My efforts in identifying potentials across age groups and facilitating the process of self-growth for thousands of individuals is possible only through the eco-system of likeminded well-wishers who surround बाल्यधून Cherishing Childhood. It is an enriching process due to the availability of a conducive environment. I am fortunate enough to get wonderful support from various mentors, colleagues, volunteers, organizations, friends and family. I strongly believe that “it takes a village to raise a child”. For more than two decades, my ideas are being transformed into concrete forms through collective hard work and complementary collaboration.

I am grateful to my teachers and mentors who have inspired and guided me all along my journey through the field of Psychology. With their encouragement, I have tried to explore various innovative ideas so far. I express my gratitude towards them.

I am glad to express appreciation for the genuine efforts of all the volunteers of बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon). These volunteers are parents, undergraduate and postgraduate students of Psychology, and adults from various professions who went out of the way and joined hands to devote their time, expertise, and resources for a social cause. A big thank you to all of you. From conducting various workshops at बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon) to publishing books through बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon), and now in creating this बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon) digital platform, many volunteers have helped by putting in their heart, head, and hands.

I am also thankful to all the children, parents, and families who trusted and believed in my practices and chose to walk on the mindset extended by बाल्यधून (Balyadhoon). They opened their life-stories to me as a counsellor, facilitator, and mentor; which acted as an encyclopaedia of experiences for me. Their receptivity, learnability, and welcoming attitude has boosted my energy to continue on this journey of facilitating the nurturance of human potential in tune with social harmony.

I thank the several educational institutes that offered the opportunity to serve for their parents, teachers, students, trainers, coordinators, and organizational heads.

I am thankful to all those who contributed in shaping this digital platform.

बाल्यधून Cherishing Childhood logo design and creation by:

• Pallavi Soni, guided by Dr. Prasad Bokil (Associate Professor, IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay, India).

Illustrations and artwork:

• Pallavi Soni, guided by Dr. Prasad Bokil, (Associate Professor, IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay, India).

• Sushama Durve, Anil Upalekar, Vibha Bapat, Neeraj Bapat (Illustrations from the previously published books authored by Uma Bapat).

Content editing:

• Neeraj Bapat

Website Development:

• Team ITTRP