Conference stresses community-centred approach

The third and concluding day of the National Conference of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry (NCIASP 2025) ended with a strong emphasis on community-centred approach, live experiences and profound connection between space, identity and mental health.

A plenary session by Dr Chetna Duggal, “Where the Roads Meet: Pathways to Strengthening Community Mental Health Care”, underscored the need for integrated and culturally sensitive services. Duggal mapped future directions for building stronger network of care that are accessible and embedded within the community fabric.

In another keynote address, Siddartha Wig reflected on “The Idea of Home: How Physical Space Shapes Our Mental Health”. Drawing from architecture, live experience and social psychiatry, he illustrated how the environment in which people live could deeply influence psychological well-being.

Purvai Aranya presented ‘Waterlog’, a moving narrative that explored resilience and creativity in the face of mental health challenges. The day also featured symposiums spanning youth and family mental health, digital influences and innovative community-based care models.