PUNE: Walnut Child Development Clinics, a Pune-headquartered network of child development centres founded in 2019, is urging parents to replace “wait and watch” with “early checks” when they notice small but repeated developmental concerns. Many challenges begin quietly, then become harder for the child and family as school demands increase and daily routines get more complex. A simple screening or early assessment can help families understand whether a child is within typical developmental variation, needs monitoring, or would benefit from timely support.

Walnut Clinics recommends a basic check-up when parents notice repeated developmental concerns. These may include late talking, unclear speech, limited eye contact, difficulty following instructions, frequent meltdowns, or short attention span. Other signs can include clumsiness, sensory sensitivities (noise, touch, or textures), feeding challenges, delays in play skills, or struggles with pre-academic readiness. Early action can reduce frustration for the child, bring clarity to caregivers, and make home and school support more structured and doable.

Walnut Clinics offers integrated care through a coordinated team of certified Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Special Educators, and Behavioural Therapists, working together under one roof. Services include early screening and assessments, speech therapy, fluency and voice therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, behavioural therapy, remedial education, paediatric physiotherapy, parent counselling, and group therapy/support sessions. The clinics commonly support children with autism, ADHD, speech delay, learning disabilities, sensory processing concerns, and developmental delays.

“Parents often tell us they were hoping their child would ‘grow out of it,” said Dr. Chanchal Agrawal, Founder & Clinical Director, Walnut Child Development Clinics. “Sometimes that happens, but when it doesn’t, the child may start feeling ‘I can’t’ long before anyone says it out loud. An early screening isn’t about labels; it’s about clarity on what’s typical, what needs watching, and what we can begin strengthening right away.”

“Walnut was built on one simple belief: families shouldn’t have to run from one specialist to another for answers,” said the Founding Team at Walnut Child Development Clinics. “When professionals collaborate, speech, occupational therapy, psychology, special education, and behaviour support, parents get a clearer roadmap, children get consistent goals, and progress becomes visible not just in the clinic, but at home and in the classroom.”

Walnut’s programmes focus on functional, measurable skills, including communication, attention, play, self-care, handwriting readiness, motor planning, emotional regulation, and classroom participation, with a strong focus on a holistic approach that supports the child across home, school, and social environments. Therapy plans are personalised, reviewed at regular intervals, and designed to be parent-friendly so families can practice strategies confidently at home, and schools can align support where needed.

With 5,000+ families served, Walnut Child Development Clinics currently operates in Kharadi, Fatima Nagar, Tingre Nagar, PCMC, and Baramati. Appointments are available for in-clinic evaluations, therapy programmes,s and parent guidance sessions.

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The centre is for all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences, and provides screening assessments in the early years to pick up delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic evaluation. Regular developmental check-ups help identify whether a child is on track or needs extra support. Children art artwork is displayed in the form of an activity sheet in sequence, creating a visual record of progress made by kids in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, giving clinicians and parents a simple way to follow the child’s journey. The Center also supports first-time parents in their parenting journey, helping them understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.

The Child Development Department, “Roots to Wings”, is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist *Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala. The core medical team includes **Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, **Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, *Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade, and Speech Therapist Ms Mrunmayi Londe, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

The centre offers developmental and behavioural assessments; physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language therapies; psychological counselling and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed at regular intervals. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities help red flags be recognised early and children referred without delay. As part of this initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to recognise early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom, with some sessions held alongside group therapies to link classroom and clinical care.

Speaking about the vision behind Roots to Wings, Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala said, “Parents often tell us they felt something was ‘not quite right’ but did not know where to go or whom to ask. We want families to find accurate guidance, timely intervention, and a place where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.”

The team at Roots to Wings believes that developmental health is as important as physical health. They emphasise that neurodevelopmental differences – such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns – are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness”, and that many children do better when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding. They encourage every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development centre if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even when the signs are subtle, or everything seems normal, the reassurance and clarity can be a lifelong gift. The mission behind Roots to Wings is to support a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, so no one has to look back and wonder if a simple early visit could have given their child an easier, brighter start.

The post When Parents Worry in Silence: How ‘Roots to Wings’ Supports Every Child’s Voice appeared first on NRI News.

CHENNAI The Singapore International Foundation (SIF), SingHealth, and the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM), Government of Tamil Nadu, today marked the conclusion of the second phase of the Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Services (EMCH) Project.

Launched in 2015, the EMCH Project aims to strengthen maternal and child healthcare across Tamil Nadu. Building on the success of the first phase, the current phase (2023–2025) extended its reach to Primary Health Centres, enhancing the management of high-risk pregnancies and neonatal emergencies, and improving outcomes across the state’s maternal and child health system.

Phase One (2015–2018) trained more than 500 healthcare professionals and contributed to reduced maternal mortality in districts including Tiruchirapalli, Chengalpattu, and Pudukottai. Phase Two built on this progress by training another 144 professionals and developing a new cadre of Master Trainers to sustain knowledge sharing within Tamil Nadu’s healthcare ecosystem.

Together, these efforts mark a decade-long collaboration that continues to enhance health outcomes while deepening Singapore-India ties through shared expertise and friendship. This initiative also represents the SIF’s fourth maternal and child health project across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It underscores its 30-year partnership with India – fostering collaborations, sharing expertise, and uplifting communities.

Empowering Local Healthcare Professionals for Long-Term Impact

Between 2023 and 2025, Singapore International Volunteers from Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and SingHealth Polyclinics – comprising doctors and nurses – conducted multidisciplinary workshops that combined clinical training, technical assistance, and protocol review for counterparts across Tamil Nadu’s primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare institutions. These 144 professionals are now better equipped to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies and high-risk pregnancies.

Using a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) framework, 50 participants from the trained cohort were identified as Master Trainers. They were equipped with both clinical and pedagogical skills, enabling them to facilitate peer learning within their own institutions. These Master Trainers will continue sharing their expertise across the state, ensuring that best practices are sustained and applied consistently.

Feedback from Phase Two participants indicates marked improvement in confidence and skills across key areas of obstetric and neonatal emergency management, including patient assessment, referral processes, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Collectively, these efforts are projected to benefit an estimated 20,000 mothers and newborns through better clinical outcomes and strengthened standards of care.

Corinna Chan, CEO, Singapore International Foundation, said: “The Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Services Project reflects the power of international collaboration to create meaningful, lasting impact. By uniting healthcare experts from Singapore and Tamil Nadu, we have not only strengthened clinical capabilities but also deepened the bonds of friendship between our peoples. Over the past three decades, the SIF has partnered with Indian communities on more than 20 projects in education and healthcare. Our specialist volunteers have been central to these efforts, working alongside their Indian counterparts in a spirit of mutual learning and collaboration to uplift lives. We look forward to building on this strong foundation to continue creating positive change together.”

Vijaya Rao, Director, SingHealth International Collaboration Office, said: “This partnership with SIF demonstrates the value of collaborative healthcare development. Our clinical teams have worked alongside Tamil Nadu’s healthcare professionals to share knowledge and implement practices that have strengthened maternal and child health services in the region. Drawing on the SingHealth institutions’ healthcare expertise, we’ve been able to support locally relevant solutions that improve patient outcomes. This collaboration reflects our commitment to meaningful partnerships that build sustainable healthcare capacity and create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.”

Dr A. Somasundaram, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Tamil Nadu, said: “We are grateful for the partnership with the Singapore International Foundation and SingHealth. The knowledge exchange and technical guidance provided through this project have greatly enhanced our healthcare professionals’ confidence and competence in managing maternal and child health challenges. The collaborative training approach has strengthened local systems, improved clinical coordination, and contributed to safer outcomes for mothers and newborns. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further advance the quality and accessibility of maternal and child health services across Tamil Nadu.”

Dr Shephali Tagore, Senior Consultant, Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Director of O&G International Medical Programme, said: “This project has been a deeply meaningful experience. Our Tamil Nadu counterparts demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in adapting evidence-based maternal and fetal care to local needs. Their commitment and innovation have inspired us, making this a truly collaborative exchange that strengthened our shared pursuit of safer outcomes for mothers and newborns.”

Dr Ng Chung Wai Mark, Director, Global Health, SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Senior Consultant, Family Physician, SHP, said: “Enhancing the referral system is a vital step in strengthening the continuum of care for high-risk antenatal women. It helps primary care physicians identify and manage risks early, before they become emergencies. This requires a systems-based approach, by reviewing roles and care processes, auditing practices, and continuously improving care. I am inspired by the professionalism and dedication of our primary care colleagues in Tamil Nadu, whose commitment will carry these efforts forward. Collaborating on this initiative has been deeply meaningful and reaffirmed the power of shared learning in improving maternal health outcomes.”

Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being – by promoting safe pregnancies and reducing maternal mortality rates, the EMCH Project is one of several Singapore-India collaborations in public health, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence through cross-border learning and collaboration.

As Singapore and India commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, both nations continue to reaffirm that people-to-people ties remain the bedrock of our partnership. Reflecting this spirit, the EMCH Project exemplifies how collaboration between healthcare professionals can strengthen communities, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to better health outcomes across borders.

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HINJAWADI, PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration that blended love for parents with concern for the environment, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi, celebrated Parents’ Day with a meaningful outdoor activity, a community hike, and a plantation drive at Quadron Hill.

Gathering the school’s fundamental values of family bonding, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning, the celebration witnessed active participation by students and parents from all grades, from little tots at Montessori to confident learners in Grade 9.

The morning started with a spirited hike up Quadron Hill, as over 60 parents accompanied their children in enjoying the beauty of nature and well-being. The sound of families’ laughter was heard throughout the trails, making the morning a happy, collective experience.

The day’s highlight was a special plantation drive. With close to 80 saplings being planted by parent-student pairs, the green initiative was a beacon of growth, fostering, and shared responsibility in building a greener tomorrow. Every sapling symbolized a promise to nurture, guard, and cultivate together as a community.

Adding some creativity and emotional flair, students sang soulful music specially dedicated to their parents, giving thanks and appreciation in song. The celebration was rounded out by endearing handmade gifts: love-made neckties for fathers, and “Super Mom” badges pinned with pride on mothers’ offerings that brought smiles, giggles, and a few tears of joy.

“Parents’ Day is a call to the unseen but invaluable support families bring in a child’s life. By infusing celebration with purpose, we tried to make memories joyous, meaningful, and value-based,” said Sonika Kochhar Girotra, Principal, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi. “It was heartwarming to witness our students and parents connect over nature and purpose, the golden blend of learning and compassion.”

Ryan International Academy keeps redefining learning by integrating it harmoniously with intention, compassion, and social connection, one touching event at a time.

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In India, the very word ‘caregiving’ is largely synonymous with motherhood. Historically and culturally, Indian fathers have been predominantly viewed through the lens of financial providers and disciplinarians – expected to be pillars of strength, but often emotionally distant and functionally removed from day-to-day child-rearing.

This dynamic becomes even more pronounced in families raising neurodivergent children. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy come with unique caregiving demands – often intensive, round-the-clock, and emotionally complex. In such homes, mothers are expected to sacrifice their careers and social lives to meet the child’s needs, while fathers are typically expected to “provide”.

But this narrative is changing.

A Quiet Shift in Indian Homes

Across cities and smaller towns, fathers are slowly – and often quietly – stepping into roles they were never groomed for. They are attending therapy sessions, sitting through speech assessments, managing meltdowns, negotiating with schools, and learning the vocabulary of developmental delays and sensory regulation. In some households, fathers have even taken the dramatic step of quitting their jobs to care for their children full-time – a reversal of traditional gender roles that was virtually unheard of a generation ago.

This shift is not always voluntary. Sometimes, it is born out of necessity – such as when the mother is unwell or also working full-time. But often, it is a choice – an act of conscious parenting. It reflects a deeper understanding that their child’s progress depends not only on therapies and medication, but also on consistent emotional presence.

The Emotional Labour of Fatherhood

For many of these men, the journey is a deeply personal one. They must wrestle not just with the complexities of their child’s condition, but also with the expectations placed on them by society, family, and even themselves. There are few role models. Few spaces where they can talk openly. And almost no representation in mainstream media or parenting conversations.

The emotional labour involved is immense – watching your child struggle with basic tasks other children perform with ease, dealing with schools that are ill-equipped or unsympathetic, and enduring the pain of isolation when neighbours, relatives, or peers offer well-meaning but ignorant advice.

And yet, these fathers show up. They adapt. They learn. And in doing so, they redefine masculinity in powerful ways – not through stoicism or success, but through sensitivity, advocacy, and presence.

Battling Stigma, Redefining Roles

In many parts of India, societal norms still discourage men from active parenting. Fathers who exhibit tenderness or take time off for caregiving are often met with disbelief or ridicule. Remarks like “He’s doing the mother’s job” or “Why can’t his wife handle it?” are not uncommon. These responses stem from deeply entrenched patriarchy – the idea that caregiving is incompatible with masculinity.

But the growing tribe of caregiving fathers is challenging these assumptions. They are normalising tears in therapy rooms, sharing parenting tips on online forums, and even starting support groups for other dads. In doing so, they are creating safer, more inclusive spaces for their children – and for themselves.

Healthcare Needs to Catch Up

This shift in caregiving roles also has implications for the healthcare system. Most hospitals, therapy centres, and schools still treat the mother as the default point of contact – often assuming she will understand the technicalities and shoulder the responsibility. It’s time for institutions to recognise and include fathers more actively in care plans, family counselling sessions, and early intervention programmes. Doing so not only supports the father but also improves outcomes for the child.

A Broader Vision for Fatherhood

This Father’s Day, let’s expand our definition of what fatherhood can look like – especially in the context of raising neurodivergent children. Let us honour not just the breadwinners or disciplinarians, but also the bath-time experts, the speech therapy companions, the sleepless-night watchers, and the homework tutors.

These men are not stepping in to “help”. They are parenting – fully and fiercely.

And by celebrating their stories, we are doing more than applauding individual courage. We are nudging society towards a model of shared caregiving. We are showing that care is not a mother’s duty – it is a parent’s instinct.

Let’s move one step closer to a future where the term “primary caregiver” could just as easily refer to the father.

The post The Evolving Role of Fathers appeared first on NRI News.

When it comes to planning a baby, most of the focus is usually on the mother. From taking vitamins to eating right and getting regular check-ups, mums-to-be are often guided carefully to protect their baby’s health. But what about fathers?

New research shows that a father’s age, diet, mental health, and even how much pollution he breathes in can also affect his child’s health—right down to the level of genes. This may come as a surprise, but science is now telling us that fathers play a much bigger role than was once believed in shaping their children’s future health.

That we pass on our genes to our children is widely known. Are those genes affected by our lifestyles and living environment? They certainly do. The study of how our environment influences our genes is known as epigenetics, and studies now show that fathers are as responsible as mothers for their babies’ health right from the stage of conception.

What Is Epigenetics—And Why Should Dads Care?

Our genes are like the instruction manual for how our bodies work. But epigenetics is about how those instructions are read. Think of it like a dimmer switch on a light—not changing the bulb, but turning the brightness up or down. These changes can be caused by things like stress, pollution, smoking, or an unhealthy diet.

Sperm cells, which carry the father’s DNA, are especially sensitive to these changes. A man’s body makes fresh sperm all the time—unlike a woman, who is born with all her eggs. This means a man’s environment and habits at a given time can affect the sperm he produces.

Suppose a father is exposed to things like air pollution, heavy stress, or poor nutrition. In that case, it can lead to subtle changes in how certain genes behave in his children—possibly affecting their growth, development, or risk of disease later in life.

It’s Not Just the Mother’s Age That Matters

In India, there’s a lot of talk about women having babies “too late”. But we now know that older fathers—usually over the age of 40—may also pass on higher risks of conditions like autism, schizophrenia, or certain learning disabilities. This isn’t about blame; it’s about being aware of the full picture so that families can make informed choices.

Older sperm tend to carry more genetic ‘spelling errors’ and also show more epigenetic changes—especially if the father has been exposed to harmful environments over time. This doesn’t mean one should be afraid, but it is important to know such facts.

Why This Matters for Public Health in India

In most Indian families, men are part of discussions around pregnancy or family planning unless there’s a problem with fertility. But in today’s world, where many urban men have long hours at work, experience high stress, pollution, smoking, and consume fast foods in daily diets, ignoring paternal health is a missed opportunity.

Just like women are advised to prepare their bodies before pregnancy, men too should be encouraged to take care of their health if they’re planning to have children—ideally three to six months before conception.

What Can Fathers Do?

The good news is that men can take simple, practical steps to improve their sperm health and support their future child’s wellbeing:

• Eat well – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Cut back on smoking and alcohol – These can harm sperm quality
• Sleep and exercise – Regular activity and good sleep help reduce stress
• Avoid pollution and chemicals – especially in workplaces or heavy traffic areas and wear a mask to restrict airborne pollutants
• See a doctor – Especially if planning a pregnancy after age 35 or 40

Small, steady improvements in lifestyle can make a big difference for your future child.

Rethinking Fatherhood

We often think fatherhood begins when the baby arrives. But the truth is, it starts much earlier, before pregnancy even begins. A father’s lifestyle and health in the months leading up to conception can shape his child’s health in surprising and powerful ways.

It’s time to include men in the conversation about healthy pregnancies, not merely as supporters, but as active participants in their child’s journey to health. Because dads matter too—right down to the genes.

The post Epigenetics Explained: The Essential Contribution of Fathers to Their Baby’s Genetic Makeup appeared first on NRI News.

Pregnancy is usually a time filled with happiness and hope, plans for the new addition to the family, and pampering. But for some expecting moms, that journey can be jolted by an unexpected and infrequent diagnosis — one of a brain tumour.

Pregnancy already brings significant physical changes, emotional ups and downs, and constant monitoring of health. The presence of a brain tumour during this time turns the situation into one of the most complex medical scenarios a person can face. Two lives are at stake in such cases, and every decision must be made with caution, deliberation, and careful consideration.

Diagnosis and Initial Assessment

Identifying a brain tumour diagnosis in a pregnant woman is particularly challenging because many of the symptoms of brain tumours usually share common physiological changes and discomforts associated with pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting, persistent headaches, and dizziness are common during pregnancy, but they are also key warning signals of a brain tumour.

This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, as medical professionals may initially attribute the symptoms to pregnancy-related discomfort. When these symptoms persist or worsen, imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)is the preferred method, as it provides detailed images without radiation and is considered safe during pregnancy. In some cases, additional tests or a biopsy may be required if the type of tumour is unclear.

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are generally avoided during pregnancy as they use ionising radiation, which is a risk to the foetus.

Diagnosis of brain tumours during pregnancy is typically established through a multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, neurologists, and radiologists. Once the type of tumour is confirmed, the medical team considers several key questions:

1. Is it a low-grade or a high-grade tumour?
2.  Is it causing pressure on the brain?
3.  How far along is the pregnancy?

Tumours that are slow growing, such as meningiomas, may be monitored closely until it is safe to give treatment (particularly either in the second trimester or after delivery). More aggressive tumours like glioblastomas may require immediate action, even in early pregnancy.

Impact of Pregnancy on Tumours

Pregnancy causes major physiological changes in a woman, including increased levels of hormones like oestrogen and a rise in blood volume. These changes can, in some cases, accelerate the growth of the tumour.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment of brain tumours in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach that carefully considers the safety and health of both the mother and the foetus. Treatment plans are highly individualised and depend on several factors, including the type and location of the tumour, its rate of growth, the patient’s symptoms, and the stage of pregnancy.

Surgery is often recommended if the tumour is causing increasing intracranial pressure, bleeding, or severe symptoms. The second trimester is considered to be the safest period for a surgery, as the risk to the foetus is lower than in the first trimester and the uterus is not yet large enough to complicate things.

If the patient is in the third trimester, doctors may consider scheduling an early delivery (typically between 32 to 36 weeks) so that surgery or additional treatment can begin promptly afterward.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are typically delayed until after delivery unless the situation is urgent. Some chemotherapy agents may be used during the second or third trimester with caution, but they are usually avoided in the first trimester due to the high risk of birth defects.

Delivery Considerations

Delivery planning in this context involves careful coordination among obstetricians, neurosurgeons, and anaesthesiologists. When and how to schedule the delivery depends on several factors:

Timing

• If the tumour is stable and not causing significant symptoms, delivery may proceed at full term (around 39 to 40 weeks).
• If the tumour is aggressive or the mother’s condition is worsening, an early delivery (32 to 36 weeks) may be recommended to allow prompt treatment.
• In the case of a medical emergency, such as seizures or brain swelling, an emergency delivery may be performed at any gestational age to protect the mother’s life.

Mode of delivery

• If the tumour affects the mother’s ability to safely go through labour—for example, due to increased intracranial pressure—then a C-section is usually recommended to minimise the risk of complications during delivery.
• If the tumour is small and not causing pressure-related symptoms, vaginal delivery may still be an option.

Psychological considerations

A brain tumour diagnosis is inherently a life-changing and traumatic event. When it occurs during pregnancy, it introduces an additional layer of emotional and psychological distress. This can impact the overall well-being of the patient.

Patients commonly experience:

• Heightened anxiety
• Depression
• Guilt or fear about the baby’s future
• Emotional isolation

Recognising and addressing these emotional needs is essential. Mental health support—through counselling, support groups, or psychiatric care—should be an integral part of treatment.

Conclusion

A brain tumour diagnosis during pregnancy presents one of the most complex, rare, and emotionally challenging medical scenarios. It requires highly individualised care, constant re-evaluation, and a coordinated effort across multiple specialities.

With thoughtful planning and compassionate support, it is possible to protect the health of both the mother and the baby. The path may be difficult, but patients do not have to face it alone; with the right care, there is hope for a safe outcome.

The post How to Cope with a Brain Tumour While Expecting a Child appeared first on NRI News.

Antonio Lopez, CEO, Asia Division, Gestamp Automotives India Pvt. Ltd was present as the special guest at the car distribution event. Apart from this, Dr. Nagnath S. Yempalle, District Civil Surgeon, District Hospital, Aundh, Dr. Amit Lavekar, Psychiatrist, Assistant Civil Surgeon, District Hospital, Aundh., Glyn Jones, Country CEO & President, Gestamp Automotives, Ajay Choudhary, Country CFO & Regional Finance Director, Gestamp Automotives, Dr. Caroline Audoir de Valter, CEO, Hope for the Children Foundation, Pune, Anuradha Patil, Police Sub-Inspector, Bharosa Cell, and Praveen Kamble, Police Inspector, Mhalunge Police Station, along with other company officials, as well as officials from the police and health departments, were present.

“At Gestamp, we believe that sustainable development begins with empowering communities. Through this partnership with Hope for the Children Foundation, we are not just donating vehicles, we are investing in the health, safety, and dignity of every individual, especially women and children.“, Antonio Lopez, CEO, Asia Division, Gestamp Automotives.

“This initiative is a step forward in ensuring that health and protection services are not just available, but accessible to those who need them most. Together with Gestamp, we are building stronger, safer communities, where every child and every woman can thrive with dignity and hope.“, Dr. Caroline Audoir de Valter, CEO, Hope for the Children Foundation

The initiative is designed to improve mobility, rapid emergency response, and health outreach in underserved areas, thereby advancing the region’s ability to protect women and children more effectively.

At the event, Gestamp Automotives and Hope for the Children Foundation also unveiled their official CSR roadmap for FY 2025–26, reaffirming their focus on enhancing community healthcare and protection services for women and children.

The post Gestamp Automotives and Hope Foundation Provide 5 Skoda Kodiaq Vehicles for Women and Child Protection in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

Providing a Loving Home

One of the greatest joys of fostering is being able to give a vulnerable child a place to call home. For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, entering care can help them to heal. As a foster carer, it is your role to provide a nurturing, supportive environment where they feel safe, valued, and able to trust again. Getting to know your foster child, understanding their needs, establishing a routine, and making your house feel like a home is central to helping them settle in. With time, patience, and compassion, you can help them heal.

Becoming a Family

While reunification with birth families is the goal for most foster children, the reality is that some will remain in long-term care. For these children especially, being embraced into a foster family can mean the world. They get to experience the care, security, and sense of belonging they deeply need. Simple things like celebrating birthdays, going on trips, and laughing at meals become treasured moments. Though challenging at times, living as a family creates treasured memories. And the reward of seeing your foster child thrive is truly priceless.

Making a Difference

As a foster carer, you have the power to profoundly shape a child’s life for the better. For children dealing with issues, your care and guidance can put them on a path to healing and growth. Your patience, empathy, and support can build their self-esteem, resilience,e and hope. You may be the stable, loving adult figure they never had. The difference you make by opening up your home and heart is immeasurable. Fostering provides the privilege of seeing a vulnerable child transform under your wing.

Different Types of Foster Care

Foster agencies offer different types of foster care to meet the needs of vulnerable children. These include short-term care for temporary placement, long-term care for several years, respite care to give foster carers a break, and emergency fostering when an immediate placement is needed. Other types include parent and child fostering to help parents develop skills and therapeutic fostering for children who have experienced trauma and abuse. Each type serves an important purpose in providing a supportive environment for foster children.

Of course, welcoming a foster child is not without complexities. There may be behavioral, emotional, and educational needs to manage. Saying goodbye when placements end can be painful. But many rewards make the challenges worthwhile. Offering your home to a child in need is opening up a world of possibilities for them. It is embracing the messiness of life. And it is one of the most meaningful ways to give back.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-playing-scrabble-8205374/

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Dr.Anil Khamkar, Academic Head & Senior Consultant – NICU at Noble Hospitals said that the baby boy was born in the 24th week (5.5 months) of pregnancy commonly referred to as extremely premature born, and weighed only 530 gm at birth. While advancement in science and medical care has ensured the survival of premature babies, such babies are often associated with some or other morbidity and do require therapies like speech or occupational therapies. They are also at risk of IVH (Intraventricular hemorrhage- bleeding in the brain. The risk of IVH increases with the degree of prematurity, as the brain’s blood vessels are not yet fully developed and are very fragile).

In this case, the baby did not have IVH, no infection throughout the NICU stay, nor were any antibiotics given. The baby was given kangaroo care in rotation by his mother and his father. Dr.Khamkar said that we followed strict asepsis protocols of Noble Hospital NICU which ensured the baby didn’t have infection throughout the NICU stay.

Dr.PD Pote Paediatrician at Noble Hospitals said that one of the important features was also ensuring excellent nutrition. With good nutrition and supportive care, we could achieve normal growth and development of the baby during NICU stay and afterward which one would expect if a baby is in the mother’s womb. When the baby was not in a position to have milk, Total Parental Nutrition ( TPN) was given. This was followed by giving him human milk which helped the baby gain weight and become healthy.

Dr Abhay Mahindre, Head of Administration and Director of NICU said that Total Parental Nutrition is a method of providing nutrition to sick babies that provides nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein.

Dr. Khamkar added that the intact survival of the baby ( no morbidities, or infections despite the baby requiring ventilator support and though the baby was very sick) and being developmentally normal is something unique and we are extremely happy that our strict protocols and expert care played a part in this.

“We are proud to have a team of NICU doctors, nurses, and support staff who are proactive and dedicated to meeting the highest standard for better patient outcomes“, said Dr. Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospital and Research Centre. “We congratulate the NICU team who followed strict protocols“.  With the JCI Gold Seal which is the highest accolade for a hospital worldwide for Healthcare Quality and Excellence, Noble Team meets the highest standards in the world.  

State-of-the-art NICU supported by an advanced human milk bank and backed by a multidisciplinary team ensures all the medical and nutritional requirements that are crucial for newborn care are delivered with the highest standards, according to Dr Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospitals.

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