Published on: February 1, 2025

Pallium India conducted a six- day (Jan 15th-Jan 22nd 2025) online volunteer training program(VTP) on palliative care for Class XI students of Indus International School, Pune in Maharashtra30 participants joined the training including students, teachers and parents.

The program not only focused on the student’s intellectual development, but also about the cultivation of empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of humanity. The online format allowed for an easy and accessible platform for learning.  It was the human connection formed through shared reflections and experiences that made the program truly impactful.

A highlight of the training program was the special reading session of “Walk with the Weary” book written by Dr M R Rajagopal,

The content of his book served as a catalyst for students to view healthcare beyond just science and technology. They learned to appreciate the emotional complexities of care, the need for patient-centric approaches and the essential role of dignity.

Through the combination of discussions, engaging activities and the immersive experience of the book reading session, the students developed a deep empathy for those facing serious illnesses. They learned how crucial it is to address not just the physical pain of a patient but also the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

The course also discussed the role of volunteers in providing essential support to the palliative care team, from offering a listening ear to assisting with practical tasks. This made the students realize that even small gestures can make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families navigating the challenges of life-limiting illness.

The emerging thoughts by the end of the program signal an important shift towards incorporating palliative care and related topics into the educational curriculum of schools. The future of healthcare lies not only in medical advancements but also in how we, as a society, choose to care for one another. Programs like this, which emphasize the value of compassion, empathy and service are a step in the right direction.

One of the key takeaways for the students from the training was the importance of volunteerism and community involvement in palliative care.

In conclusion, this online volunteer training program aimed to help students with the knowledge, skills and sensitivity needed to make meaningful contributions to society by supporting the needy. These students now understand that they are not just future leaders in their respective fields but also ambassadors of kindness, understanding and compassion in a world that deeply needs it.

(Prepared by Sunanda Samal, Regional Facilitator, Pallium India.)

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