Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj, founder of Samphia Foundation Kullu, has emerged as a powerful voice in India’s rehabilitation sector after being honoured with the prestigious ‘National Award 2025’ by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Selected from 2,423 applicants, she is one of only 32 individuals to receive the award this year, and notably, she is the second Occupational Therapist in India to achieve this distinction. Her recognition marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the advancement of Occupational Therapy across the country.
Following this historic honour, Dr. Shruti met Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda and renowned social worker Mallika Nadda, founder of Special Olympics Bharat and Chetna. Their meeting centered on strengthening healthcare and rehabilitation services in Himachal Pradesh and at the national level. Dr. Shruti highlighted the urgent need for more Occupational Therapy courses in India, pointing out the severe shortage of trained therapists. She pressed for the introduction of new academic programs, expansion of existing institutions, and the creation of additional job opportunities so that patients can receive better care and youth can find meaningful employment. She further emphasized the need to promote Early Intervention, recommending strong policies for the early identification of developmental delays in children. She stressed that just as Kullu district is fully equipped with a functional DEIC, every district in Himachal should have similar facilities. She also urged the immediate creation and filling of Occupational Therapist posts at AIIMS Bilaspur and IGMC Shimla.
Reflecting on her award and her discussions with the Naddas, Dr. Shruti expressed deep gratitude and optimism. She said receiving the National Award from the President was not just a personal honour but a proud moment for the entire Occupational Therapy community. She described her meeting with J.P. Nadda and Mallika Nadda as extremely positive, sharing that they hold a common vision: to ensure that children in hilly states like Himachal, and across India, receive timely and world-class therapeutic services. She added that she would soon write to both the state and central governments on this matter, and that all possible cooperation would be extended from their side.
Occupational Therapy, though sometimes misunderstood, is essentially the science of helping individuals become independent despite physical, mental, or developmental challenges. Here, the word “Occupational” refers not just to jobs but to all activities that support living—daily routines, productive engagements, and leisure. OT aims to make individuals independent in daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, writing, and playing. It is beneficial for children with Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, and fine motor difficulties, as well as adults recovering from stroke, injuries, arthritis, or age-related limitations. While physiotherapy focuses on improving physical movement and muscle strength, Occupational Therapy focuses on enabling a person to use those abilities in meaningful day-to-day activities. Occupational Therapists often modify environments like homes or schools, teach new methods to complete tasks despite limitations, and provide sensory integration therapy for children. In essence, where doctors save lives and physiotherapists help bodies move, Occupational Therapists help people truly live their lives.
Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj’s work continues to inspire, creating awareness, influencing policy, and transforming the way India approaches rehabilitation. Her contributions symbolize a step toward a future where every child and adult—especially those with disabilities—has access to dignified, empowering, and high-quality therapeutic care.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
