Testimonial

My 11 year old son was at a week long camp from school at Auroville, Pondicherry. He
came back extremely excited about his experience there. While he shared about his daily
activities, he was particularly in awe of the clowning classes conducted by Fife, that he was a
part of. He was encouraged by his performances as a ‘clown’ and shared with me something
that left a lasting impression. Very reflective about his experience, he spoke about the
sessions on clowning they attended and said, “it takes a lot of courage to make a fool of
yourself in front of others but I felt good doing so, especially since you know you made
someone happy!”
When I met Fife and Hamish at Stella Maris thereafter they needed no introduction. They
connect easily and bring a smile to everyone they meet.  In our Social Work intervention with
people, especially patients, we understand it is challenging to bring smiles, hope and joy. I
am sure that Fife and Hamish’s contribution to establishing medical clowning in India will go
a long way in enhancing patient response to hospital care and treatment. I congratulate them
for this innovative expression of art and their passion to share through training this art with
others, especially students.  May their vision of bringing therapeutic healing not only benefit
patients but extend this joy to caregivers and health care professionals. We eagerly look
forward to all those trained in this art, especially our students in making a meaningful
difference in the lives of all those in their care.

Priya George, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Social Work
Stella Maris College (Autonomous)
Chennai-86

“It is beautiful work, it is sacred work, and I have learned so many exercises to help me and to help other people become vulnerable and to discover their authentic selves.”

Gautum Kabir

Founder Humm Drum, Mumbai, India

“This is better than dope.”

Sam B, High School Student, Calgary, Canada

“I’m amazed at how Hamish and Fif are able to so quickly break down our barriers and inhibitions.  They elicited fabulous responses and thoughts from us that launched us into writing and telling our stories from deep within.  Some stories were funny, others poignant and heartfelt. Loved every minute.”

Sally.P, Teacher

International School, Delhi, India

Being empathetic and putting aside my problems, anger or frustrations at the time I deal with
a patient, empathize with his pain or suppression or try to understand him and make him
notice that in those moments my complete attention is only for him.

“During the workshop I realized I was a man looking at the world through a narrow keyhole, I realized about infinite possibilities which helped me widen my gaze.  Hence, I see the world around me changed.  I became more positive, compassionate, understanding, confident, energetic, happy and open minded.”

Dr. Pat S, Physician, Pondicherry, India

“What Hamish and Fif instill are life lessons. This is very significant. You don’t learn this in college. Its important to earn money, but this is very essential to your core and yourself.”

“The techniques Hamish and Fif use are powerful tools that bring about change. I have witnessed these in myself and in my patients. I highly recommend them.”

Dr. Susan J Psychiatrist

Pondicherry Institute of Medical Science, India

“I am very grateful to finally be in a safe place where I was nurtured and I could tell my story.  Fif was very gentle in supporting and guiding me.

This helped me heal. I now have joy again.”

JP, Survivor of rape, Canada

“At first I (was) scared. Too many horrible things happen(ed). But Hamish and Fif help(ed) me to tell my story. This help(ed) me to forgive my wrongdoers and to leave my luggage behind. I never thought I could laugh again.”

“From finding stones and using them as talismans to remembering and using our dreams to stimulate poems and songs, Hamish is always engaging and out of the box.”

“I learned how to express myself, be heard and to respect myself.

Most importantly I learned how to love myself.”

“This is the first time in over 30 years, after the war, that I could laugh again.”