Key Hightlights

The 50th National Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP)

The 50th National Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) proved to be a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of clinical psychology in India. The event, held at Sri Aurobindo University, Indore, from 8th February 20224 to 11th February 2024 on the Theme:- ‘Clinical Psychology: Retrospect and Prospect’ by the Department of Clinical Psychology, SAU, witnessed the convergence of over 700 participants, creating a diverse and engaged community of clinical psychologists and mental health professionals. The resounding success owes much to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organizations, whose unwavering support and dedication played a pivotal role in making this event a triumph.

The distinguished presence and support of Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot Ji, the Governor of Karnataka, as the chief guest, added prestige to the conference. Shri Gehlot's role as the former Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and his extensive experience in the Indian Parliament further elevated the event’s significance. We extend our sincere gratitude to Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot Ji for gracing the occasion with his presence and providing valuable support, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all involved.

Sri Aurobindo University provided a conducive environment for intellectual exchange. We express our gratitude for the contributions of the university’s leadership, including Dr. Vinod Bhandari, founder chairman of SAIMS, Chancellor Dr. Manjushree Bhandari, Pro Chancellor Dr. Mohit Bhandari, Pro Chancellor Dr. Mahak Bhandari, Vice Chancellor Dr. Jyoti Bindal, Registrar Dr. Anand Mishra, Dean Dr. R.R. Wavare, and Dean Student Welfare Dr. Jayshree Tapadia who all were instrumental in shaping the success of the conference.

Behind the scenes, the contributions of 95 staff members, including catering, lighting, decoration teams, gardeners, drivers, housekeeping, and guards, were crucial. Special mention goes to Mr. Prashant Tetwal for technical support, Mr. Yash Vijayvargia for exceptional management skills, Mr. Durga Shankar Yadav for catering expertise, Mr. Himanshu Shrivastava for multimedia proficiency, and the efforts of Mr. Harsh, Mr. Ghanshyam Mishra and Mr. Pawan Godle in EDP, all of whom played instrumental roles in the conference's success.

The meticulously planned program encompassed more than 300 sessions, featuring 280 paper presentations, 18 symposiums, 14 invited sessions, 11 interactive sessions and 4 preconference workshops across 11 different halls. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference was enriched by the participation of professionals from paediatrics, neurology, oncology, surgery, psychiatry, psychiatric social work, psychiatric nursing, dental, occupational therapy, speech and audiology, rehabilitation counselling and other departments which created a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and professional development.

A noteworthy initiative came from the Department of Oncology, with a skit performed by esteemed doctors to raise awareness about the importance of psychological services for the mental health of cancer patients and their families. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. P. Chitalkar for spearheading this impactful initiative. Volunteers from the Psychiatry department and Nursing department of SAU, MGM College, and private practitioners of Indore contributed significantly to the event's success and underscored the collective effort in ensuring the seamless execution of the conference.

A total registration of around 700 participants highlighted the nationwide reach of the IACP, with contributions from institutes spanning from all over the India. Noteworthy sessions were conducted by experts from NIMHANS, IHBAS, AIIMS, and esteemed institutes of India along with insightful sessions from Dr. Indla Ramasubha Reddy, Former President of IPS and Dr. Bankey Lal Dubey from the USA, added a global perspective to the event.

The leadership of IACP, with Dr. Dherandra Kumar (President), Dr. Vikas Sharma (Secretary), Dr. G.S. Kaloiya (President Elect), played a pivotal role in steering the conference towards success. Special mention goes to Dr. Muddasar Hasan, Ms. Shweta Sharma and Dr. Anwesha Mondal, co-organizing secretaries, for their significant contributions. Dr. R.S. Bhati's unwavering support was essential in the smooth execution of the conference.

The valedictory session, featuring Dr. Manoranjan Sahay, a founding member of IACP, and Dr. Anand Mishra, Registrar of SAU, added a touch of nostalgia and reflected on the journey of clinical psychology in India. The session also acknowledged the 25 best paper awardees selected from each scientific session throughout the conference.

In conclusion, the 50th National Annual Conference of the IACP stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. The dedication exhibited by all involved has undoubtedly contributed to the advancement of clinical psychology in India. As we reflect on this milestone, we look forward to continued success and growth in the years to come.