Professor (Dr.) Pulkit Khanna, Dean, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS), has been appointed 'Academic Wellness Director for India' at the prestigious STAR Scholars Network, a global community of transnational scholars committed to research, ethics, and social impact.
In this vital role, Dr. Khanna will lead the organisation of both virtual and in-person wellness initiatives, addressing key mental health and well-being challenges within academic spaces. She will also contribute to the Network’s growing community of practice, helping shape a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient academic culture across borders.
The Master's in Psychosocial Rehabilitation programme at JIBS, mentored by Dr. Amrita Roy, Assistant Professor, visited the SOS Children's Villages of India in Bawana, Delhi, on March 20. Through interactions with staff and residents, students gained substantive insights into the meticulously designed framework supporting 171 children across 16 family homes, each guided by a dedicated ‘mother’ fostering stability, emotional security, and personal growth.
Students observed the intricate balance of logistical coordination, emotional investment, and professional commitment that sustains a stable, family-like environment for orphaned and abandoned children. The students analysed how individualised care and community-building efforts foster belonging and security, reinforcing the role of structured care systems in promoting emotional well-being and psychological resilience.
As part of the Awareness for Community Transformation (ACT) Clinic’s outreach initiative, JIBS conducted a Maternal Mental Health Awareness Session at Rai Anganwadi Centre on March 28, In the session, 25 to 30 pregnant and lactating mothers participated, many accompanied by their toddlers.
The session began with an engaging 'Myth vs. Fact' activity, where the participants actively debunked common misconceptions about maternal mental health. The discussion emphasised the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking timely support. Following this, Dr. Amrita Roy, Assistant Professor, JIBS, led a discussion on sleep difficulties during pregnancy, addressing common struggles mothers face. She provided practical strategies to improve sleep quality, stressing the significance of mental well-being during this phase.
The Centre for Community Mental Health (CCMH), JIBS, in collaboration with the Centre for Neurodiversity Studies (CNS), hosted a panel discussion on ‘Diverse Perspectives on Autism’. Conducted under the guidance of Dr. Vasundharaa Santhosh Nair, Assistant Professor and Dr. Deepali Taneja, on April 3, the session featured Mrs. Milan Mishra Singh (caregiver & businesswoman), Ms. Muskan P. (psychotherapist), and Ms. Palak Uppal (special educator).
The conversation explored autism, autistic experiences, and neurodivergent experiences through lived experiences and actual cases, offering valuable food for thought to future professionals. Discussions also focused on enhancing sustainable and inclusive environments by proactively engaging with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs, creating choices, and not just responding to requests.
JIBS students attended a Masterclass on ‘Becoming a Successful Therapist: Setting Up and Growing your Private Practice in India’ by Dr. Anjuman Nayyar on April 7. The discussion covered essential aspects of building a successful therapy practice, including the qualities of an effective therapist, the importance of internships and mentorship, legal and ethical considerations, financial planning, client outreach, and strategies for practice expansion.
Dr. Nayyar is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Olive Minds. Her expertise and real-world examples gave students a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in private practice. The interactive discussions allowed participants to clarify their doubts and gain practical knowledge, equipping them for future professional journeys.
The Centre for Community Mental Health at JIBS hosted a masterclass on ‘Social Currency and its Influence on Financial Well-Being’, led by Dr. Rashbha Dochania, Assistant Professor, Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi on April 11.
Masterclass delved into the intersection of financial literacy and psychological well-being, making complex financial concepts relatable and thought-provoking. The session explored a wide range of topics, including financial stress, behavioural finance, financial socialisation agents, and the gender gap in financial literacy. Thoughtful discussions were sparked around the difference between money and wealth, and the age-old question: can money truly buy happiness?
JIBS students attended a masterclass titled 'Drama Therapy through the Lens of Mind-Body Connection in Therapy Spaces' conducted on April 17 by Ms. Shruti Garg, a seasoned practitioner with an MA in Drama and Movement Therapy (University of London), and additional training in Trauma-Focused Therapy (TISS, Mumbai) and Queer-Affirmative Therapy (MHI).
The session was designed to be immersive and experiential, with a strong emphasis on physically engaging with therapeutic tools and techniques. Ms. Garg guided us through a series of hands-on exercises that emphasised the profound link between bodily sensations and emotional experiences. Through movement, breathwork, and dramatic expression, we were able to explore how the body can act as a vessel for healing and self-awareness.
Students of the Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Programme at JIBS visited the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi on April 24, as part of their academic exposure to clinical settings in mental health care. The visit was coordinated and supervised by faculty members Dr. Amrita Roy and Dr. Aasim Ur Rehman Ganie.
The objective of the field visit was to help students gain practical insights into the multidisciplinary approaches used in the treatment and care of individuals with mental health conditions. It aimed to bridge classroom learning with real-world practices in a tertiary mental health care setup. The visit aimed at enhancing the understanding of mental health care delivery in institutional settings and familiarising the students with the roles and responsibilities of various mental health professionals.
As part of the ACT Clinic’s outreach initiative, JIBS conducted a ‘Maternal Mental Health Awareness Session’ at Kharkhoda Government Primary School on April 21. The session saw the participation of 35-40 pregnant and lactating women, creating a safe and engaging space for sharing and learning.
The discussion was facilitated by Dr. Vasundharaa Santhosh Nair, Assistant Professor, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being during and after pregnancy. Activities like Myth vs. Fact and One Step Forward, led by the ACT Clinic outreach team, helped participants challenge misconceptions and share their experiences. A short open discussion followed the activities, allowing women to voice their concerns and ask questions. Helpline numbers and mental health resources were distributed to ensure continued support.