Muslim Association of Indian Welfare Holds Family Counselling Workshop
Transformed Output:
Title: Empowering Families for a Healthier Future: Indian Muslim Welfare Association's Seminar
Subtitle: Kuwaiti Seminar Targets Distressed Families to Boost Children's Academic Success
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, saw the Indian Muslim Welfare Association (IMWA) team up with the Indian Community School Khaitan to conduct their inaugural "Healthy Family, Healthy Children" seminar, held right in the auditorium of ICSK. The primary focus was to tackle the concerns of parents from troubled households, a factor that was negatively affecting their children's academic performance.
Under the guidance of IMWA President, Mr. Syed Hanif Ahmed, in harmony with the school principal, Mr. K Gangadhar, the event aimed to cater to the needs of ICSK parents and various Indian associations in Kuwait. Five proficient counselors were invited to deliver talks on a diverse range of topics, carefully selected by Mr. Syed Hanif Ahmed, to create a noticeable impact on the everyday hurdles faced by families.
The seminar commenced with the anchor, Mrs. Lubna Asif, inviting the audience to stand and honor both the national anthems of Kuwait and India, followed by the recitation and translation of the Quran from Surah Baqarah verse number 187. Mrs. Asif then welcomed Mr. K. Gangadhar, principal of ICSK Khaitan, to address the gathering.
In his speech, Mr. Gangadhar highlighted the increasing worry about students dealing with chaotic home environments, which strips them of self-confidence. He believed that events like these would spark awareness and provide practical steps for parents to handle distressed children. Recognizing the IMWA President's efforts, Mr. Gangadhar presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the school for organizing the event.
Following his address, Mr. Syed Hanif Ahmed, IMWA President, thanked the principal and staff for collaborating on the event. He emphasized the critical role families play in our lives—from shaping our initial moments to our eventual goodbyes. He acknowledged that families evolve over time, necessitating coping strategies to navigate their challenges.
In the upcoming panel discussion, the guests delved into topics such as communication problems, mental health issues, substance abuse, relationship conflicts, and effective parenting techniques.
Mrs. Zubeida Shabbir Khajuriwala, a Counselling Psychologist and Therapist, emphasized the importance of communication as a vital tool that governs all aspects of our lives. She discussed the mental filters that impact our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and communication styles, emphasizing the significance of acceptance and tolerance in marital relationships.
Mrs. Rukaiya Mandasaurwala explained the impact mental health has on our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, addressing causes of behavioral problems like genetics, mental health conditions, and trauma. She provided parents with practical solutions such as active listening, setting clear rules, being positive role models, and respecting privacy, to foster healthy relationships.
Mrs. Yamini Bhosale spoke at length about the detrimental effects of parental substance abuse on children, describing how it leads to issues like divorce, separation, and altered family structures. Such scenarios can cause behavioral problems and poor academic performance in children, forcing them into premature adulthood and imperiling their mental health.
She implored parents to cultivate a secure, consistent environment through open communication, steady guidance, and boundless love, equipping children to cope and flourish.
Mrs. Sabha Sheikh, ICSK's Head of Counselling and Psychology, shed light on the pitfalls parents unwittingly create for their children, despite their best intentions. She explained the importance of counselling sessions to help parents navigate these complexities and oversee their challenging journey as parenthood lacks a user guide.
Dr. Nasreen Sheikh, a Health Coach and Motivational Speaker, discussed relationship conflicts and offered strategies to manage them, including active listening, calm expression of feelings, seeking compromise, appreciating differences, setting boundaries, and open communication. She concluded with advice on resolving conflicts and fortifying bonds to nurture understanding and closer connections.
Sheikh Hassan Taha Bwambale, an Islamic preacher and head of the Da'wa department of Daiya and Tawasul, imparted valuable insights on guided parenting, referencing the Noble Qur'an. He underscored the sacred responsibility of raising children, noting that parents would be held accountable for their actions.
He underlined the need for justice among children to curb jealousy, envy, and disobedience, advocating for parental duty, kindness to children, and unwavering respect for the elderly. He advised against feigning victimhood in front of children or grumbling about one's spouse, as doing so could undermine parents' authority. Instead, cultivating strong emotional bonds through quality time, empathy, and open communication was encouraged.
The event concluded with a Question and Answer session, followed by the presentation of mementos to the esteemed panel members, as a token of appreciation, by IMWA's executive members. The seminar was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by Mr. Firdaus Alam Khan, IMWA's General Secretary.
- Mr. Firdaus Alam Khan, the General Secretary of IMWA, expressed gratitude towards the Indian Community School Khaitan for their collaboration in organizing the "Healthy Family, Healthy Children" seminar, set to take place in 2025.
- As part of the diverse topics discussed at the seminar, Dr. Nasreen Sheikh highlighted the importance of education and self-development, particularly in regards to mental health and wellness.
- In her talk, Mrs. Yamini Bhosale discussed the adverse effects of disobedience, emphasizing its impact on children's academic performance and overall well-being.
- Ms. Sabha Sheikh highlighted the role of science in addressing family challenges, stressing the need for association members to stay updated on current research and techniques in parenting and mental health.
