International Conference on Mental Health and Well-being Organized at SGRR University

The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Shri Guru Ram Rai University (SGRRU), in collaboration with Divya Karuna Organization, organized a grand one-day International Conference on “Mental Health and Well-being in a Changing World: Integration of Self, Nature, Consciousness and Global Challenges.” The conference aimed to promote awareness, research, and innovation in the field of mental health, while addressing global challenges related to mental well-being. The event was held at the university’s Pathribagh auditorium, with enthusiastic participation from hundreds of delegates from India and abroad, both in online and offline modes.

The conference was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof. (Dr.) Prathapan K. Pillai, Officiating Vice-Chancellor; Prof. (Dr.) Malvika Kandpal, Dean Student Welfare; Prof. (Dr.) Preeti Tiwari, Dean, Faculty of Humanities; Swami Dr. Parmarth Dev; Dr. Surendra Kumar Dhalwal; and Dr. Santosh Vishwakarma. In his congratulatory message, University’s Honourable President, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj, commended the organizers and said that mental health is one of the greatest needs of the present time. Conferences like these, he noted, play a vital role in building a healthy and balanced society.

Swami Dr. Parmarth Dev, Chief Central Coordinator, Bharat Swabhiman Nyas, Patanjali Yogpeeth, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that true mental health can be achieved through the harmony of self, nature, and consciousness. He encouraged students to live a disciplined life and to integrate India’s traditional knowledge systems into research and daily practice. Dr. Surendra Kumar Dhalwal, Head, Department of Clinical Psychology and Research, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Dehradun, discussed the Ayurvedic perspective of mental health, highlighting yoga and Ayurveda as scientific tools for achieving balance. Dr. Santosh Vishwakarma spoke on the importance of self-discipline and meditation, stating that mental peace is born from self-control.

Prof. (Dr.) Malvika Kandpal, Dean Student Welfare, expressed concern over the growing stress and imbalance among students and underlined the need for continuous dialogue on mental well-being. Prof. (Dr.) Preeti Tiwari, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, encouraged students to build mental resilience and maintain a positive outlook to face life’s challenges. She congratulated the Department of Psychology for successfully organizing such a relevant and meaningful event.

The conference also witnessed participation from several international speakers. Dr. Barry Rathner (Poland) shared insights on the global dimensions of mental health, Birungi Beatrice (Uganda) discussed the importance of mental health awareness in African communities, and Dr. Pramila Thapa (Nepal) spoke on mental health policy and public awareness initiatives in South Asian countries. Prof. Met (USA) delivered a lecture on positive mental health and emotional intelligence.

During the event, a book titled “International Conference on Vedic Psychology – Conference Proceedings and Glimpses” was released. In the valedictory session, the best paper presenters were felicitated — Ruhi Jain (Shri Ram Himalaya University) secured the first position, Surya Prakash (Patanjali University) second, and Ashish Dhyani (IMS Unison University) third.

The conference was successfully coordinated by S. Chandel and Dr. Garima Singh, with active participation from all deans, heads of departments, faculty members, and hundreds of students. The event proved to be a significant step toward promoting awareness and advancing dialogue on mental health and well-being.