How to Live Well with Parkinson's Disease with Vonita Singh
Amidst the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the silent struggles of those grappling with Parkinson’s disease. The statistics paint a sobering picture: Over 8.5 million individuals worldwide battled this condition in 2019 alone, with projections indicating a significant rise by 2030, according to the World Health Organization and the Parkinson’s Foundation. Yet, despite its prevalence, Parkinson’s remains a topic shrouded in silence, often relegated to the sidelines of conversation.
This week, on “Health and Wellbeing,” Rajan Nazran sits down with Vonita Singh, the compassionate force behind Movement Mantra, to shine a light on Parkinson’s—a topic that resonates deeply with both of them, having witnessed its impact firsthand. As the world marked Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, it became painfully clear that awareness surrounding this condition remains scarce, leaving many unaware of its nuances and challenges.
Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement; it touches every aspect of one’s being, from physical limitations to emotional turmoil. The toll it takes on individuals and their caregivers is immense, encompassing everything from restricted muscle movements to speech difficulties and from digestive issues to mental health struggles.
But amidst the darkness, there’s a glimmer of hope—a collective responsibility to foster understanding and compassion within our communities. By prioritising education, raising awareness, and advocating for those living with Parkinson’s, we can bridge the gap that separates them from the support and resources they desperately need.
Join us in this episode, where awareness becomes the catalyst for acceptance and empowerment. Because every individual, regardless of their health challenges, deserves to lead a life filled with dignity and support.
Note: This podcast is in loving memory of my father Dev Singh Nazran, a courageous fighter against Parkinson’s whose legacy continues to inspire me and those around. It is also in honour of all Parkinson’s heros whose suffering will no longer be in silence. Join us in honouring their memories by joining our quest to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (Music credit: https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/569783/)
About Vonita Singh
Combining her academic background in anthropology with her genuine passion for dance, Vonita Singh holds a PhD in Anthropology and a Senior Diploma in Kathak from Prayaag Sangeet Samithi, India.
Additionally, she is a certified Yoga instructor accredited by Avalon Yoga International Inc., Palo Alto, California, and a seasoned movement coach trained under the Creative Movement Therapy Association of India (CMTAI). The inception of her social enterprise, Movement Mantra, stemmed from a deeply personal experience—the loss of her father to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2009.
Witnessing firsthand the unique hurdles caregivers face, Vonita embarked on a quest for alternative intervention methods, leading her to discover ‘Dance for PD,’ a transformative program offered by the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, New York. Following intensive training in the program in 2013, Vonita returned with newfound empowerment, founding Movement Mantra to bridge the care gap she had encountered. Leveraging her extensive expertise in yoga, Creative Movement Therapy (CMT), and Kathak—a classical dance form she commenced training in at the tender age of three and a half—Vonita developed comprehensive modules. These modules integrate various elements such as movement, rhythm, imagery, breathwork, and vocal expression to offer psychotherapeutic benefits tailored for individuals grappling with Parkinson’s Disease and other mobility-related challenges.
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