On November 8, 2025, Ms. Manju Bakhtani, a psychologist and counsellor from Sadhu Vaswani School, Hyderabad, conducted an insightful training session for teachers as a part of Teachers’ Training Programme. The session aimed to inspire participants to transform challenges into opportunities for growth through creative and psychological strategies. Below is a summary of the key points and activities covered during the session.

Key Highlights of the Session

Ms. Bakhtani began with an inspiring quote by Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani: “To every CLOUD, there is a silver lining. Let us focus our attention on the silver lining and the entire CLOUD will begin to radiate light.” This set the tone for a session focused on positivity and resilience. The following points were emphasized:

  1. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: A fulfilling personal life enhances professional performance.
  2. Substitution in Teaching: Assigning tasks to capable teachers is crucial for effective management.
  3. Active Listening: Listening, comprehending, and acting accordingly are essential for effective communication.
  4. Managing Negative Thoughts: Worries often stem from Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs), which need to be addressed proactively.
  5. The Life Triangle: Thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, shaping one’s experiences.
  6. Mental Health Awareness: Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness can lead to depression if not managed.
  7. The CAR Framework: Address challenges through Change, Accept, or Remove/Raise
  8. Coping with Stress: The four A’s—Avoid, Alter, Accept, and Abstain—offer practical ways to manage stress.
  9. Multitasking and Work Allocation: Efficient multitasking and precise work delegation are key to productivity.
  10. Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively fosters success.

Activities Conducted

The session incorporated engaging activities to reinforce the concepts:

  • Mandala Art: Participants engaged in creating mandalas to promote creative thinking, critical thinking, and overall personal development.
  • “My Frame – My Picture”: This activity encouraged participants to boost self-esteem by focusing on their own perspectives and letting go of others’ opinions.
  • Role Play: Collaborative role-playing exercises were conducted to enhance understanding and teamwork.

Conclusion

Ms. Bakhtani emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating, “It’s not about ‘I’… It’s about ‘WE’ that enhances the progress of any institution.” The session highlighted the power of art as a tool for emotional healing and personal growth, encouraging participants to adopt a positive mindset and collaborative spirit in both personal and professional spheres.