INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day Special…
A pioneer in occupational therapy, Dr. Sashikala Ramnath has worked with hundreds of families navigating developmental disabilities through ‘Putta Hejje.’
In a world where developmental disabilities often go unnoticed, Dr. Sashikala Ramnath has spent over three decades helping children and families navigate these challenges. An occupational therapist with more than 35 years of experience, she has guided countless families through the complexities of developmental care.
Raised in Mumbai, Sashikala holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Certificate in Rehabilitation from Mumbai, besides a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Annamalai University. She has worked in leading institutions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, including NIMHANS. For the past 25 years, she has been based in Mysuru, where she established the Occupational Therapy Department at JSS Hospital. She is also a Founding Member of Sneha Kiran of Mysore Spastic Society and continues her work through Putta Hejje, an early intervention programme at Asha Kirana Hospital in Hebbal.
An avid reader who enjoys music, Bharatanatyam, films and fitness, Sashikala balances her professional commitment with personal interests. Star of Mysore spoke to Dr. Sashikala Ramnath about her journey and her work supporting children with developmental disabilities.
By Shadan Muneer
Star of Mysore (SOM): Occupational Therapy was still a niche field when you began your career. What inspired you?
Dr. Sashikala Ramnath: Occupational therapy was not widely known then. I was drawn to it because it combines medical knowledge with practical care and can make a real difference in people’s lives. Over the years, my work in hospitals and rehabilitation centres shaped my approach. Today, I continue that work through Putta Hejje, focusing on early intervention for children.
The field has grown tremendously and is now widely recognised as essential, though greater awareness of its full scope is still needed.
SOM: How would you explain Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention?
Dr. Sashikala: Occupational Therapy helps people overcome challenges in daily life by assessing their neurological and physical abilities and providing practical support through simple aids and adaptations. It supports children and adults with conditions such as developmental delays, neurological disorders or stroke, helping them manage everyday activities more independently.
Early Intervention focuses on identifying developmental delays in infants and young children, especially in the first five years when the brain develops rapidly. Timely therapy, along with active parent involvement, supports the child’s overall growth.
SOM: Can you tell us about Putta Hejje?
Dr. Sashikala: Putta Hejje, which means ‘baby steps,’ is an early intervention programme for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. We aim to identify and support children as early as possible.
The programme combines occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy and special education, with strong parent involvement. Our team works closely with families to guide them, prevent complications and help each child reach potential.
When I began, Mysuru did not have a centre offering comprehensive early intervention services under one roof. Dr. Mothi, Chairman of Asha Kirana Charitable Trust, invited me to start Putta Hejje to fill that gap.
SOM: What best practices have you incorporated into Putta Hejje?
Dr. Sashikala: My experience taught me to understand each child’s medical needs, build strong connections with families and set realistic goals. At Putta Hejje, we focus on regular progress monitoring, teamwork with doctors and therapists and staying updated. Guidance from experienced colleagues has also been invaluable.
SOM: Helping over 850 families through Putta Hejje is a significant milestone. Which moments have been most fulfilling for you?
Dr. Sashikala: What stays with me is how even little progress can bring great relief to families. I remember a grandmother travelling from Maddur while caring for her grandson with severe cerebral palsy. With simple therapy and guidance, she was eventually able to manage his care better and find some peace.
In another case, a 10-month-old child, who initially showed no response, began to recognise her parents and smile within a few months of therapy. I have also seen children grow into independent adults. One child with a severe physical disability went on to study engineering and now works in a software firm. These moments remind me that disability does not define potential.
SOM: How can parents identify if their child may need early intervention?
Dr. Sashikala: Parents should watch for delays in walking, talking, playing or social interaction. If a child consistently lags behind others of the same age in how they play, learn, communicate or move, it could indicate a developmental delay. Early action and consulting a paediatrician are crucial.
SOM: How has your approach to therapy evolved over the years?
Dr. Sashikala: Today, I focus more on parent training and the use of technology to support therapy at home. While there have been advances in knowledge, assistive devices and medical support, the core remains the same: Consistent effort and close collaboration between therapists and families.
SOM: How do you build rapport with such children and counsel their parents?
Dr. Sashikala: Autism cases have risen significantly. Building rapport with such children requires patience. I first allow the child to feel comfortable in a relaxed setting and as trust develops, they become more cooperative. We also help parents understand that initial distress is a natural response.
Counselling parents is equally important. Many families face stigma and confusion, so I focus on setting realistic expectations while also giving them hope. We involve all family members, address concerns and help them understand how best to support the child.
SOM: It is a long journey. Do parents sometimes give up midway?
Dr. Sashikala: Yes, it does happen. Some parents expect quick results, but therapy has no instant fix. Families may discontinue therapy due to unrealistic expectations, financial or logistical difficulties, societal pressure or false promises of a ‘complete cure.’ Consistency and patience are essential.
In many families, mothers shoulder most of the responsibility while fathers are less involved. I encourage both parents to participate, as supportive fathers can make a big difference in the child’s progress.
SOM: Your work can be emotionally demanding. What challenges have you faced and how do you stay emotionally strong?
Dr. Sashikala: Early in my career, working with individuals with psychiatric conditions was particularly challenging and required patience and deep understanding. Every individual is different and meeting their needs means constantly learning and adapting.
I manage the emotional demands through regular exercise, a positive outlook and resilience, which help me stay motivated to support every family that comes to me.
Disability is part of our society, not someone else’s problem. Small acts of kindness towards children with special needs can greatly boost their confidence… Patience, guidance and belief make all the difference. We must be sensitive and ensure children never feel ‘disabled,’ but valued and cherished like any other child.
SOM: Since Putta Hejje is a non-profit organisation, is financial support a challenge?
Dr. Sashikala: Yes, it is a major challenge. While people are often willing to donate for equipment, it is much harder to secure funds for recurring expenses like staff salaries.
We are reaching out to corporates for CSR support, though building long-term partnerships takes time. Support from local service clubs and well-wishers has helped us sustain our work so far.
SOM: What is your vision for Putta Hejje?
Dr. Sashikala: We hope to expand our services to rural areas, where awareness and access to early intervention are still limited. We also aim to train parents, as they understand their children best, and bring in more young professionals. Achieving this will depend on adequate funding and trained personnel.
SOM: What message would you like to share about understanding and supporting children with disabilities?
Dr. Sashikala: Disability is part of our society, not someone else’s problem. Small acts of kindness towards children with special needs can greatly boost their confidence. We must be sensitive and ensure they never feel ‘disabled,’ but valued and cherished like any other child. The goal is to improve their quality of life, even if the condition cannot be completely cured.
This post was published on March 28, 2026 6:05 pm