I Quote -10

Rashmi Wins Future Of India Award

It was a proud moment for me to watch my M.D., Mrs Rashmi Praveen walk up to receive the Future of India Award for “Woman Entreprenuer of the year” for the year 2016.

I Quote -9

A Doctor Who Knows Children

People often say I am a very over confident person who moves ahead to do things about which I am barely familiar or have little knowledge of. I may have done things to prove them right. The only time I felt nervous and not so confident was when I was going to be a mother. I was not sure whether I would be able to do justice to the responsibility of bringing up a child the right way.

While surfing through the books at a renowned bookstall, I came across the book “Bringing up Baby”. This was something I was looking for guidance. The person who had written that book had real passion for children and their well-being. I decided to find the author of the book and look up to her as my guide. Fortunately, Dr. Nandini Mundkur, developmental pediatrician was just 30 km away from where I lived. When Rayyan, my son was born, I went to her for consultation.  On my first visit, I knew she is going to be better than what I expected her to be. He did not even cry when she gave him the immunization shot. She had passion and love for her work and aimed at making hospitals better for children. She had a dream project in her mind and was working on it at that time.

My second child was with special needs. It was during that period that knowing her came to me as a blessing. Without her it would have been very tough for me deal  with the emotions of two children, my daughter special requirements and also my own problems like going through breast cancer when still recovering from the discovery that my daughter had special needs and would need support throughout her life. She helped me monitor my daughter's development to help her improve her life-skills.

Dr. Nandini Mundkur had set up the Bangalore Children’s Hospital and Research Center where I was taking my daughter for physiotherapy. It was during this period, when my daughter was 11 months old that I was diagnosed with cancer.  Dr. Nandini was my pillar of support during this period and saw to it that I was treated in her dream hospital, which was meant for the children, so that I could be near my children when going through the treatment. She had a heart, which was as beautiful as her work, and she expressed it well through her achievements. With her guidance, I have been a very happy and loving parent to my children.

Today, with her vast experience, she has set up a tool for parents and doctors to monitor the development of children.

Track and ACT will help in monitoring child's development from the age of 4 months to 5 years. With this tool in their hands, parents will have easy time monitoring their child and developmental milestones they reach during their early growth period. You can visit TotsGuide to know more about the project. 

Wish You Happy Birthday My Inspirational Daughter

When Farheena entered my life on 11^th May 1995, my joy knew no bounds. Farheena has ensured that I continue to enjoy her company even to this day. She inspires with her uncomplicated thinking and way of looking at things without being prejudiced or judgmental. Having a daughter born after a son completed me as a mother.

I love the way Farheena greets the day with her unique sentence, "Tomorrow has happened!" There are many things that only Farheena can say or do, especially the unconditional and limitless love she shares with people around her. 

With her medals and certificate

Though life began with loads of challenges for Farheena, there is nothing that can stop her from being happy. Today, Farheena does not talk fluently, but she does communicate in her own way and style. She can see clearly. She walks with little help. Farheena manages her own life and keeps in touch with friends of her choice through internet. Facebook and recently WhatsApp are her favorites. 

With one of her favorite blogger friend Janaki 

With limited words she can pronounce or spell, she uses her creativity to convey messages to us. Her lack of complete vocabulary has not stopped her from communicating with people. She keeps trying until she is understood.

Sharing her friend's secret with her baby doll Annie

2015 marked a new Era of my life because this was the year when Farheena walked in with her first Salary she received for making paper bags in YST. She is involved in lot more activities now.

That was the biggest goal of my life achieved. People who do not understand the whole concept often ask me, “How much does she earn?” That is not important. What makes it important for me as a mother is to know that she is now capable of being engaged in fruitful and purposeful work throughout the day. Apart from her job at YST, Farheena is busy on limeroad creating her scrapbook with styles of her choice. She has given me a few fashion tips and tries to correct me when she feels I am wearing inappropriate clothes for an occasion.

My inspiration in 2015 is my special needs daughter Farheena who has not allowed anyone to take her for granted. She knows how to protect herself and when to ask for help if someone is bothering her. She carries herself with dignity of a queen and is proud of her achievements. She has the ability to make people feel like somebody special. Moreover, unlike many people I know, she loves and respects herself.

15 years ago, I was consulting a lawyer regarding my legal rights. During the course of discussion, I mentioned that I am proud of my daughter. The lawyer then retorted saying, “Stop lying to yourself Farida. Come out of the delusion you are living in. No one can be proud of a special needs child. You can accept and love her but cannot be proud of her”. I was confused back then and walked away without answering her. I knew I felt pride in my heart when I think of my daughter but I was not sure. 

Today, I can very confidently say that I am very proud of my daughter. She has taught me a very important lesson in my life that – it is not what you get in your life that matters, but what you do with what you have which makes the difference. I know she will continue to inspire me in the coming years as well.

I am very happy to share the story of my hope and happiness to people who may feel overwhelmed by the challenges in their lives. Hang-on and fight with all your might! You will succeed.

The pretty Baby

Loves to dress up

Determined to get on her feet after triple
fusion surgery on ankles

Making her style statement

One of those rare days when she cleans
our home