The Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is hosting the 32nd National Conference of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry (NCIASP-2025) from 12th to 14th September 2025. The event brings together leading experts in psychiatry, social sciences, and mental health policy to discuss critical societal influences on psychological well-being. The theme this year, “Social Determinants of Mental Health,” highlights the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors—including poverty, stigma, urbanisation, migration, and digital life—on mental health outcomes.
NCIASP-2025 Inaugural Ceremony and Leadership
The Inaugural Ceremony was held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre Auditorium, PGIMER. Prof. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, was the Chief Guest, and Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER Chandigarh, attended as the Guest of Honour. The Department of Psychiatry, under Prof. D Basu, emphasised that the conference aims to connect clinical science with social realities, ensuring that research and policy remain globally relevant and locally applicable.
Conference Program and Key Discussions
Over 250 national and international delegates are participating in the three-day conference. The program includes:
- Orations, lectures, symposia, workshops, and panel discussions.
- Quiz and free paper sessions for young researchers and postgraduate students.
Key discussion areas include:
- Effects of inequities, stigma, and family structures on mental health.
- Psychological impact of migration, displacement, and urban stressors.
- Role of digital technologies, workplace culture, and education systems in shaping mental health across the lifespan.
- Integration of community-based interventions with mental health policies and practices for inclusive care.
Opportunities for Young Researchers and Policy Impact
NCIASP-2025 provides young researchers and early-career clinicians a platform to present their work and interact with senior experts. The deliberations are expected to contribute to policy recommendations and frameworks that strengthen India’s mental health care initiatives. The conference underscores PGIMER’s broader mission to combine excellence in education, research, and patient care with meaningful community impact, promoting social psychiatry as a cornerstone of mental health in India.
