Healing Expressions – Regaining the Joy of Living, Concluded with Great Success
On 26th September, at the Balshikshan Mandir Auditorium in Kothrud, a unique program titled “Healing Expressions” was held, conceptualized by senior media expert Mr. Vijay Thombre. Despite recovering from a severe illness like brain hemorrhage, his sense of social responsibility to spread awareness about healing methods and treatment approaches gives special significance to this initiative.
The prime inspiration behind this program was his erudite wife, Dr. Asavari Thombre, who carried out the script research. The writing, direction, and anchoring of the program were undertaken by media expert Dr. Girish Rangnekar. The distinguished participants included Mr. Vijay Thombre, Dr. Asavari Thombre, physician Dr. Ulka Phadke, physiotherapist Dr. Madhura Joshi, singer Dr. Gauri Karambelkar, flautist Nilesh Deshpande, and media expert Dr. Girish Rangnekar.
At the beginning of the program, Dr. Girish Rangnekar explained the purpose behind the Healing Expressions movement. Later, Mr. Vijay Thombre’s elder brother, eminent businessman Mr. Deepak Thombre, shared his heartfelt reflections on witnessing his younger brother’s healing journey, setting the tone for the event. The program highlighted the significance of multiple elements in the treatment of serious illnesses — medicine, physiotherapy, prayer, music therapy, chanting of Om, yoga, and the presence of caring individuals.
The esteemed speakers elaborated on many important subjects such as causes of severe conditions like brain hemorrhage, the importance of routine, diet and lifestyle, stress-induced mental and physical illnesses, aura and chakras, the connection between music and emotions, and the role of physiotherapy. Key features of the program included the concept of healing, rediscovering the joy of life after illness through music therapy, and collective chanting of Om. Noted neurosurgeon Dr. Deepak Rande and cardiologist Dr. Mangesh Danej, through their video messages, emphasized the importance of preserving brain and heart health to truly enjoy life. The program concluded with a serene recital in Raga Yaman combining flute and vocal music, ending with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra.
The event was graced by dignitaries such as neurosurgeon Dr. Deepak Rande and singer Anuradha Marathe. The dedicated efforts of the MM Activ team led by Mr.Vijay Thombre, along with Mr. Anish Thombre, Mr. Sumit Jain, and Ms. Nikita Deshmukh, contributed significantly to the program’s success.
The organizers appealed for greater public participation to take the “Healing Expressions” movement to a wider audience.
Contact Us: Anish Thombre – 96992 92696 / 90497 44888
Key Participants
Dr. Girish Rangnekar
Dr. Madhura Joshi (PT)
Dr. Ulka Phadke
Dr. Gouri Karambelkar
Mr. Vijay Thombre
Dr. Asavari Thombre
Why this programme?
Serious illness can reorder our lives—and reveal a deeper grammar of care. Healing Expressions presents a lived account of recovery by senior media professional Vijay Thombre, showing how medical treatment, physiotherapy, prayer and Aum chanting, music therapy, yoga, and the steadfast love of family and friends worked together. It is a gentle invitation to see healing as both evidence- based care and human connection.
Healing is both
science & sensibility
It values empathy & relationships
It nurtures our bond with nature
It celebrates personal narratives, therapist insights & live music
Why now?
Rising stress, isolation, and chronic conditions make whole-person care urgent.
Quick context: 1 in 8 people lived with a mental disorder in 2019; anxiety/depression spiked in 2020. (Source: WHO)
We need hopeful, practical stories that de- stigmatise illness and centre empathy.
Quick context: 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness, with higher rates among adolescents/young adults and in lower-income countries. (Source: WHO)
Healthcare works best when patients, caregivers, and clinicians move in harmony.
Quick context: Non-communicable diseases cause ~75% of global (non-pandemic) deaths; 82% of premature NCD deaths occur in LMICs. (Source: WHO)
Communities heal faster when we share wisdom and rituals of care.
Quick context: The WHO Commission on Social Connection (2025) reports 1 in 6 people experience loneliness and notes that strong social connection improves health and reduces early mortality risk. (Source: WHO)
A small spark can seed a wider “healing movement” in our city.
Quick context: The WHO estimates 12 billion working days are lost each year to depression and anxiety (≈ US$1 trillion in lost productivity), and 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder—underscoring the need for community action. (Source: WHO)
India’s burden makes this conversation timely.
Quick context: In India, NCDs account for ~63% of all deaths (WHO India profile, 2018). PIB/ICMR report the NCD share rose from 37.9% (1990) to 61.8% (2016). WHO; Press Information Bureau (ICMR study).
Who should attend?
Individuals and families navigating
recovery or
caregiving
Healthcare professionals and therapists open to integrative perspectives
Educators, counsellors, and community leaders building compassionate spaces
Patient support groups, NGOs, and volunteers engaged in community health
Workplace leaders, HR teams, and people managers building supportive wellbeing cultures
Anyone curious about the art and practice of getting well
Agenda
Registration
OM Chanting
Expert Wisdom in 3 Videos – Neurologist, Cardiologist & Psychologist
Healing Journey of Mr. Vijay Thombre by Dr. Asavari Thombre
Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Healing & Wellness – Session by Dr. Ulka phadke
Music Demo by Dr. Gouri Karambelkar
Healing Through Harmony – Music Therapy by Dr. Asavari Thombre
Shanti Mantra by Mr. Vijay Thombre
Organiser
Venue
Event Venue:
Bal Shikshan Vidya Mandir Auditorium
Address:
GR38+MW3, Karve Rd, Mayur Colony,
Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038