The two-day festival explored sensitive yet essential aspects of life and death through discussions, workshops, performances, and interactive sessions

Wadia Hospital’s Palliative Care team conducted a unique workshop for children on grief and loss

The Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children participated in the first-of-its-kind “Good To Go – Death Literacy Festival” held at the Bangalore International Centre. The two-day festival aimed to normalize conversations around death by addressing themes like advance care planning, bereavement, rituals. The event included panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, musical performances, and interactive installations, bringing together professionals, caregivers, and the public to reflect on life’s final journey.

A special highlight was a gentle workshop conducted by the Palliative Care team from Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children for children aged 10-16 years. This workshop created a safe and compassionate space where children could openly discuss death and loss. Through carefully designed, age-appropriate activities, the team helped young participants learn healthy ways to cope with grief, ask difficult questions, and express their feelings about losing someone they love. Joanna Pinto, Senior Pediatric Palliative Care Counselor; Anuradha Karegar, Consultant Psychologist; Keith Dsouza, Book and Toy Librarian, and Savio Ponnachan, Project Coordinator for Pediatric Palliative Care, participated in the event. Their combined expertise ensured the session was interactive, empathetic, and engaging for the children.

Joanna Pinto, Senior Pediatric Palliative Care Counselor, shared, “Children often grieve in ways that are very different from adults, and sometimes their emotions are misunderstood, minimized, or even ignored. They may express grief through behavior, silence, or play rather than words, which makes it harder for parents and caregivers to recognize their pain. Workshops like these provide them with a safe environment to open up, ask questions, and share their fears without feeling judged. When children are guided to understand that grief is a natural part of life, it not only helps them heal in the present but also strengthens their emotional resilience to cope with challenges in the future.”

Anuradha Karegar, Consultant Psychologist, said, “When children experience loss, they often feel confused, scared, or even guilty, as they may not fully understand what death means. Unlike adults, their emotions may come out in unexpected ways through play, sudden mood changes, or silence, which can easily be overlooked. That is why they need gentle guidance, reassurance, and safe spaces where their questions are answered with honesty and sensitivity. In our workshops, we use stories, play activities, and conversations that make it easier for children to process their feelings and learn healthy coping skills. By addressing death openly, we not only break the taboo around this subject but also empower children to understand it without fear, building strength that will help them in the long run.”

“Palliative care is not only about treating pain but also about providing holistic support to children and families during their most difficult times. At Wadia, our mission is to improve the quality of life for children with serious illnesses and their loved ones. Our palliative care unit provides comprehensive services, including inpatient care, outpatient counselling in a child-friendly environment, home-based care, and teleconsultation support for families managing end-of-life care at home. It also offers bereavement care for parents and siblings while focusing on holistic well-being. Creative child-life programs like clown therapy, play therapy, and the Book and Toy Library further contribute to a supportive environment for children facing illness. Participating in this festival highlights our commitment to creating awareness and supporting families through compassionate care,” concluded Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital For Children.