The session was led by Prof. Dr. Ansu Sen, Senior Consultant – Neurology, along with Dr. Subhajit Paul, Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake, who shared insights into the therapeutic benefits of music in neurological rehabilitation.
The event was graced by chief guest Alokananda Roy, renowned dancer, actress and social activist, along with Dr. Shamik Pal, singer and economist; Asish Giri, Director, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre; Dr. Tanya Das, scientist and singer; Samarpan Sengupta, film director; Binayak Sen, engineer and musician; and Subhasis Mitra, engineer and singer.
With the theme "Access for All," this year's World Brain Day celebration emphasized the need to develop innovative approaches to address the loss of neurological cells caused by brain damage. Patients who had benefited from music therapy, with improvements demonstrated through functional MRI scans, also attended the event.
Alokananda Roy. Photo: Ditsa Dutta
Sharing her experience of using dance as a rehabilitative tool, Alokananda Roy said, "Music and dance are stimulants of the brain. It has been proved that prisoners who have benefited from them have rarely strayed again later in life."
Speaking on the scientific basis of music therapy, Prof. Dr. Ansu Sen said, "Scientific evidence has shown that music can stimulate neural pathways, promote neuroplasticity, reduce stress and anxiety, and support cognitive and emotional well-being, making it a valuable complementary tool in neurological rehabilitation. While music therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, it can significantly enhance recovery and improve patients' overall quality of life."
The World Brain Day initiative reflects Manipal Hospital Salt Lake's commitment to patient-centred neurological care. By bringing together healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers, the institution aims to raise awareness about brain health while highlighting the growing role of music therapy in improving patients' quality of life.