"The Lady in The Mirror" a puppet show on Alzheimer's disease dementia
Date: Nov 1st, 2014
Venue: Paigah Palace, Begumpet
Time: 7.30pm- 11pm
ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan chapter inaugurated their 'Hyderabad Brain Campaign' on the evening of the 1st of November, 2014. Around 7pm, the historical Paigah Palace in Begumpet grew abuzz with life as people from all parts of Hyderabad gathered within its majestic splendor to watch the puppet show on AD dementia. Ms Divya Raj, a clinical psychologist with the Memory Clinic, NIMS hospital, played the part of master of ceremonies for the show and first called upon Dr Suvarna Alladi (President, ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan; Neurologist, NIMS Hospital) to talk about dementia and the 'Brain Campaign'. Dr Suvarna in her presentation introduced the audience to the various facets of the disease dementia and its prevention, and the concept of healthy aging. She then expanded upon ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan's vision to start the Zeba Bashiruddin Centre for Healthy Aging in the residence of a former caregiver generously given for the cause, which brought about a round of spontaneous applause from the audience.
After the introductory talk, the chief guest Mr Kingshuk Nag, Editor, Times of India, was called upon to inaugurate the ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan 'Brain Campaign' by the lighting of a lamp. Mr Nag, who since the last 7 years has continually supported ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan in all its endeavors, is also a former dementia caregiver. In his brief but inspiring talk he spoke of his experience of tending to his mother who had suffered from dementia and stressed on the need for dedicated services, and also for awareness about the disease and its prevention in Hyderabad. This was followed by Mr K Shashidhar's (Treasurer, ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan) acknowledgment of the long list of people who have walked or continue to walk alongside ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan by giving either of their time or their unwavering support in various ways.
After this the puppet show commenced and the audience of more than 220 Hyderabadis sat rapt in attention as scene after scene of the puppet show unfolded, giving them glimpses into the world of dementia patients and caregivers. Nori Art and Puppetry Centre with their beautifully crafted props and puppets breathed life into the witty yet poignant story of Grandma with Alzheimer's and her friend in the mirror. The story written by ARDSI Hyderabad Deccan psychologist Amulya Rajan captured the multitude of physical, emotional and social challenges families with dementia face, and how they cope with them. The world-class puppet show, set in the regal ambience of the palace lawns brought out a multitude of emotions in all those present.
The puppet show was followed by a Nawabi dinner comprising of dishes such as ghosh Biryani,mirchi ka salan and kheer all cooked to perfection by the private bawarchi of Mr Obaid-ur-Rehman, the current heir of the Paigah Palace and a co-host of the event. Over plates piled high with the lip-smacking fare, the guests discussed their various insights from the show, their private experiences with dementia, and other sundry anecdotes. The night came to a close over hot cups of Irani chai for all those present and a lot of promise for the cause of dementia in Hyderabad.
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