Music, mindfulness & support for carers of neurodivergent children

Pune: Stepping away from the pressure of daily caregiving, parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children will have the opportunity to focus on their own wellbeing by recharging to music at Strings of Hope, Notes of Healing.

The Mystic Bamboo Foundation in association with Blessed Ones has organised the free special event at 9.45am on June 13 at the Sarthi auditorium, Balbharati Chowk, BMCC Road. It is designed for families raising neurodivergent individuals — including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and certain intellectual disabilities.

The programme will host an exclusive preview of MQ2HQ (Musical Quotient to Happiness Quotient). Internationally acclaimed Hindustani classical flautist Himanshu Nanda, a senior disciple of Hariprasad Chaurasia, has developed the immersive music-and-mindfulness framework.

MQ2HQ is unlike a conventional music performance and aims to teach participants practical techniques using breath, rhythm and sound to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing. The framework is relevant for parents and caregivers who often navigate sensory challenges, emotional exhaustion and the constant demands of supporting a neurodivergent family member. Organisers said the practices can also help neurodivergent individuals by creating calmer environments, improving emotional regulation and fostering deeper connections within families.

Nanda said, “Carers give so much of their energy, patience and love every single day. But where does one go to recharge when the sensory noise becomes too much? Parenting or caring for a neurodivergent individual is a beautiful, yet intensely demanding journey. One must first find calm on their own in order to bring peace to their world.”

The flautist draws from decades of training in the guru-shishya tradition of Hindustani classical music and believes sound can become a powerful tool for healing and self-regulation. “In my experience, through decades of practising the bansuri in the guru-shishya tradition, I have found that sound is a profound anchor. That’s why I am bringing MQ2HQ for caregivers. People won’t just sit and listen, but learn how to use breath, rhythm and sound to regulate their own nervous system, melt away stress and create a deeper connection with loved ones. Participants don’t need a musical background, just a willingness to find peace and get healed,” he said.

A powerful artistic dimension to the programme will be a solo sitar recital by Pratibha Kamath, who was born with autism and traces of intellectual disability. Her father, Rajiv Kamath, said the performance will celebrate her 37-year journey with autism, nearly two decades of dedicated musical training and experiences of performing in the US and India. The event will also feature the inspirational story of former IIT Madras faculty member, AI researcher and technology entrepreneur Rajeev Sreenivasa.