A Day of Joy and Togetherness at Gorai Farm: Samman’s Epilepsy Picnic on 9th November 2025

On 9th November 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to join a special epilepsy picnic organised by Samman at Gorai Farm—a serene, lush-green retreat away from the noise and pollution of the city. It wasn’t just another outing; it was a day filled with laughter, connection, and gratitude.

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The Journey and First Impressions

Our journey began at 8:00 AM sharp, with a bus arranged by Samman from Bandra to Gorai Farm, making stops along the way at Andheri, Borivali, and other points. Excitement filled the air as we made our way to the farm. The cool morning breeze, the hum of conversations, and the sense of community made the trip itself memorable.

A few hours later, we arrived at the farm and were greeted by the refreshing sight of open fields and the peaceful sounds of nature. The Samman team had beautifully arranged everything—from shaded seating areas and breakfast to games and open spaces for everyone to relax and explore. We were also allotted rooms to keep our belongings, so we could move around freely without carrying our bags everywhere.

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Activities and Fun Moments

The day was packed with activities designed for fun, inclusion, and relaxation. We began with an introductory round, where everyone introduced themselves. One of the icebreakers involved passing a ball—whoever ended up with it had to come on stage and introduce themselves to the group. There were also group activities with team leaders, bringing together participants, caregivers, and volunteers in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance.

The sense of togetherness was heartwarming—it truly felt like one big family. Conversations flowed naturally, laughter filled the air, and everyone was made to feel seen and included.

Later, several outdoor games were organised, such as badminton, cricket, and throwball. While many participants recognised familiar faces, there were also plenty of new ones, and everyone exchanged greetings and stories. In a world where epilepsy is often misunderstood, it was deeply comforting to be surrounded by people who understood what we were going through.

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Reflections

This being my first Samman picnic, it reminded me that life with epilepsy is not defined by its limitations, but by moments of joy, connection, and understanding. It was heartening to see everyone smile, play, and simply be themselves.

As the sun began to set and we prepared to leave, I felt an immense sense of gratitude toward the organisers, members, and volunteers who made this beautiful day possible. Gorai Farm gave us more than just memories—it gave us hope, comfort, and community. Though we were tired, every face glowed with happiness. There was no fear, no stigma—only acceptance, care, and companionship.

This picnic reminded us that healing doesn’t only happen in clinics or hospitals, but also in places where we feel safe, understood, and connected.

As we left Gorai Farm, the cool evening breeze surrounded us, and we caught a glimpse of the Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre in the distance—a peaceful reminder of reflection and renewal.