Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 7: The inauguration of the two-day National Conference on ‘Psychology – Transcending Barriers for a Better Future’ was held on March 6 at LF Rasquinha Hall of St Aloysius College. Dr Anil Kakunje, Prof and Head, department of Psychiatry, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru was the chief guest.

Fr Dionysius Vaz, SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions, presided over the programme. Fr Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, principal, Dr Shalini Aiyappa, convenor of the conference were on the dais.

Dr Anil Kakunje in his address said, “How important it is that theoretical knowledge of psychology is combined with clinical training of psychiatry to come together and transcend barriers. He also spoke of the importance needed to be given to the area of mental health as it is as important as physical health in one's life. He thwarted some of the stigmas related to the treatment that the field offers as most people prefer going to faith dealers in search of a cure. He also expounded on the need for women to continue breaking barriers and enter the field in more numbers. He concluded by expressing the need for psychology and psychiatry to join hands even at the college level with integrated courses that help students get the best of both worlds.

This was followed by Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ’s speech in which Fr Principal congratulated the department of psychology on conducting such a national-level conference as the theme of transcending barriers caused by prejudices and stereotypical views was very befitting.

This was followed by the presidential address delivered by Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ who spoke about the importance of psychology in day-to-day life, by asking the very searching question 'What is the ultimate purpose of our emotions?' "The ultimate purpose of our emotions is survival and transcendence." He spoke about how the beauty of psychology lies in the way we see ourselves concerning others while talking about what could be best for the whole rather than what could be best for the individual. He concluded his presidential remarks by urging the students to 'become their original selves'.

The conference focused on the areas of neuropsychology, child and adolescent psychology, design thinking and sports psychology by experts like Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran, Professor and Head, Clinical and Cognitive Psychology unit, NIMHANS. Dr Roopesh B Nagraj, Additional Professor of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, NIMHANS. Dr Shailaja Shastri, Psychologist and Director of Training and Research Initiatives, Bengaluru and Dr Chaitanya Sridhar, Sports and Peak Performance Consultant, Bengaluru.

The conference also included a workshop on the ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ conducted by Ravi Ramaswamy, Trustee, Centre for Community Dialogue and Change, Bengaluru.

The academic session consisted of a research paper and poster presentation. Other highlights of the programme were a thematic dance, Mad-Ad and face painting competitions.

Student convener Aparna Prashanth introduced the chief guest. Dr Shalini Aiyappa welcomed the gathering.