National Book Trust, India (NBT) was Knowledge Partner for the webinar on ‘Innovations and Skill Opportunities in current Pandemic Time: Physical and Psychological problems’ that was organized by ASSOCHAM Education Council in collaboration with Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (MDU) on May 25, 2021.
In the opening address, Shri Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education & Chancellor and Co-Founder Shobhit University emphasized on the importance of the role of educationists, psychologists, and institutions like NBT in helping people deal with the pandemic induced restrictions that are resulting in increasing depression and anxiety among the people. Thanking NBT on its initiatives, he added that books are wonderful companions on our journey inwards.
Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director NBT, India (Ministry of Education), in his address said that the years old adage ‘Health is Wealth’ has developed a new meaning in current times where health is not just physical but also mental and spiritual. He further added that in these unprecedented times, we as a society, must leave behind the stigma attached to seeking treatment for mental health. Only the collective might and will of the nation can defeat this physical and psychological enemy. He also shared details aboutthe ‘Corona Helpline’ that has been set up by NBT, which provides free consultation by eminent psychologists /counsellors over phone to general public on their concerns over psycho-social issues related to Covid-19.
Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, Senior Psychiatrist &Incharge Institute of Mental Health & Life Skills Promotion, Moolchand Medcity, and member Working Group, Manodarpan, Ministry of Education in his address said that it is the right time for community participation in addressing the mental health crisis that has pervaded all sectors of society. He further added that we can individually help the healthcare sector of the nation by helping ourselves in seeking help and treatment for our own mental health.
Prof. Rajbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, MDU, in his address said that psychological health is very important in the present scenario and educational institutions need to find ways and means to attend to that aspect of personality development. Prof. Nov Rattan Sharma, Prof of Psychology and Dean Academic Affairs MDU, Dr. Promila Batra, former Professor of Psychology and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences MDU, and Prof. Dr. Poonam Devdutt, Director Centre for Psychology and Human Behavior, Shobhit Deemed University also shared their views on measures that can be taken to deal with the psychomatic impact of the pandemic.The Summit was moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Munish Garg Director, Centre for Incubation, Innovation and Startup, MDU and coordinated by Shri Neeraj Arora, Senior Director & Head ASSOCHAM National Council on Education.
The Summit was attended by Educationists, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Principals, Deans, Directors and educationists from Government and Private Universities, Institutions, Colleges, Edutech startups and students from across the country.
