Chandigarh: Chitkara University’s new cutting-edge Psychology Programme was inaugurated today by Deepti Naval, a renowned actor, director, writer, painter and photographer, a well-known psychodramatist Magdalene Jeyarathnam and a handwriting analyst Mr Rajesh Kothari.
The Inauguration program of Psychology programs started with a formal lamp lighting ceremony performed by Pro Chancellor Dr. Madhu Chitkara.
Steered under the Chitkara School of Psychology and Counselling (CSPC), the course and event welcomed students of B.A.(Hons.) Applied Psychology, B.Sc. (Clinical Psychology), M.A. (Applied Psychology) and M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology) on the first day of their journey to become the Alpha Counsellors.
The illustrious Deepti Naval shared her thoughts on the role of psychology in theatre. In her session titled “Psychology and Theatre Saath Saath, Lamha Lamha with Deepti Naval's memoir” Deepti Naval talked about her life journey which has been beautifully captured in her Memoir “A Country Called Childhood”. The students were enlightened about the affinity between psychology and theatre as knowledge of psychology helps actors to have a better approach to their characters.
Another guest speaker gracing the event, Magdalene Jeyarathnam, an expressive arts therapist, Psychodramatist and founder of East West Center facilitated the newly joined students in gaining a deeper insight and enhancing their self-awareness through action methods and experiential exercises of Psychodrama.
Besides this, a session by a handwriting analyst, Rajesh S. Kothari helped the pupils in exploring their strengths and learning how personality can be shaped through changing handwriting for personal and professional success. The esteemed guest speakers applauded Chitkara University for developing a highly industry-oriented Psychology Programme with a dynamic and research-ingrained curriculum, aiming to develop highly competent, ethical and employable individuals.
The applied psychology programmes (Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts) aims to not only provide disciplinary knowledge but also empower students with hands-on experience and skills pertaining to psychological testing, assessment and counselling. The students after completing the programme would be able to use skills in specific areas related to their chosen specialization e.g. cognitive, industrial-organizational, counselling, health, educational, social, community etc. On the other hand, the Clinical Psychology programmes (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science) have been designed to keep pace with the disciplinary advances in the field of psychology. With the goal of acquiring specialized knowledge, the programme would allow students to nurture their academic interest in clinical psychology, along with personal growth and awareness. The courses will enable aspiring mental health professionals to develop the necessary skills and competencies required for practising as clinical psychologists.
In her address, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University asserted, "The University will be preparing highly skilled psychologists for the healthcare sector in the desirable competencies, innovative theoretical approaches and techniques. All the programmes in psychology at our campus are enthused with the spirit of interdisciplinary growth and to help students to conduct guided academic inquiries and empirical research in the chosen area of specialization."