In a groundbreaking move for conflict resolution in India, the country’s first Family Mediation Training Program was successfully held in Hyderabad. Organized by the Invisible Scars Foundation in collaboration with the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC), Gachibowli, this 7-day intensive workshop marked a major step in community-based dispute resolution.
The program trained and certified 32 non-legal professionals—including social workers, psychologists, and law enforcement officers—from across the country to mediate matrimonial and family conflicts. Participants hailed from cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and more, forming India’s first cohort of certified Family Mediators.
Why India’s First Family Mediation Matters
According to Ekta Viiveck Verma, Founder of Invisible Scars, “Family mediation is not just about resolving disputes—it’s about restoring peace, dignity, and emotional healing. We’re building a survivor-first model to respond to domestic and family violence through dialogue, not courtroom battles.”
She added that the program reflects India’s deep-rooted tradition of resolving conflicts through mutual understanding. “We’re a mediation nation, culturally speaking. It’s time we formalize that with trained professionals,” she emphasized.
Inauguration and Training Highlights
The training was inaugurated by Ms. Shikha Goel, IPS, Director General of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, who shared her personal experience as a trained mediator. She encouraged more professionals to embrace mediation as a meaningful tool in addressing growing domestic conflicts.
The curriculum included critical modules on:
- Trauma and healing
- Communication strategies
- Family law essentials
- Negotiation skills
- Ethics and confidentiality
Expert Panel and National Impact
The training was conducted by a highly respected national panel, including:
- Susheela Sarathi, Senior Trainer, Mediation & Conciliation Project Committee (Supreme Court)
- Tanu Mehta, Mediator & Trainer, Mumbai
- K.S. Sarma, Former CEO of Prasar Bharati and Director General of Doordarshan
- Dr. Varudhini Kankipati, Co-Founder, Inner Connect Psychological Counselling Centre
AJ Jawad, Registrar and Lead Faculty at IAMC, emphasized, “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. We are equipping grassroots professionals—not just lawyers—with real-world mediation tools.”
With over 4.9 lakh domestic violence cases pending in Indian courts, family mediation presents a faster, confidential, and more compassionate alternative.
Telangana has already taken major strides in community mediation, and this program adds a national dimension to local success.
Invisible Scars reports growing demand for similar training across the country. The foundation now seeks support from philanthropic partners to expand its impact and train hundreds more in family mediation.
