Hello to Our Dear K-Way Readers
April was the most awaited month for the 90’s kids, I guess!
Being the first month of our summer vacation in India, it was always an exciting time to plan trips, especially looking forward to meeting grandparents at their hometown or catching up with cousins in their houses and playing cricket in the hot sun with friends.
Drinking cool water from the fridge which wasn’t allowed during the school days was all in the holiday package. Not to forget the eagerness to get back to school to meet friends after a 2-month break and to share the most exciting experiences with them was all very special. There was always something left to discuss and talk to our dear ones after a long vacation unlike nowadays where very action is instantly updated in social media and causing more peer pressures than pleasures.
Coming to the travel plans of those days, a few used to plan trips to Ooty or Kodaikanal to escape the heat of summer and a few lucky ones to Switzerland, which was a dream for many.
Nowadays, thanks to many changes like financial stability and independence, flying options and deals, holiday packages with stay and food, etc. holidays have become dreams come true. But on the other hand, with all family members working, children having different syllabus patterns, and most importantly, with our mobile phones switched on all the time, is everyone really having a holiday? Do people spend quality time with one another during their vacations.
Leave alone vacations, we all know for a fact that spending quality time with family has become very rare.
Many of you may wonder what I mean!
What I mean is the quality of time needed to spend with children has drastically reduced due to multiple reasons.
This could be one of the major reasons for certain developmental and behavioural issues in children later on in their life.
As a family physician this is of a great concern to me.
First of all, with the variety of educational models and all new syllabuses invading our schools, there is no longer a so-called vacation for kids with all the family members.
Nowadays summer breaks are usually seen as a time to engage the kids in some activity rather than to see it as a time to play or talk to the children.
“Doctor, we can’t manage them at home” is mostly the mind seen in parents, this is mainly because of lack of social support to take care of the kids.
Also starting school after a two-month vacation was the usual pattern in the past, but times have changed with coaching classes, extracurricular activities, special classes, piling up – a break is no longer a real break.
Secondly, with exam schedules varying, there is hardly a time when all kids have holidays at the same time as their siblings. As a result, cousins hardly get to spend time with each other too!
Family members meet occasionally.
Next, even if plans are made, who wants to spend time with grandparents or cousins when their close buddy, their mobile phone is with them.
Isn’t this true? Isn’t the mobile the most wanted companion for many?
It’s sad that the whole concept of vacation has changed for many. The whole idea behind vacations nowadays is to get pictures to post on social media. Rather than relaxing during the holidays, the peer pressure to post selfies takes over the relaxation.
Will it have any impact on children?
Yes, they become less interactive and hence it becomes difficult for parents to judge their social skills. Parents get worried by their children’s introvert nature which may mimic an autism like spectrum.
It could only be a virtual autism and not a real autism spectrum.
But at times it’s challenging to come to a conclusion. Medical help is the only option for parents then.
The behaviour changes affect both parents’ and children’s quality of life.
They land up either quarrelling or staying away from each other.
We need our children to play, run and interact. We definitely accept the new technologies but also need to observe children closely to avoid addiction to gadgets.
It’s a proud feeling to see the children using advanced gadgets, but little do we know that we are not doing the best for them to deprive them of their socialising skills.
In earlier days, children had grandparents, uncles, and aunties at home, and listening to their conversations, children picked up language fluency and started talking at a very early age.
Nowadays, nuclear families or the working environment of parents leave children with gadgets as their companions most of the time for safety purposes, but invariably, these gadgets become their friends with the passage of time.
This sometimes may lead to the child not conversing at an early age, but the child may learn to use gadgets quickly.
Children have high intelligent quotient but lack attentiveness; this definitely is a problem which is going to boom in the near future.
Well, children with behavioural conditions due to birth defects are unfortunate. But when it’s acquired due to environmental and social habitat, that’s even more unfortunate as it can be totally prevented.
This is our big concern as healthcare professionals.
Readers, we observe World Autism Awareness Day in April, and with the rising number of children with this behavioural spectrum, this edition focuses on autism spectrum disorders.
All people, including people with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health.
And yet, autistic people are often subject to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of healthcare and education and the opportunities to engage and participate in their communities.
People with autism have the same health problems as the general population. However, they may, in addition, have specific healthcare needs related to autism or other co-occurring conditions. They may be more vulnerable to developing chronic non-communicable conditions because of behavioural risk factors such as physical inactivity and poor dietary preferences, and are at greater risk of violence, injury, and abuse.
People with autism require accessible health services for general healthcare needs like the rest of the population, including promotive and preventive services and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Nevertheless, autistic people have higher rates of unmet healthcare needs compared with the general population. They are also more vulnerable during humanitarian emergencies. A common barrier is created which should be broken.
This K-Way edition hopes to bring about awareness on autism and throws some light on the autistic spectrum.
Have a lovely month ahead.
I would love to know what you think about our monthly newsletter. Feel free to give your feedback via email communication@kauveryhospital.com.
Dr. Kavitha Sundaravadanam
Senior Family Physician
Highlights @ Kauvery
Hello Kauverians! Welcome to Abundant April!
As we step into April, we reflect on the vibrant and impactful celebrations of March, and look forward to an exciting month ahead. With World Health Day on the horizon, April promises to be a time of reflection on the importance of health and well-being, with a range of events aimed at raising awareness and empowering our community to take control of their health.
March was a month to remember, beginning with a weeklong celebration of International Women’s Day. We honoured the women who play an integral role in our hospital and beyond, with a variety of fun and enriching events. These included cooking competitions, Zumba and fitness classes, and wellness workshops focused on mental health for women. It was a time of unity, empowerment, and celebration of the strength and resilience of women in our community. The week left everyone, feeling inspired and connected, with a renewed sense of purpose.
March also brought us the warmth of community during our Iftar celebrations. Staff, patients, and their families came together to share a meal, breaking fast in a spirit of solidarity. This beautiful gathering reminded us of the importance of empathy and support, as we continue to nurture a compassionate and inclusive environment at Kauvery.
The Smart Nurse Award Ceremony was another highlight of March, as we celebrated the winners of the Smart Nurse Competition Season 2. This exciting competition acknowledged the exceptional skills, dedication, and compassion of our nursing staff. The Smart Nurse Competition not only celebrated outstanding nursing talent but also highlighted the continuous growth and learning that define our healthcare team.
Looking ahead to April, we are thrilled to announce our celebration of World Health Day, an important occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role of health in our lives. Throughout the month, Kauvery will host a series of events designed to educate and inspire the community to prioritize their well-being. These activities will cover a wide range of health topics, from preventive care and lifestyle changes to mental health awareness and healthy living.
As we step into Abundant April, we are reminded of the abundance of care, support, and innovation that defines healthcare at Kauvery. With a holistic approach to wellness, we not only provide expert treatment but also nurture every aspect of health, ensuring that each individual feels supported on his or her journey to well-being. Together, we continue our commitment to health, care, and community, inspiring one another to uplift lives and make a positive impact.
Here’s to a month of abundant growth, collective well-being, as we move toward better health for all!
Hope Beyond Illness: A 16-Year-Old’s Fight for Dreams
Service Excellence
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.”
It was a regular Monday morning when I met someone who left a deep impact on me. A 16-year-old boy lay on his hospital bed, holding a tablet. He was completely focused, his eyes scanning the screen as he studied something with great concentration. Beside him stood his mother, watching him with a gentle smile carrying hope with silent prayers. As I started a conversation with them. That’s when I learned their story – a story of dreams, struggles, and incredible strength.
Just a few months ago, this boy was like any other teenager, full of ambition and excited about the future. He had scored an outstanding 98% in his 10th-grade board exams and dreamed of joining one of India’s top engineering institutes. But just as he stepped into 11th grade, life took an unexpected turn. He was diagnosed with leukaemia. His world shifted from classrooms to hospital rooms. His family, wanting the best treatment for him, moved from hospital to hospital before finally coming to Kauvery Hospital. Seeing the care and support from the medical team, they decided to continue the treatment here. So far, he had completed two cycles of chemotherapy and admitted for the third cycle.
Even in the hospital, he refused to let go of his studies. While resting on the bed, he used his tablet to revise his lessons. While fighting his illness, the biggest challenge for him wasn’t just the treatment, it was having to pause his studies. He had to take a six-month break from school, something that pained him deeply. “I miss school,” he said quietly during our conversation. His words touched my heart. Even in the middle of his battle, all he wanted was to continue his education and chase his dreams.
His mother was his biggest support. With his father staying back in their hometown to care for his younger sister, she was the one by his side every day. She said, “We had no choice but to stay apart as a family. But if this is what it takes to save my son, I will do it again and again.” Their sacrifices were immense, but their love for each other was even stronger.
Despite everything he had been through, his spirit was unshaken. “Life is unpredictable,” I told him, “but I believe you will sit in a classroom again, chasing your dreams just like before. And when that day comes, you won’t just be a student – you’ll be an inspiration.” He smiled, and in that moment, I knew that no illness could take away his hope.
Dear readers, this boy’s story was not just about sickness, it was about courage, love, and an unbreakable will to fight for the future. The kindness of the doctors and nurses had given them hope, the mother’s love had given him strength, and his own determination was leading him towards recovery. Life may throw challenges our way, but what truly matters is how we face them. And sometimes, even in the hardest times, hope is the strongest medicine of all.
GLIMPSES OF THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES
K – LEAD – KAUVERY LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE ACADEMY
As part of the 4 Part Leadership development program for our leaders here at Kauvery, this month we spearheaded the training session on Work Styles, which will be followed by 2 other programs in the subsequent months with each aimed at upskilling our leaders, and providing a platform for leaders to share their perspectives with each other.
SMART NURSE FELICITATION CEREMONY
Our Smart Nurse Felicitation Ceremony was a proud moment to recognize the dedication and compassion of our nursing staff, celebrating their tireless efforts in providing exceptional care. Their commitment to excellence continues to make a lasting impact on our community.
GLIMPSES INTO THE WORLD SAFETY WEEK EVENTS
FLOOR WALK – SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME IN TRAFFIC SIGNALS
BIO – MEDICAL WASTE SEGREGATION PROGRAMME FOR STAFF
FIRE MOCK DRILL TRAINING IN COORDINATION WITH TNFRS
SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION
FIRE MOCK DRILL TRAINING IN COORDINATION WITH TNFRS
GLIMPSES OF VANAKKAM KAUVERY
Vanakkam Kauvery, a monthly employee engagement event plays a vital role in fostering strong connection among our employees. It involves the activities of welcoming our newbies to the Kauvery family as they begin their journey with us, appreciate our top performers and recognize best trainers of KHOPE, acknowledging their exceptional commitment to employee development. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Thangamanasu winner Mr Jaithun – Dept of Facility Services.
In the end, we gathered to celebrate the birthdays of our employees. Together as a Kauvery family, we will continue to build a workplace where every employee is valued, respected and empowered to succeed.
Women’s Day Celebration
Kauvery Hospital recently celebrated Women’s Day with a week-long celebration filled with fun games, delicious food, and engaging quizzes. The event brought together staff and guests in a spirit of camaraderie and joy. On the final day, the winners of the various activities were felicitated, and the celebration culminated in a heartfelt tribute to women, honoring their contributions and achievements. It was a memorable week that highlighted the importance of women and their impact on society.
Iftar Party
Kauvery Hospital recently hosted an Iftar party for our own staff, bringing everyone together to break their fast in a spirit of unity. The event was filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food, offering a warm opportunity for our team to connect and celebrate. It was a wonderful occasion, fostering a sense of togetherness and appreciation among all.
International Cardiogentic Symposium 2025
Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet, a unit of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, a leading multispecialty healthcare chain in Tamil Nadu, organized the International Conference on Inherited Cardiac Conditions on the “Recent Advancements in the Management of Inherited Heart Diseases.
The two-day conference organised by Dr R Anantharaman and Dr Priya Chockalingam had experts from Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology from India and abroad, such as Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Professor of Inherited Cardiac Diseases & Sports Cardiology & Consultant Cardiologist St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London, Prof. Arthur Wilde Professor of Heart Failure & Arrhythmias Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands to name a few.
