INSIGHT 2026: International Conference on ‘Safe and Friendly Schools in the Asia Pacific Region’
Date: 26 & 27 February 2026
The Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Asia Pacific School Psychology Association (APSPA), successfully organised ‘INSIGHT’ 2026 on the theme ‘Safe and Friendly Schools in the Asia Pacific Region.’ The conference brought together academicians, practitioners and researchers to deliberate on evidence-based strategies for fostering inclusive, safe, and mentally healthy school environments across the Asia-Pacific region. The event was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Panch Ramalingam, International President, APSPA, and Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Pondicherry.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Parvathy Varma S., Ms. Coosje Griffiths, and Dr. Kiran Devendra, focusing on mental health integration, the role of school psychologists, and the Indian perspective on safe schooling. The conference featured special and plenary sessions by distinguished experts including Dr. Asem Babina Devi, Prof. V. S. R. Vijayakumar, Dr. T. Santhanam, Dr. Maxim Pereira, Ms. Angeetha Krishnan, Mr. Sabarish R., Ms. Shannon Steven (online), Dr. Narendra Singh Thagunna (online), Prof. Ishikawa Michiko and Ms. Hitomi Kuwayama (online), Ms. Adeeva Tatiana Nicolaevna (online), Dr. Novrattan Sharma, Prof. Janet Fernandes, and Dr. Vandana V. S. The sessions addressed diverse themes such as psychological safety, teen suicide prevention, positive youth development, inclusive education for differently abled children, self-regulated learning, consultation in schools, school counselling in India, hygiene education, academic self-efficacy interventions, and emotional and behavioural challenges in educational settings.

The inauguration was further marked by the release of ‘Pravaha,’ the department magazine, presented to Prof. Janet Fernandes of St. Xavier’s College, Goa, as well as the Arabic translation of ‘School Psychology in the Indian Context’ released by Dr. Kiran Devendra and Dr. VSR Vijayakumar. Furthermore, scientific paper presentations were conducted in parallel in both offline and online modes, facilitating research dissemination and scholarly engagement. ‘INSIGHT’ 2026 successfully fostered international dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-informed practice, reinforcing the collective commitment to creating safe, compassionate, and student-centered schools across the Asia-Pacific region.

International Conference INSIGHT 2025: Mental Health at Work
Date: 27 & 28 March 2025 November 2024
The Department of Psychology at Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, in collaboration with the Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI), successfully hosted the International Conference INSIGHT 2025: Mental Health at Work on March 27–28, 2025. The conference provided a dynamic platform for over 300 delegates from India and across the globe, including Morocco, Spain, Malaysia, Qatar, and Indonesia, to engage in discussions on workplace mental well-being. Attended by psychologists, industry leaders, and academicians, the event facilitated meaningful dialogues on fostering healthier work environments.

The conference commenced with an inspiring inaugural ceremony graced by eminent figures such as Dr. K. Ramachandran, Former Director of the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), and Dr. Jamuna Rajeswaran, Professor and Head, Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, and Hon. President of CPSI. Both speakers highlighted the growing recognition of psychological support in workplace settings. Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal of Kristu Jayanti College, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health in enhancing organizational success.

The first day featured thought-provoking keynote addresses and plenary sessions. Dr. Annette Kreuz Smolinski, Director of ‘Phase 2’ Family Therapy Centre, Spain, delivered a keynote session on Systemic Approaches to Workplace Mental Health, likening workplace dynamics to family systems. Dr. Upinder Dhar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, underscored the importance of psychological assessments in recruitment and employee well-being.

Plenary sessions included Entrepreneurship and Mental Resilience by Dr. Keerthi Pai, Mental Health Advisor at Apollo Shine Foundation, and Technology and Mental Health at Work by Dr. Smriti Joshi, Chief of Clinical Services at Wysa. The day concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by the psychology students, celebrating the role of creativity in mental well-being.

The second day delved deeper into specialized themes, beginning with a keynote session on Strategic Change Management by Dr. R. Karthikeyan, Founder of Gemba Management Consulting. Dr. Rajani Parthasarathy, Deputy Director (Mental Health), Government of Karnataka, elaborated on Mental Health Initiatives by the Government, discussing policy interventions and community outreach programs.

A session on Mindfulness and Resilience Training at Workplaces, led by Dr. Kalpana Srivastava, Professor at Amity Institute of Behavioural Health & Allied Sciences, provided insights into cultivating resilience among employees. The panel discussion on Inclusivity in the Workplace featured an esteemed panel of experts, including Mr. Venkatachalam Subramanian, Senior Manager at Accenture; Dr. K V Kishore Kumar, Executive Director of BALM; and moderator Mr. Sumit Dutta, Counseling Psychologist.

INSIGHT 2025 showcased 129 scientific paper presentations and 59 poster presentations covering diverse themes related to workplace mental health. These research contributions reflected the evolving landscape of workplace mental health strategies and interventions.

The conference successfully reinforced the urgency of prioritizing mental health in professional spaces. By fostering insightful discussions, research collaborations, and policy recommendations, INSIGHT 2025 paved the way for a more resilient, inclusive, and healthier workforce. The event left a lasting impact on participants, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health in shaping the future of work.