Health Seminars & Talks

All our Health Seminar's and talks are free - please do come - you will enjoy them !

Ms. Aarti Kedia

aratikedia68@gmail.com

Details: 

Contact number: 9004874965

I am a Microbiologist, Dietician, Personal Counsellor and a Dance Movement Therapy practitioner. Currently, I am pursuing Psychodrama from Delhi. I work with both the mind and the body and help people lead a better life.

EMPATHY is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another without going through those experiences yourself. If you expect Humans to lead a fulfilling life, I think empathy is one of the fundamental building blocks. As a counsellor, when I take sessions or speak to schools and colleges, I emphasise that "what goes into our mind, and our mouth is very very important." We have to be careful of both. The thoughts that enter our mind and food that enter our body both directly effects our health and wellbeing.

I've been working with one of the observation and care centres for a very long time. We had discussions with the superintendent and managers. When I saw anger and aggression in children, I requested them to not give non-vegetarian food. Following their agreement, we saw an overall positive impact. I strongly believe that veganism helps in improving our mental health.

MY VEGAN JOURNEY:

9th of January a day before my birthday, my husband told me about the video he had seen. It was of a mother cow chasing a truck which was taking her baby away for slaughter. That shook me and I started my research. I came to know that male calves are separated soon after birth because we drink their mother's milk. Also, cows that can no longer give milk are sent for slaughter.

Following this realisation - That was it! Being a mother, and having had a very very challenging pregnancy, I could instantly connect to the feeling of fear and helplessness of losing your child. I can't forget my life's greatest joy when my son was born. My prayer was answered. I turned a vegan (from being a vegetarian,) immediately after learning this cruel process. I took this decision at the blink of an eye - on the eve of my birthday.

A PERSONAL INCIDENT ON EMPATHY:

Last week, I took a rickshaw to go to Ghatkopar in Mumbai. The driver was chewing gutka (tobacco) and he spat on the road a couple of times. I've been volunteering in Tata Memorial Hospital and I know the effect of gutka and what it does eventually to our health. As a health care professional, I try to educate people whenever possible. So, I started explaining about the health and environmental impacts of chewing gutka. While discussing he said that "I am chewing gutka because I am working for the past 24 hours and I wanted to be alert."

Then I told him "at least think about your family."

"I don't want to talk about it." He replied interrupting my speech.

It was complete silence for 2 minutes and then he started again "I lost my family in a road accident. I don't have anyone. I am just waiting for my death. and I do not care about my health nor environment." he concluded.

At this point in time, I really wanted to make him feel that he is important. Thankfully, while we were crossing one of the signals, there was a stray dog that came in really close. As a spontaneous reaction, I said "CAREFUL! DON'T HURT THE DOG!"

"No, I will not hurt the dog ma'am," he replied and continued on saying how significant dogs are in Sikh culture. He even shared a couple of stories from Guru Granth Sahib. "I feed 20 dogs daily and also support orphan kids," he added.

Then the moment I was looking for came. I tried to create a connection between him getting a disease due to gutka, following which these dogs may not be able to survive or the orphan kids will face struggles. I said, "All the people and animals you reach out to, despite your personal pain, are dependent on you. So, it is your responsibility to take good care of yourself, so that you can continue to do good things for them."

A moment later, my destination arrived, and before I got down, he gave me his contact number and said, "Ma'am, I swear that I will leave this habit. If ever we happen to meet or if I can be of any use to your work I am always ready to help you." he continued "If we ever meet me again, you will see a change in me. This is my promise." and then he left.

My attempt worked. He realised the importance of his life. I did not have time to discuss veganism, but surely, the next time when I meet him, I am looking forward to having a discussion on veganism.

I try my best to be useful in helping humans and especially animals because we are responsible for the trauma and the pain they go through. My baby Hazel (right) who entered my life 3.5 years ago, helped me a lot in the way I think about the animals. Tyson (left) came in with a skin condition and was immunosuppressed. He added a new flavour to life!! So proud to be a pet parent. Thanking all those who helped me in this journey...