Mental well-being important in age of social media: Punjabi University VC

The Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, has established an online and telephonic counselling training cell (OTCTC). During the inauguration PU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Jagdeep Singh said, “The cell has been established with support of the university’s entrepreneurship, innovation and career hub (EICH).”

The cell’s formal inauguration was followed by a special workshop in which experts shared their insights on virtual counselling and psychological entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jagdeep Singh emphasised that mental well-being had become extremely important in the age of social media. He said, “Young people, in particular, are facing numerous psychological challenges. In such circumstances, it is the responsibility of institutions to step forward and provide mental health-related services.” He said Punjabi University was fulfilling this responsibility through the establishment of this cell.

He further said, “The youth are the greatest asset of the nation. Safeguarding this asset is a collective duty. Ensuring the mental well-being of young people in today’s digital era is crucial.”

He explained that the primary objective of the cell was to equip students to launch mental health-related start-ups, digital counselling platforms and independent counselling practices.

During the workshop, Dr Rahul Chakravarty and Dr Raj Lakshmi from the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, provided training on the Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) project and methods of handling emergency calls. They also shared insights from their daily clinical experience in the field.

Counselling psychologist Dr Harshmeet Kaur spoke about ethical considerations, the legal framework, and professional accountability in the domain of online counselling services. Prof Rohit Garg from the Government Rajindra Medical College, Patiala, also shared his professional experiences. EICH Director Prof Himender Bharti also presented his views during the event.

In the second session of the workshop, young researchers in the field of psychology, Harshit Katoch, Radha and Sharon Ratan, discussed AI-based mental health chatbots, safety protocols and ethical standards.

In her vote of thanks, Prof Damanjeet Sandhu, head, Department of Psychology and Nodal Officer, OTCTC, said, “The cell aims to launch a 24-hour mental health helpline service for university students in the future.” A large number of students, research scholars and faculty members were present on the occasion.