Maitra Samvedna

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the University Department of Psychology, SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate held an inaugural programme to commemorate an important day in the field of Psychology on October 10, 2022. The programme was held via offline mode at Lady Prem Leela Thackersey Committee Hall, SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate, Mumbai.

The programme started with a University song followed by a welcome address by Dr. Nilesh Thakre, Head of Psychology Department. He spoke about how the rising mental health issues, in the post pandemic era, were becoming a concern and as people belonging to the helping profession of mental health, it became our duty to advocate and spread awareness about mental health. He informed the guests as to how as a Department we are providing the best of our student resources by training them and helping them get
absorbed by their chosen industries. After Dr. Thakre’s speech, the dignitaries inaugurated and unveiled Maitra Samvedna – a Mental Health Mentee-Mentorship programme. Dr. Thakre briefed the audience about the purpose of the mentorship, the manner and frequency with which it will be conducted as well as how such initiatives are becoming the need of the hour in academic and educational settings.

Moving ahead, Mrs. Anita Sanu, Assistant Professor of Psychology Department introduced the Guest of Honor, a distinguished neurosurgeon, Dr. Alok Sharma. She began the introduction by citing Dr. Sharma’s scientific, medical and humanitarian achievements. Dr. Sharma explained and illustrated the structure of the brain, Happiness & 4 ways to be happy, Health and Stress, Importance of Acceptance, Lifestyle, Food
habits, gender differences in brain structure and function as well as Brain Modulation. The relationship between neurology, psychology and immunology etc were some fascinating topics covered by Dr. Sharma in his speech. He passionately spoke about the need of psychologists and mental health professionals for children with special needs and motivated the students to take up that specific population as their specialised area to work with, in future.

Followed by Dr. Sharma’s enlightening talk, Ms. Archishmati Sonawane, Assistant Professor of Psychology Department introduced the Chief Guest of the day, renowned Psychiatrist, Dr. Harish Shetty. Dr. Shetty began his speech by enunciating the importance of resilience and how one can build it. He shed light over the dire need and importance of being kind and empathetic to one another, seeking help when needed,
preventing isolation in social relationships and developing a strong support system around ourselves. He spoke in depth about the Indian philosophy of mental health, how to accept oneself and others, deepen love by loving oneself first and the salience of expressing or venting our emotions. The audience was highly engaged and influenced by Dr. Shetty’s words, mannerisms and his way of interacting and holding the crowd in raptured attention.

Next, Ms. Nafisa Kachwala, Assistant Professor of Psychology Department introduced the audience to Dr. Ojha’s accomplishments in academics and expressed her sincere gratitude to the Pro-Vice Chancellor for gracing and presiding over this special occasion. 

The audience was then addressed by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ruby Ojha. Dr. Ojha began by congratulating Dr. Thakre and the Department for the well-thought initiative undertaken for the student’s benefit. She mentioned that all the workings of this programme should be well-documented so that it can help the University to start such an initiative in all Departments. She inspired the Department by talking about her own experience with mentorship as a student.

The comparers of the programme requested the dignitaries and the audience to move towards the foyer for the Poster exhibition which was put up by students on the themes of “Mindfulness/ NomoPhobia”. This was followed by snack and balloon distribution among students and staff. All the students and staff were instructed to write a positive affirmation on the chit and put it in the balloon for the Balloon Affirmation activity. After lunch, the students exchanged the balloons by throwing them in the air and randomly picking up a balloon.

Following this activity, the first year Masters students displayed a motivating and passionate street play performance to spread awareness about mental health. An invigorating dance performance was given by Industrial Psychology student, Ms. Jasmine Kaur followed by Kathak performance by Clinical Psychology student, Ms. Sharvari Kale. Both the students beautifully conveyed via their art about different mental states and how we can become resilient as individuals. Second year Counseling Psychology students covered topics like body positivity, academic stress, confusion about sexual orientation and empathy through a 4 part streeplay performance. The performances were cheered by the audience throughout the duration. These performances were soothingly wrapped by a medley of songs sung by Industrial Psychology students. The audience crooned the songs along with them. Following the performances, Ms. Divya Pillai,
Assistant Professor of Psychology Department was called to propose a vote of thanks and formally end the programme on a positive note. Ms. Divya thanked the dignitaries for their presence and grace. She expressed her gratitude to the teaching faculty and non-teaching staff for their cooperation as well as thanked all the participants and student volunteers for their contribution in making the programme a huge success.

At the end, the students were informed that the Department will be holding many other competitions and events to stimulate their social and cognitive energies as part of the celebration of the Mental Health Week 2022.