From the President’s Desk

We have had a very eventful first few months at SAATA in 2023.

I took over from the very dedicated and competent President Ragini Rao at the AGM in January 2023. The EC (Executive Committee) expanded in her term as President and became a robust, well-functioning team. In her last, but not the least act of leadership, Ragini organised a process group meet for the EC members. The process group was facilitated by Elana Leigh. It allowed us to hear the voices of all the members of the EC. We shared our experiences, goals and ideas, and came together as a community. We closed Ragini’s term as President with a dinner in her beautiful home. She had baked a cake to mark my taking over from her. I was moved by the warmth and care with which I was welcomed into my new role.

Process Meet held at Koramangala Club

Special Cake for Welcoming New president

We had the SAATA Advanced Diploma exams just prior to the MLL. Rosemary Kurian and Vaaruni Sundar cleared the exams and within a few months, also went on to clear their CTA oral exams! Meera Ravi is also a new CTA and we have a new TTA in Anisha Pandya. Maksuda became the first CTA from Bangladesh. Congratulations to all. We are delighted at how rapidly the number of our Certified Members is increasing.

After being held in an online format for the past two years, the multi-level learning event (MLL) returned to its in-person format for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The event took place on January 7th and 8th, 2023 in Bangalore. The enthusiasm was palpable as around 100 TA professionals gathered to reflect on the theme of 'Professional Identity'. The theme provided an opportunity for TA practitioners to reflect on the various ways they define, create, hold and live their professional identities.

Deepak Dhanajaya moderated a lively panel discussion with three inspiring guests:

Ameet Matoo, an OD consultant and a human process facilitator from ISABS

Shilok Mukkati, a poet, dancer, theatre artist, radio jockey, public speaker, and a national award winner for her radio show “Lesbians in the Shadow”,

Dr. Sowmya Krishna, a psychiatrist with over 15-years’ experience who has developed GMHAT (Global Mental Health Assessment Tool) to improve access to mental health services.

It was inspiring to see the panelists openly share their struggles in balancing personal and professional identities. The recording of the panel discussion is available for viewing at https://www.saata.org/saata-gallery/

Participants greatly enjoyed the MLL and cherished the opportunity to belong to the larger community. The SAATA team is already looking forward to next year's MLL in Chennai and to the opportunity to continue to support the growth and development of its members.

Many changes to the board were announced at the AGM following the MLL.

I took over as President from Ragini. She moved to the Past President Role.

I also continue as VP – Publications.

Deepak Dhananjaya took over as VP – Professional Standards Division, from Sailaja Manacha.

Suriyaprakash took over as VP – Research, from Aruna Gopakumar.

Parul Arora took over as VP – Development, from Krishnan Madabhushi.

Rosemary Kurian took over as Secretary from Suriya.

Prathitha Gangadharan continued as Treasurer.

Gunjan Zutshi continues as VP – Operations

I place on record the BOT’s appreciation of the contributions and services rendered by all the erstwhile role holders for their whole hearted contribution during their term as EC.

The board announced the SAATA Service Award for the year 2022 which was awarded to C Suriyaprakash, for his continued commitment and extraordinary contribution in service of SAATA and its growth. Everyone was overwhelmed with joy at the news. Suriya got plentiful, well-deserved strokes from the community for his years of unflinching and dedicated service to SAATA. SAATA would not have been what it is without him.

We look forward to the formal handing over of the award at the SAATA Conference on September 23- 24, in Bangalore.

We had a fantastic visioning retreat on March 3 and 4. I have written separate report about it in this newsletter.

Visioning Retreat Group Picture

And the final news: We are having a SAATA conference this year in September and preparations are in full swing. It is titled “Heggidira? – Dialogues on Mental Health” Stay tuned to announcements about it. It is going to be very exciting.

My gratitude to Ragini and Suriya for their generous support to me as I step into this very significant role and work with all to grow SAATA to the next level. Look forward to a fantastic next three years.

From the Editorial Desk

From the President’s Desk

Conference Announcement

TA News

MLL Reflection

Experiences

Creative Corner