In a hospital environment often associated with anxiety and long treatments, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital has created a space filled with colour, calm, and care. On Tuesday, the premier government hospital inaugurated “UMANG VATIKA – Sensory Garden”, a first-of-its-kind initiative in North India’s government healthcare system, designed to nurture the emotional and sensory well-being of children—especially those with neurodevelopmental challenges.

The sensory garden was inaugurated by Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Bansal, Director, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, in the presence of senior administrators and clinicians, including Dr. Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Geetika Khanna, Principal, VMMC, and Dr. Pradeep Debata, Head, Department of Paediatrics.

More than just a landscaped area, UMANG VATIKA has been thoughtfully designed as a therapeutic environment where children can explore textures, colours, sounds, and movement—elements known to aid sensory integration, emotional regulation, and psychological comfort. For young patients navigating complex neurological conditions, the garden offers a moment of relief, joy, and reassurance amid clinical routines.

Calling the initiative a proud milestone, Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Bansal said the garden reflects a deeper shift in how healthcare spaces must evolve.

“UMANG VATIKA is not merely a garden—it is a symbol of our commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and child-centric healthcare. Hospitals should heal the body, but they must also nurture the emotional and psychological well-being of children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental needs,” he said.

He emphasised that such therapeutic spaces play a vital role in complementing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

“By supporting sensory integration and emotional development, UMANG VATIKA will significantly enhance therapy and rehabilitation outcomes for children visiting the hospital. It truly symbolises hope, care, and compassion,” he added.

The initiative also highlights the power of collaboration. UMANG VATIKA stands as a strong example of an effective Public–Private Partnership, conceptualised and implemented by ASTHA. The project received financial support from R Squared Foundation, execution assistance from CPWD and Safdarjung Hospital, and design expertise from KILIKILI, with the Paediatric Neurology Division of VMMC & SJH serving as the strategic facilitator.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of AMS Dr. Rekha Tirki, Dr. Tilak Raj, Dr. R.P. Saini, Mr. Ashok Pal (DDA), Mrs. Kailash Pal (ONS), members of the CSR team, Dr. Rachna Sehgal, In-charge, Paediatric Neurology Division, along with faculty members, healthcare workers, and staff.

With the launch of UMANG VATIKA, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital has sent out a powerful message—that healing extends beyond medicine, and that empathy, inclusion, and thoughtful design can transform the hospital experience for its youngest and most vulnerable patients.