LAUGH LINE
form and humanise healthcare, education,
organisations and businesses across India, and
nurture a healthy and happy India for all.”
What is a typical day for a medical clown like?
“I start preparing the evening before the ses-
sion,” says Sheetal. “I take a headcount of vol-
unteers, sanitise accessories such as wigs and
hats, and sort out the props such as doctor’s
coats, stethoscopes, mock injections, ther-
mometers, smiley hammers, puppets, balls,
balloons and rattles.” On the day of the perfor-
mance, she reconfirms that the volunteers are
participating, coordinates with the hospital
or care centre about the location and logistics,
and plans the antics.
At the venue, they have to be sensitive of thesurroundings and keep their voice low. Selfies
are not allowed. To avoid spreading infections,
they are not supposed to touch or hug patients.
In consonance with medical guidelines, they
avoid the rooms where patients are in a criti-
cal condition. After the session, they exchange
their experiences, sometimes followed by group
lunch. “Before going to bed, I reflect on the day
and express gratitude for being able to share
happiness and receive blessings,” says Sheetal.
I remain ‘smile hungover’ till the next session.”
Some days are a breeze. Some can be taxing,
depending on the children. “There are times
when we are stressed, but we ensure that
it doesn’t affect our work,” declares Sheetal.
As they say, the show must go on. OAnd in my
final moment,
may I hear
you whisper:
“When you
made my
people smile,
you made me
smile.”
A Clown’s Prayer
(a poem that
comedians use
for inspration)THE BEST MEDICINE
(above) Hamish Boyd and Fif
Fernandez of MediClown
Academy, Pondicherry;
(right) clown Sheetal Agarwal
at Apollo Hospital, Delhi60 OUTLOOK 5 August 2019
PENELOPE GRENOT