Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS) started the academic session with a commencement lecture by Mr. Sunil Goyal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sopra Steria India. The lecture took place in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, JGU, Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar, JGU, and Prof. (Dr.) Pulkit Khanna, Dean, JIBS. The lecture, themed ‘The Human Factor: People Skills to Navigate the Evolving Workplace’ emphasised the importance of interpersonal skills in today’s dynamic professional environment. The lecture marked the start of the academic journey of the new cohort of Masters in Applied Psychology and M.Sc. in Psychosocial Rehabilitation students.

JIBS faculty member awarded prestigious grant

Dr. Bhasker Malu, Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Academic Affairs) of JIBS, has been awarded a prestigious research grant from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP).

The International Bridge Building Award will support Dr. Malu’s efforts to foster global connections and communication. With this grant, Dr. Malu will incubate and test innovative ideas by organising talks and panel discussions aimed at enhancing the understanding of race-based identity research in India. This initiative will involve collaboration with scholars from both the Global North and South, promoting a richer, more nuanced discourse on this topic. Additionally, as part of this grant, Dr. Malu will travel to the United States as a visiting scholar at Claremont Graduate University.

Guest lecture by Swiss Embassy official

Dr. Indraneel Ghose, Senior Thematic Advisor for Education, Research and Innovation at the Embassy of Switzerland in India delivered a Guest Lecture on ‘Swiss Funding Opportunities for Students’. Dr. Ghose

shared with attendees the study opportunities and the associated funding that might be available for students from India. Dr. Ghose has been working at the Embassy of Switzerland in India since 2012. His responsibilities include the promotion of science and technology cooperation between Switzerland and India.

Session on Women’s Equality Day

JIBS organised an interactive session on ‘The Burden of Expectations – Exploring the Intersection of Societal Norms and Women’s Mental Health’ on August 17 in commemoration of Women’s Equality Day. The session was conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Saumya Uma, Professor of Law, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), and Dr. Aditi Krishna, Assistant Professor, JGLS. The event aimed at illuminating the unique challenges faced by women in today’s society and the impact of societal expectations on their mental well-being. Speakers examined the complexities of gender roles, stereotypes, and the pressure to conform. They explored strategies for promoting mental health and empowerment.

Interactive session on National Sports Day

On August 30, JIBS held a special interactive session on ‘Mental Resilience and Support in Sports’ to commemorate the National Sports Day. Dr Nanaki J. Chadha, Sports & Performance Psychologist, conducted the session. The session was conducted with ample opportunity for interaction and learning.

Dr. Chadha is a Chartered Sport and Performance Psychologist under the British Psychological Society (BPS). She has collaborated with prominent national and international sporting organisations such as Indian Golf Union (IGU), Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, City of Stoke Athletics Club, Staffs Elite Programme, Cycling Federation of India (CFI), National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), etc.

Visit to Civil Hospital, Sonipat

On the eve of International Youth Day 2024, the Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) at JIBS organised a field visit to the Civil Hospital in Sonipat on August 12. Students had the opportunity to observe psychiatric sessions, interact with patients, conduct mental status examinations, and take case histories under the supervision of renowned psychiatrists at the hospital. The visit also aimed to raise mental health awareness. Students distributed informative pamphlets highlighting potential signs of poor mental health and engaged with patients and visitors to encourage positive life changes.

Visit to GVM Girls College, Sonipat

JIBS organised an Anxiety Awareness and Screening Camp at GVM Girls College, Sonipat, August 12, 2024 with a focus on promoting mental well-being among youth. Students of M.Sc. Psychosocial Rehabilitation provided a brief orientation on anxiety and its management strategies. They conducted a short screening on anxiety among the audience using a self-report inventory.  This was followed by a session on Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking led by Ms. Kaveri Gupta, Assistant Professor, JIBS. Over 100 young women benefitted from this initiative.

Visit to NGO office

Students of Masters in Rehabilitation Science, MSc Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Masters in Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) at JIBS visited the Ideal Youth for Revolutionary Changes, an NGO in Kapashera, New Delhi on August 23. The visit provided students an opportunity to engage with the grassroots work being done by the NGO, which primarily focuses on supporting the migrant community residing in the area. As a part of the visit, the students were introduced to the organisation, their work, and their impact on the community. The students were taken on a brief tour of the community after the interactive session in which they could observe first-hand the living conditions and infrastructure challenges faced by the residents.

Visit to Sanjivini Society

On August 29, students of M.Sc. Psychosocial Rehabilitation at JIBS visited the rehabilitation setting of the Sanjivini Society for Mental Health, Delhi. Sanjivini is a registered non-profit voluntary organisation committed to providing accessible mental healthcare services for more than four decades. During the visit, students learnt about the journey of Sanjivini, its services, including rehabilitation services available to people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The students were given a guided tour of the center. The first-hand exposure to the rehabilitation setting helped students explore therapeutic rehabilitation interventions and conceptualise the need for and importance of rehabilitation services for those facing challenges due to mental illness.