paasam, VHS, spoke on the critical and often unrecognised role of parents in palliative care — emphasising compassion, resilience, and the need for dedicated support structures.

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Wellbeing sessions: ​

The heart of the day was a series of experiential sessions facilitated by Dr. Kalpana, Professor at SRM School of Public Health, and Mrs. Subha Jayaram, Researcher and Public Health Consultant. 

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Sharing & way forward

The afternoon concluded with an open sharing and feedback session, followed by a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Indrani Suresh, M.B.B.S, DCH, MD (Paediatrics), Advisor - FCRF, Director of Mediscan Systems, who remained present throughout the day — a gesture that deeply moved the participants.​

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This programme is a step towards a larger vision — one where every caregiver, no matter how confined by circumstance, is encircled by wellness, dignity, and community. Thrivity Foundation looks forward to expanding this initiative to more families and more locations in the months ahead.

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Organising partners

Thrivity Foundation  ·  Fetal Care Research Foundation (FCRF)  ·  Centre of Excellence for Rare Disorders (CERD)  ·  Down Syndrome Federation of India