Chandigarh, 12, September
The Indian Association of Health, Research and Welfare (IAHRW), led by Dr. Sunil Saini, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and Postgraduate Government College for Girls (PGGCG), Sector-11, Chandigarh, organized a Three-Day National CRE Workshop on contemporary challenges in child and adolescent mental health.
Dr. Munish Nagpal, IAS, Special Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Office of the Chief Secretary, Chandigarh, graced the second day of the workshop as Chief Guest. More than 220 participants from colleges, universities and health institutions across eight states attended the workshop, including mental health professionals, healthcare professionals, faculty members and students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nagpal highlighted the profound transition from traditional family structures to the present digital age. He emphasized that while technology has expanded opportunities for learning and communication, excessive screen time, social media addiction and emerging behavioural and psychological concerns pose significant challenges for children and adolescents.
The workshop featured 11 academic sessions conducted by 12 eminent resource persons from institutions including PGIMER Chandigarh, GMCH Sector-32, Fortis Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Amity University. The sessions provided participants with contemporary knowledge and practical insights, emphasizing awareness, early identification, professional intervention and collaborative efforts to address emerging mental-health challenges among children and adolescents.