Pooja Pande

What really is normal? Straight A’s, endless upskilling classes, sitting still in school, following the same script as everyone else? For many children, this version of “normal” is not just unfair, it’s impossible. Especially for neurodivergent kids, whose needs and strengths don’t fit into the one-size-fits-all mould. Across India, parents are starting to question this. They are challenging shame and secrecy, breaking free from the idea that a child’s differences must be hidden to “protect the family.” From fighting rigid school systems to navigating judgment from relatives, these parents are carving out space for acceptance and inclusion. They are learning to listen to their children first to understand that ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent identities are not flaws to fix, but different ways of experiencing the world. As one mother, Priya reflects, “The Indian family mindset means that anything that makes it less strong, we mask it.” Experts agree: inclusion begins with empathy, not labels. Because every child deserves a life that celebrates their joy, play, and individuality, not just their report card. Maybe it’s time we stop “fixing” kids to fit the world and start fixing the world to fit them. Click the link : thebetterindia.com/495286/ne… to read how these parents are rewriting the meaning of ‘normal’. #Neurodiversity #Parenting #Inclusion #Neurodivergent #ADHD #AutismAwareness #PositiveParenting #BreakingStigma

Been a while since I took up the pen/keyboard. Grateful to @asurendranath and @P39A_nlud for their support with this story and @SampathSPJails for his insights.

Swipe through to explore exciting sessions lined up for you, only at @mannotsava: ​ 1. Prevention is Better Than Cure - @nachiketmor, @ViditaVaidya & @JahnaviPhalkey dive into the importance of fostering mental well-being to unlock human potential with research on the brain's resilience. ​ 2. The Sandwiched Generation - Feeling caught between caring for your parents and raising your kids? Join @derrindo and @ruchitarambles for this session, where they explore real talk, humor and strategies to thrive in this challenging phase of life. ​ 3. Kathi Kathi Kaarana: A film produced by Quicksand Studio and @unboxfestival society, this screening illuminates the struggles and hopes of everyday heroes. ​ 4. Laugh, Heal, Repeat: The Art of Medical Clowning - Join Sheetal Agarwal for a workshop on medical clowning to learn how humour can play a pivotal role in reducing stress & lifting spirits. ​ Visit nationalmentalhealthfestival… to register today and secure your spot! #NationalMentalHealthFestival #Mannotsava2024 #MentalHealthAwareness​ #MentalWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ThriveTogether #MentalHealthForAll #MentalHealthWorkshops​ [Mental well-being, Mental health workshops, Free mental health event, Conversations on mental health, Events in Bengaluru, Mental Health Events]

"That the science of slowing down ageing and countering inflammation aligns with the qualities inherent in compassion makes it an anti-ageing formula that no corporate can bottle up!" scroll.in/article/1073654/ An excerpt from ‘The Book of Compassion’, by the Dalai Lama, Kailash Satyarthi, and Pooja Pande.

#WeekendReads | #Nobellaureates the #DalaiLama and #KailashSatyarthi illuminate a path towards a more #compassionate world in their profound collaborative work, #TheBookofCompassion. Anjana Basu writes ow.ly/Nwem50T5wp2