Cultural Humility-The heart of End-of-Life care workshop

Team Expanding Reach and Internationalization of Manipal College of Nursing, in collaboration with Deakin University, Australia, Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre, and CCEID, organized a one-day workshop on “Humility – The Heart of End-of-Life Care.”

The session opened with Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Professor, who welcomed the participants with a gentle, positive prayer that set a tone of humility, cultural sensitivity, and mutual respect.

Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean and Professor at Manipal College of Nursing, warmly welcomed the Deakin team and set the tone for meaningful collaboration. She highlighted how working together can open new pathways in nursing education and practice, ultimately helping the profession grow globally.

Dr. Seema Rao, Director of the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre, followed with heartfelt reflections on dignity at the end of life. Her stories and real-life experiences touched the audience deeply.

Dr. Patricia Nicholson, Associate Professor of Nursing, Deakin University, emphasized the importance of self-awareness and reflective practice in end-of-life care. Using powerful film excerpts, she encouraged participants to understand patients’ emotions and support them through their final transitions.

Dr. Matthew Jackson, Lecturer at Deakin University, brought an Australian perspective, highlighting how mindfulness and cultural understanding shape end-of-life experiences.

Returning to the theme of humility, Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Head of Pillar 3: Expanding Reach and Internationalization and Director of the MAHE FAIMER International Institute, spoke about lifelong learning through cultural humility. She encouraged students to develop “healing hands” capable of offering comfort, hope, and quiet miracles. Introducing the cultural iceberg model, she helped participants appreciate the deeper, often unseen cultural beliefs that guide people—especially at life’s end. She urged learners to look beyond the surface and understand what truly matters to each individual.

Adding emotional depth, Dr. Sudhakar Nayak, former Director of MCPD, spoke about the powerful emotions surrounding end of life and shared personal experiences that inspired participants to reflect deeply on their own healing journeys.

A group of 21 students and faculty took part in the workshop, which included a meaningful visit to the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre. There, they witnessed the compassionate, dignified care being provided, an experience that left the visiting Deakin students and faculty truly moved. Many described the Centre as a beacon of compassion and humility within Manipal.

The Deakin University study tour continues to be a transformative experience each year, offering students rich cultural immersion and deeper insight into care across contexts.

The cultural humility workshop supports key SDGs by fostering inclusive, reflective, and respectful engagement. It strengthens Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by promoting understanding across differences, enhances Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) through culturally responsive interactions, advances Gender Equality (SDG 5) by challenging gender-based biases, and contributes to Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (SDG 16) by encouraging empathy, fairness, and equitable practices.