The in-house documentary of Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS), ‘Uljhan’, has been officially selected for the prestigious Egyptian American Film Festival, which will take place in New York from November 8-11, 2024. It comes at a time when ‘Uljhan’ has advanced to the finals of China International Conference of Science and Education Producers Awards, hosted by the China Science Film and Video Association (CSFVA), a major international event focused on awarding innovative science and educational programmes.

‘Uljhan’ is a poignant 40-minute documentary that delves deep into the lives of families raising children on the autism spectrum in India. The film confronts societal misconceptions, highlights the relentless efforts of families, and showcases the critical role of grassroots organisations in destigmatising autism. It is an emotional exploration of a mother’s journey, the struggles faced by families, and the importance of understanding autism.

Mental Health Week at JIBS

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, JIBS kicked off its Mental Health Week celebrations on October 8. The event opened with remarks from students, followed by a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Pulkit Khanna, Dean, JIBS, and inaugural address by Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU).

Dr. Vasundharaa Santhosh Nair, Assistant Professor, JIBS introduced the significance of Mental Health Week, emphasising the importance of prioritising mental health in workplaces. The ceremony also featured a vibrant classical dance performance by students.

The day continued with a powerful panel discussion titled ‘Workplace Wellness: Current Trends & Future Path’, featuring notable experts including Dr. Satyen Sharma, Psychiatrist and Workplace Wellness Expert, Ms. Parul Dhingra, Employee Wellness Manager at Future First, Ms. Charu Sukheja Wellness Consultant & Yoga Trainer, Dr. Kannu Priya Kamboj, Assistant Professor, JGU and Certified EMDR Therapist, and moderated by Prof. Namita Ruparel, Assistant Professor at JIBS. The session explored strategies to foster mental well-being in corporate settings.

JIBS students organise art therapy

The JIBS students held a special Art Therapy session titled ‘Colours of Mind’ for the faculty. The session offered faculty and administrative staff a creative outlet to explore the power of art as a tool for emotional regulation and stress relief. Participants were able to express their emotions through art in a reflective and supportive environment, fostering mindfulness and connection.

JIBS organises Programme for Housewives

To commemorate ‘World Mental Health Week 2024’, a group from the M.Sc. Psychosocial Rehabilitation programme at the JIBS organised an event focused on stress management for housewives. Recognising that home can be a place where women are often unacknowledged and have to juggle responsibilities that can lead to stress and burnout, the aim was to provide a safe, empowering space where housewives could express their mental health concerns and discover effective coping strategies.

Activities included:

‘Nukkad Natak’ – A humorous yet impactful street play highlighting everyday stressors that housewives face, from managing household chores to societal expectations. This was an engaging way to break the ice and make women reflect on their mental health.

Art Therapy – Participants were encouraged to express their emotions through drawing. This therapeutic exercise allowed the housewives to explore and articulate their feelings creatively, promoting self-awareness and stress relief.

Peer Support Session – Housewives shared their stories and challenges, fostering connection and mutual support. This created a non-judgmental space where participants could relate to one another’s struggles, building a sense of community and emotional resilience.

Dance Therapy – The dance therapy helped participants release stress and connect with their bodies, promoting mental well-being through movement.

JIBS Masterclasses

• A Masterclass on ‘Supported Education Programme for Students with Mental Health Issues – A Psychosocial Rehabilitation Approach’ was conducted by Dr. Sadananda Reddy, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling (JSPC). JGU, on October 3^.
  
  The session aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with students with mental health disabilities and contribute to the optimum development and well-being of the students.
• The Centre for Leadership and Change at the JIBS hosted a Masterclass on Regression Analysis on October 14. The session was conducted by Mr. Arjun Gupta, a psychologist and advocate for men’s mental health.
  
  Mr. Gupta delivered an interactive session that helped students grasp key statistical concepts easily. He is known for making complex topics easy to understand, and his session was both educational and enjoyable for the participants.
• The first-year students of MSc. Psychosocial Rehabilitation at JIBS engaged in an interactive and insightful masterclass on ‘Introduction to Regression Analysis’ with the speaker Dr. Chisom Ubabukoh, Associate Professor, JGU, on October 14. The session focused on providing a detailed overview of the meaning of regression, how it differs from correlation and reading and interpretation of regression tables.
  
  The event started with the introduction of what regression actually means and how it is different from correlation. The concept of linear regression was introduced and through simple and easy-to-understand examples, the different types of linear regression were discussed. The session was wrapped up by a detailed explanation of how the regression table is read and interpreted followed by the basic assumptions of linear regression.
• JIBS organised a masterclass titled ‘REBT Reframing Illustration,’ on October 17 conducted by Dr. Roshan Lal Dewangan, Associate Professor, JSPC. Dr. Dewangan offered practical insights into the application of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) techniques.
  
  With a focus on the identification and transformation of irrational beliefs into constructive thoughts, the masterclass helped students understand the critical processes of reframing clients’ negative cognitions. Dr. Dewangan explained how challenging irrational beliefs could lead to cognitive and behavioural change, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The session provided a structured approach to applying REBT techniques, ensuring that participants left with actionable strategies they could implement in real-world scenarios.
• The JIBS organised a masterclass on ‘Scientific Investigation of Crime’ on October 21.   The session was facilitated by Dr. Amar Pal Singh, Assistant Director, Forensic Science Laboratory Delhi, Government of NCT of Delhi.
  
  The masterclass introduced students to the practical application of scientific techniques. This session focused on helping students understand how to identify challenges of a scene of crime investigation and how to apply scientific methods to solve them. Participants learned how to develop effective strategies for crime scene investigation, thereby improving investigation outcomes.
• Dr. Bhuvaneshwari B conducted a masterclass on ‘Mixed Methods Research in Behavioral Sciences- An introduction’. Held on October 24, the masterclass was conducted by the Center for Community Mental Health, JIBS.

• Col. Bejoy Raveendran facilitated a masterclass on ‘Leadership: Learning from Life Events’. The masterclass was conducted on October 22 by the Center for Leadership & Change, JIBS.

• Prof. Deepanshu Mohan, Director, IDEAS, JGU, delivered a lecture on ‘Visual and Performative Methods to Archive Marginalized Narratives’. The lecture was delivered on October 9 as a part of masterclass organised by JIBS.

JIBS students conduct interactive session

MSc Psychosocial Rehabilitation students JIBS organised an interactive session on ‘Effective Leadership and Teamwork’ for the employees at Brake Parts Inc LLC, Sonipat. The session was organised as part of the commemoration of ‘World Mental Health Day 2024’ at JIBS.

Students facilitated interactive activities, including identifying leadership skills, promoting interpersonal connections, and improving team communication. A segment on ‘Celebrating Daily Wins’ encouraged reflection on small achievements, fostering a positive work culture. The campaign concluded with creating a ‘Peer Recognition Wall,’ emphasising appreciation and accountability. This experience gave attendees and students valuable insights into the importance of leadership, empathy, and teamwork in creating a supportive and productive workplace.

JIBS students host session at Spread Smile Foundation

As a part of World Mental Health Week, first-year students of MSc Psychosocial Rehabilitation of JIBS hosted a session on ‘Emotional Regulation’ for the volunteers of Spread Smile Foundation, Sonipat.

Aligned closely with the ‘World Mental Health Day 2024’ theme, the campaign focused on enhancing emotional regulation at the workplace to help employees deal effectively with workplace stressors, practice empathy, and maintain a healthy emotional balance. The session also included stories and interactive activities to help them navigate challenging times at the workplace. Organised under the guidance of Dr. Amrita Roy, Assistant Professor, JIBS, the session was attended by nearly 30 volunteers.

JIBS faculty members visit NSDC

The faculty from the JIBS conducted on October 9 an interactive session on workplace mental health at two prominent organisations, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Shahi Exports, discussing workplace mental health initiatives.

The event aimed at highlighting the importance of mental health in workplaces, addressing the stigma associated with mental health conversations and promoting a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all.

Students conduct session for school teachers

Students of MSc Psychosocial Rehabilitation at JIBS organised an interactive session on ‘Preventing Burnout and Thriving at Work’ for teachers at The Palms Global School. The session focused on recognising burnout and providing practical tools for managing workplace stress.

The event started with teachers writing down their current stressors on a smiley ball, which set the stage for the first step of stress management—identifying stressors. The concept of burnout was introduced, and participants engaged in self-assessment of stress levels using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The session wrapped up with a creative and hands-on approach with journaling, colouring, and word search activities — techniques proven to help manage stress at the moment. A discussion followed, where teachers shared their personal stress busters, like watching students play or doing puzzles with their kids.

JIBS students visit District Hospital, Panipat

MSc Psychosocial Rehabilitation students at the JIBS visited the District Hospital in Panipat on October 21, gaining valuable insights into its multidisciplinary healthcare services. The visit provided the students with invaluable real-world exposure to the mental healthcare service delivery system within the public health sector.

Students observed key departments, including the Female Ward, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centre, Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centre. Each department offered a unique perspective on patient care, from addressing malnutrition in children to managing HIV treatment and rehabilitation for substance dependence.

The interaction with healthcare professionals provided a deeper understanding of clinical processes, public health interventions, and challenges in community-based care. It was a truly enriching experience that broadened the students’ practical knowledge and prepared them for future roles in psychosocial rehabilitation.

JIBS conducts sexual abuse awareness session

Along with One Stop Centre, Sonipat (Department of Women and Child, Haryana) representative of Awareness for Community Transformation (ACT) at JIBS visited Kailana Senior Secondary School on October 7. The visit aimed to increase understanding of sexual abuse, its impact, and strategies for prevention and support among students.

During the visit, ACT representatives conducted interactive sessions on topics such as good touch, bad touch, and the portrayal of sexism in media. Participants were also provided with information on support resources and coping strategies. The visit was a valuable opportunity to engage with students and teachers and discuss critical social issues in the school and community. ACT plans to continue conducting similar visits to government schools and the local community in Sonipat district to reach a wider audience for community transformation.