In addition to my education in Psychology, exposure during my stay in the USA and my personal experiences as a parent make the process of connecting with other parents from diverse backgrounds smooth. Parents find it easy to relate to my experience-based practical approach. It boosts their confidence in handling challenges in child-rearing. Through the interactive experience at the बाल्यधून Enrichment Centre, caring adults feel inspired to continue the process of self-growth.
I consider myself privileged to be born and brought up by calm and poised parents in a culturally rich and educative environment with strong family ties. I appreciate the complementary role of my husband in parenting. I enjoy being the mother of two gifted children (who are now young adults!).
Schooling from Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, Pune, Maharashtra, India (Jnana Prabodhini Prashala is a school for children with high potentials which focuses on motivating intelligence for social change)
B.A. in Psychology, with Education and Sociology (S. P. College, Pune, Maharashtra, India)
M.A. in Clinical Psychology (second-rank holder; University of Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India)
Educational Psychology: A Cognitive Approach (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Play Behaviour (Colorado State University, Fort Collins)
Educational Psychology of the Gifted, Talented and Creative (Wisconsin University, Madison)
I like to fully experience the process of being and becoming. It gives me immense satisfaction to synchronize with the flow of life in a simple, natural way. I like to observe the beauty of individuals’ uniqueness.
I wish to cherish the lingering tune of childhood which highlights purity, innocence, transparency, curiosity, joy, and liveliness.
I strongly believe in the interactive growing together of children and adults.
I try to reach out to adults to actualize their potential by triggering the process within for self-growth. I act as a catalyst to boost their confidence in continuing their journey of self-learning and simultaneously shouldering the responsibility of nurturing the future generation as enjoyment rather than viewing it as a burden.
I emphasize devotion and commitment to ethics, social sensitivity and responsiveness as an integral part of progressing.
I encourage mutual exchange and cooperation among various support systems – like family, school, community – for comprehensive growth of an individual in tune with the society.
I strive for preserving Indian family values with positive energy and genuine efforts. I feel that viewing the world with an open mind and a welcoming attitude for healthy change is a way towards leading a harmonious life at an individual level, contributing to healthy families.
In 2009, I founded बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon) Cherishing Childhood - an Enrichment Centre driven by a deep passion for facilitating the ongoing process of self-growth within individuals across age groups.
The unique name ‘बाल्यधून Cherishing Childhood’ is coined by me (Uma Bapat). In the Marathi language, the word ‘बाल्य’ refers to childhood and the word ‘धून’ indicates a lingering tune. Thus :
‘बाल्यधून’ is 'the lingering tune of childhood', enriching one's adulthood while preserving the essence of childhood: purity, joy, transparency, and liveliness!
My education in Psychology and the diverse experiences – from working with children as an undergraduate student, to my studies, volunteer work and personal experiences in the USA – contributed in shaping my vision.
I recognized the need to create awareness among the new generation about the importance of relationships, parenthood, and balancing individual aspirations with family well-being.
My initiatives – including academic teaching, play activities, parent involvement, and individual counselling – were not isolated projects, but interconnected means to achieve a larger goal.
I aimed to facilitate growing together in harmony with humanity, providing a comprehensive experience for children, parents, educators, students, professionals, and caring adults.
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