A Stammer May Interrupt Words, But It Can Never Silence a Determined Voice.” My Journey at the Regional Workshop 2026Simdega, Jharkhand | 26th–28th June 2026 By Swapan Biswas, West Bengal
There are certain journeys in life that leave an indelible mark on our hearts—not because of the distance travelled, but because of the transformation they bring within us. My visit to Simdega, Jharkhand, to attend the Regional Workshop 2026 organised by The Indian Stammering Association (TISA) was one such unforgettable experience. As a participant from West Bengal, I embarked on this journey with curiosity and hope. I returned with renewed confidence, lifelong friendships, and invaluable lessons that will remain with me forever.
Our workshop was hosted at Shanti Bhavan Medical Center, Simdega, Jharkhand, a venue that soon became much more than a place of accommodation. It evolved into a home filled with encouragement, learning, laughter, friendship, and self-discovery.
The workshop officially commenced on the evening of 26th June 2026. Participants from various parts of the country arrived with excitement and eager anticipation. We were warmly welcomed by Dr. Satyendra Srivastava and Rahul sir, whose gracious hospitality immediately put everyone at ease. Dr. Satyendra Srivastava is so down-to-earth that he even replaced the fuse bulb in our room himself. After settling into our rooms, we gathered for an introductory interaction.
Each participant introduced themselves and briefly shared their journey with stammering. Listening to the experiences of others made me realise that although our backgrounds were different, our aspirations were remarkably similar. Every story reflected courage, perseverance, and the desire to become a more confident communicator. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my fellow participants—Anjan Ghosh, Shubham Kumar, Rakesh Jaiswal, Somnath Jasu, Rahul, Naresh, Anirudh Agarwal, Dharmendra Dharua, Abhinav Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, Suraj Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, Krishna Murari, and Mohit Kumar—whose sincerity, enthusiasm, and supportive presence made the workshop even more meaningful. Their willingness to learn, share, and encourage one another created an atmosphere of trust and positivity that I will always cherish.
One of the most memorable sessions of the evening was Dr. Satyendra’s discussion on stammering. He explained the science behind stammering, dispelled many misconceptions, and shared valuable insights drawn from years of counselling and working with people who stammer. His practical approach and positive outlook encouraged us to view stammering not as a limitation, but as something that could be managed through awareness, practice, and the right mindset.
The evening concluded with a delicious dinner of rice. Conversations continued over dinner, laughter echoed across the dining hall, and strangers gradually became friends.
The next morning began with an early visit to Buddha Pahad. It was a blend of brisk walking and trekking, and although I was initially doubtful about my ability to climb, the encouragement and support of the group helped me reach the top. Watching the sunrise over the hills while breathing in the crisp morning air was an unforgettable experience. The peaceful surroundings created the perfect setting for reflection and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Sitting on the cliff and watching the sunrise, we received valuable lessons from Dr. Satyendra Sir, who encouraged us to begin each day with a morning walk or workout to bring small but meaningful changes in the mind, practise daily gratitude for three things, take 2–3 days’ leave every one or two months for Vipassana or a peaceful retreat, read about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, spend 5–10 minutes in meditation, keep the phone away at bedtime in another room, and, if needed for better focus, engage in religious activities such as lighting incense sticks or a diya.
Once breakfast was over, the workshop officially began with registration and an inaugural address by Dr. Ranjan Mahapatra, Senior Neurosurgeon and the hospital director. His reflections on communication, confidence, continuous learning, and personal growth reminded us that real confidence does not come from speaking flawlessly but from expressing ourselves without fear.
Following tea, we participated in interactive introduction activities that helped us know one another better and strengthened the bond among participants.
The speech techniques session was highly informative. We practised practical techniques such as Bouncing, Prolongation, Pausing, and Voluntary Stammering, and also discussed the concepts of Pre-Block, In-Block, and Post-Block management. Working in small groups enabled us to apply these techniques in a supportive environment while learning from one another’s experiences.
After lunch came the activity that I had both anticipated and feared—the Stranger Talk Activity at Simdega Market. Divided into four groups, we travelled by auto-rickshaw to the bustling market. We approached strangers at medical shops, hardware stores, bus stops, and various public places, initiating conversations while consciously applying the speech techniques we had learnt earlier.
Initially, I felt nervous. Speaking to unfamiliar people had always been one of my greatest challenges. However, with every successful conversation, my confidence grew. I realised that most of my fears existed only in my own mind. The activity taught me that courage develops only when we are willing to step beyond our comfort zone.
The evening reflection session allowed us to share experiences, humorous incidents, and personal learnings from the market exercise. Listening to everyone’s stories reinforced the idea that progress comes through consistent practice rather than perfection. The day concluded with dinner and informal conversations, leaving all of us eagerly looking forward to the final day of the workshop.
Our final day began with another memorable visit, this time to the scenic Kelaghagh Dam. Surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery, we participated in Table Topics, where each participant delivered a one-minute impromptu speech. This activity challenged us to think quickly, organise our thoughts, and speak confidently without prior preparation. Several enjoyable team-building games followed, filling the morning with laughter while strengthening communication, cooperation, and mutual trust.
On our way back, we passed by Kendriya Vidyalaya, Simdega, resting in a hush of calm, a place where learning seemed to bloom in quiet grace. We paused for tea along the road and savoured a hearty breakfast. Soon after, we stepped back into the conference room to offer our takeaway speeches from the two-day workshop. The podium, once a shadow of fear throughout my life—as it is for many who stammer—now stood before me like a welcoming friend, and I spoke without hesitation or dread. One by one, each participant shared their reflections with newfound confidence. We offered a small memento to our mentor and bowed for his blessings. The lunch was simple yet delicious, and before long the hour of farewell had arrived.
One aspect of the workshop that truly impressed me was its affordability. Each participant contributed only ₹1,500 (Rupees One Thousand Five Hundred only) for this two-day interactive stammering workshop, which included lodging as well as all meals. Organising such a well-planned programme with comfortable accommodation, quality food, and meaningful learning opportunities at such a nominal cost reflects the charitable and social commitment of TISA. It demonstrates the organisation’s sincere endeavour to make support, learning, and community accessible to people who stammer, irrespective of their financial background.
A special word of appreciation goes to Peter, whose dedication added warmth to our stay. He not only prepared delicious and wholesome meals throughout the workshop but also personally served them with a cheerful smile and genuine care. His kindness, humility, and hospitality made every meal a pleasant experience, making us feel less like participants and more like members of one family.
Anjan da and I set out on our journey to Howrah, carrying home treasures of confidence and a promise to ourselves to walk forward with positive thoughts .As my journey drew to a close, I boarded the Vande Bharat Express from Rourkela with a heart quietly overflowing with gratitude, and somewhere along the way to Howrah, I understood that these two days had bestowed upon me a treasure far greater than memory—they had gifted me a renewed inner strength, a clearer vision, and a gentler, brighter faith in myself. Watching the emerald fields glide past my window like fleeting verses of a living poem, I felt my thoughts opening toward life with fresh wonder and hopeful light. I now look forward with earnest anticipation to many more TISA workshops and to continuing this beautiful voyage of growth. I remain deeply thankful to Dr. Satyendra Sir and Vipul Ji for their tireless devotion in making the workshop a grand success, and I am equally grateful to the Director of Shanti Bhavan Medical Center for offering us such a comfortable stay and access to the conference hall.
