It brings immense joy to announce that my journey has reached a significant milestone - my coursework is now complete, and my proposal has received approval from both the Dutch and Indian Ethical Committees. As a result, I am officially registered as a part-time external Ph.D. student at VU Amsterdam (Vrije University). The inception of this endeavor traces back to the origins of TogetherWeCan, when our petition to KeSCPCR had been in limbo for a year and a half. During a telephone conversation with a senior official, I was told, "Experts think otherwise, Seema, and there are no studies or evidence to support what you claim." The requirement for evidence was clear, and it had to originate from parents willing to file a case - a request I extended to many, but unfortunately, none were willing to step forward. The turning point led to the decision to embark on a research study centered in Kerala, an avenue where evidence could finally materialize. To all the mothers who have availed services for their children in Kerala, I earnestly seek your support. Details of the study will be shared soon, and together, we can make a significant impact.
