Department of PG Studies and Research in Psychology in association with Paramarsh Scheme organized an Online International Conference on Mental Health : A Global Concern And Conviction on 29th January 2021.The inaugurator of the conference was Smt. Shraddha Amith , President of Jnana Kendra Bengaluru. In her inaugural address she highlighted the importance of abhayadaana which plays a significant role in helping people find solace and solution to their various problems. The president for the inaugural session was Dr. Sathischandra S, Principal , SDM College. In his presidential remarks he emphasized on the importance of mental health professionals in providing suggestion, solution and introducing and implementing various wellbeing strategies which helps in maintaining positive mental health. The key note address was delivered by Dr. Sebastian Perumbilly, Associate Professor in MFT Program, Department of Social Work, School of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, USA. His enthusiastic presentation of the topic kept us engaged through out the session and gave important inputs about the life during COVID 19 and Life with COVID 19. The second key note speaker was Dr. Johnson Alex, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Behavior Science, College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, on the topic Mental Health for all: Greater investment and greater access, which was the theme of World Mental Health Day 2020. Dr. Johnson Alex emphasized the challenges pertaining to accessing mental health services and provided valuable insights about the importance of greater investment and the change that can be brought in the field. A total of 27 research articles were presented by students, professionals and research scholars in three simultaneous sessions. The Chair persons for the paper presentation sessions were Dr. M.Y.Manjula, Professor Emeritus, Christ University, Bangalore, Dr. Deepa M.R, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, MAHE, Manipal and Dr. Sudheer K.V, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, SDM College, Ujire. Recorded videos of the research article presentation presented during the session, following which live discussion was carried out. The chief guest for Valedictory address was Dr. M.Y Manjula , Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore. She spoke about the Effective use of Social Media. The presidential remarks of the programme was given by Dr. Vishwanath. P, Dean of PG Studies.
