The Occupational Therapy (OT) Department of The Neuroaid and Research Foundation (NRF) organized a day-long live splinting workshop in partnership with Department of Neurology, GIPMER and Delhi Branch of All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) on 02 August, 2026 at GIPMER Auditorium.
The day-long workshop was conceptualized with the view of revisiting core practices of Occupational Therapy and encouraging students and professionals to expand their scope of practice in the field of Functional Hand Splinting to improve quality of life in patients with temporary or permanent limitations across the clinical areas of Neurology, Orthopaedics, Burns & Plastic Surgery.
Welcoming the guests and participants comprising 46 OT students and professionals, the Founder Trustee and Chief Functionary, NRF, Rajalakshmi Chandru, highlighted the importance of splinting as a core area of OT practice that needed careful assessment, clinical reasoning, creativity, and a deep understanding of biomechanics and human occupation.
Dr Dharmendra Gupta (MS, GIPMER), Faculty from the Dept. of Neurology, GIPMER, Occupational Therapy Faculty from various Colleges in Delhi NCR, representatives of Delhi Branch AIOTA and Delhi Council of Occupational & Physiotherapy (DCOTPT) graced the occasion with their presence.
The Chief Guest for the day, Dr RK Sharma, pioneer of Splinting in North India, stressed the role of educators in encouraging students to learn and incorporate basic OT techniques of splinting into their regular clinical practice. He further stressed the need for professionals to distinguish between Occupational Therapy practices vis a vis other therapy modalities, between therapy for mobility and therapy for functionality which was the core of splinting and OT.
The workshop was conducted by Dr Shovan Saha, Additional Professor, Occupational Therapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, MAHE, Manipal. Dr Saha is the President of the Indian Society for Hand Therapy and Co-chair of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT) Education Committee. The 8-hour-workshop was divided into three sessions that included theoretical concepts, clinical demonstration and hands-on demonstration. His solution-oriented ‘mantra’ and inspirational delivery of course-content instilled immense confidence amongst participants.
Logistical support provided by GIPMER and Delhi Branch of AIOTA contributed significantly in the success of the workshop. The Organizing Committee included Dr Monika Kundu (Consultant OT, Head Academics & Research, NRF), Dr Neera Chaudhry (HOD, Neurology Department, GIPMER), Dr Neeraj Mishra (OT, GIPMER & Co-Convener Delhi Branch, AIOTA), and Dr Roshni Chakraborty (OT) supported by staff and student volunteers.
Logistical support provided by GIPMER and Delhi Branch of AIOTA contributed significantly in the success of the workshop. The Organizing Committee included Dr Monika Kundu (Consultant OT, Head Academics & Research, NRF), Dr Neera Chaudhry (HOD, Neurology Department, GIPMER), Dr Neeraj Mishra (OT, GIPMER & Co-Convener Delhi Branch, AIOTA), and Dr Roshni Chakraborty (OT) supported by staff and student volunteers.
The event was well received and has been mentioned in as many as three regional dailies till date.