World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru, was celebrated on October 4 with a meaningful program emphasizing compassion, connection, and care. The event was inaugurated by Director Rev. Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanikam, alongside distinguished guests including Rev. Fr. Ajith Kerketta, Mr. Rakesh Nair, Fr. Wilson ADH, Dr. Prakash, and Dr. Nandini Vallath. The dignitaries poured water on plants, symbolizing palliative care as nurturing life with dignity and compassion.
The program featured the screening of creative reels from the FAME competition themed “The Therapeutic and Healing Bond between Healthcare Professionals and Patients,” followed by a mesmerizing dance depicting kindness and a heartfelt recital of “I Care and I Want to Care” by Dr. Nandini Vallath and Dr. Annie Bea.
The highlight was the playback theatre “Treat with Care” by First Drop Theatre, presenting three short plays based on real-life cases, exploring empathy and communication in caregiving. An interactive Playback Theatre session followed, engaging the audience in sharing personal experiences, reflecting on living fully and caring deeply despite illness.
Dr. Vallath described her palliative journey as “Human to Other Human,” emphasizing that palliative care is a movement of compassion, dignity, and connection. The event celebrated the heart of healthcare: treating with care and caring with heart.