New Delhi: The inaugural session of a one-day national conference organised by the Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (RIEC), University of Delhi, was held at the Convention Hall, Vice-Regal Lodge, University of Delhi. The conference was organised on the theme “Science Meets Social Science: Mental Well-Being and Happiness.”
Professor Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, University of Delhi, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Professor Rajni Abbi, Director, South Campus, University of Delhi, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.
Also present on the occasion were Dr. Vikas Gupta, Registrar, University of Delhi; Professor. K. Ratnabali, Dean Academic Affairs; Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Chairperson, RIEC; and Professor Neena Pande, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, along with other distinguished faculty members and officials of the University.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Balaram Pani said that pressure and stress have increased considerably in today’s rapidly changing and challenging world, making mental health and happiness increasingly important. He observed that one of the major causes of stress among people is the attitude of ‘I am always right’.
Explaining the theme of the conference, “Science Meets Social Science,” Prof. Pani said that while science establishes things through experimentation, social science establishes understanding through experience. Discussing the causes of stress, he noted that when a person faces problems both at home and at the workplace, it creates significant pressure and stress. Prolonged stress can, in turn, contribute to several health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Professor Pani emphasised that it is essential for people to have adequate awareness and knowledge about mental health. He stressed that conferences and seminars focusing on such issues are therefore extremely important in creating awareness and promoting mental well-being.
At the beginning of the programme, Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Chairperson, RIEC, delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the conference. He remarked that although people today may have access to almost everything, they often do not have enough time for themselves. Referring to global happiness rankings, Professor Sahoo noted that Finland, despite being a small country, consistently features among the world’s happiest countries, while India stands at 116th position in the cited ranking.
Professor Sahoo highlighted that the conference assumes particular significance in the context of increasing stress, anxiety, academic and professional pressures, peer pressure, and the growing demands associated with research and today’s work environment.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Neena Pande, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi.
The programme was attended by faculty members and staff from various departments and colleges of the University, research scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as eminent academicians, researchers, experts, and professionals from diverse fields.
