The Department of Psychology of St. Agnes College organized a National Level Seminar on Facing Challenges in Life on 2 February 2019. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr Santosh Prabhu, Assistant Professor, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Locum Consultant Psychiatrist, Queensland Health, Australia. The Principal of the college Sr Dr. M Jeswina A.C presided over the function. Mrs Vinatha K, Seminar Convenor, welcomed the gathering and words of gratitude were expressed by Dr Hithakshi HOD of Psychology and Ms Athena Aranha, organising secretary, compered the inaugural function.
The first session was conducted by Dr. Preethi Keerthi D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Mangalore University. The session was on challenges faced by an individual in life and the kind of attitude one must have while facing them. The resource person encouraged everyone to have a positive outlook in life and be optimistic in the face of challenges.
The second and third sessions were conducted by Dr Rameela Shekhar, Mental Health Professional, Manashanthi Counselling Research and Training Centre, Mangalore on various challenges in life and strategies to turn obstacles into opportunities. Her sessions answered the questions that the youth had. Her sessions encouraged everyone to face challenges and never to give up. She focused on how growing skepticism in society and lifestyle of the present generation leads to the development of different challenges and how changing one’s thoughts can change an obstacle to an opportunity.
The final session was conducted by Dr Rita Bhattacharjee, Counselling Psychologist, VIT University, Vellore. The session focused on different ways to overcome challenges in life. The resource person focused on the importance of maintaining good relationship, by giving numerous real life examples, as a method to overcome challenges.
The chief guest for the valedictory was Dr Audrey Pinto HOD, M.Sc. Counselling Psychology, School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya who spoke on how challenges were necessary to live life to the fullest and even smallest of the challenges can help us to adjust in life. Students took in charge of valedictory function and carried it out systematically.
