“HEALING MINDS–2026′ WORKSHOP”
Navodaya Medical College, Department of Pharmacology in association with Navodaya School and College of Nursing, Raichur successfully organized a one-day interdisciplinary Workshop titled “Healing Minds–2026: Every Mind Matters, Every Life Counts on 25th July 2026 at Dr. S. R. Hegde Silver Jubilee Auditorium, Navodaya Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Raichur.
The workshop commenced with registration, followed by the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Monica, Tutor, Department of Pharmacology, Navodaya Medical College, welcomed the gathering. Dr. T. Srinivasa, Registrar, Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur. delivered the Guest of Honour address, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting mental health. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Gurudatta Pawar, Dean/Principal, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur. who highlighted the growing need for mental health awareness and the collective responsibility of healthcare professionals in providing holistic and compassionate care. The inaugural ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Hetzy Suthanakumari D, Principal, Navodaya College of Nursing, Raichur.
The scientific programme featured eight expert sessions focusing on contemporary mental health issues. We were honoured to welcome distinguished experts from the field of Psychiatry: Dr. Aditya Pandurangi, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, DIMHANS, Dharwad, and Dr. T. Sanjana, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital, Bengaluru.
We also had the privilege of learning from eminent Nursing experts: Dr. Srinivasan P., Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, AIIMS Mangalagiri; Dr. Flavia Sharlet Noronha, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal; and Dr. Santosh Indi, Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, BLDEA College of Nursing, Tikota, and Member of the Senate, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
The sessions covered Understanding Mental Health in Modern Society, Anxiety Disorders: From Recognition to Holistic Management, Depression and Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Across the Lifespan, Substance Use Disorders: Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Emergencies and Crisis Intervention, Integrated Case-Based Panel Discussion, and De-escalation Techniques. These sessions were delivered by eminent psychiatrists, pharmacologists, and psychiatric nursing experts, providing participants with practical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to mental healthcare.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and students of Navodaya College of Nursing and Navodaya Medical College, along with healthcare professionals from various disciplines. Participants actively engaged in scientific discussions, case-based learning, and interactive sessions, enhancing their knowledge of the early identification and management of mental health disorders, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, and evidence-based psychiatric nursing practices.
The programme emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing the growing burden of mental illness and highlighted the crucial role of nurses in promoting mental health awareness, delivering compassionate care, and supporting patients and their families.
The workshop concluded with a role-play demonstration, certificate distribution, participant feedback, and a valedictory session. The programme was conducted under the observation of the Karnataka Medical Council and Karnataka State Nursing Council (KNC) Observer. Participants appreciated the workshop for its informative and practical approach, stating that it would significantly strengthen their teaching, clinical practice, and community mental health services. The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to conducting similar academic programmes in the future to promote excellence in nursing education and mental healthcare.
