The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is one of India’s premier institutions of national importance, renowned for its excellence in patient care, research, and training. Within this ecosystem, the Department of Psychiatry has a distinguished legacy spanning several decades. It is recognized as a pioneer in clinical service delivery, cutting-edge research, and mental health advocacy.

By hosting NCIASP-2025, the department continues its tradition of bringing together scientific innovation, social relevance, and community engagement, embodying PGIMER’s broader mission to serve as a center of excellence with global impact.

This annual gathering of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry (NCIASP-2025) has, over the decades, emerged as a premier academic forum for mental health professionals, social scientists, researchers, and policy experts to share insights at the interface of society and psychiatry. The theme this year, “Social Determinants of Mental Health,” underscores the growing global recognition that psychological well-being is deeply influenced by social, cultural, and environmental contexts—from poverty and stigma to urbanization, migration, and digital life.

The Inaugural Ceremony took place at the Advanced Pediatric Center Auditorium, PGIMER. Prof. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), PGIMER Chandigarh, attended as the Guest of Honour. The presence of such distinguished leaders highlights the importance of placing social psychiatry at the heart of contemporary mental health discourse.

With over 250 national and international delegates in attendance, the three-day conference promises a vibrant academic exchange. The program includes orations, lectures, symposia, workshops, panel discussions, quiz and free paper sessions. Eminent speakers from India and abroad will deliberate on issues such as:
● Impact of inequities, stigma, and family structures on mental health outcomes.

● Psychological effects of migration, displacement, and urban stressors.

● Role of digital technologies, workplace culture, and education systems in shaping mental health across the lifespan.

● Integration of community-based interventions with mental health policies and practice to promote more inclusive care.

The leadership of the Department of Psychiatry, under Prof. D Basu, has underscored that the conference is not only an academic exercise but also a call to action. Reflecting the department’s vision, the deliberations are designed to link clinical science with social realities, ensuring that mental health research remains both globally relevant and locally responsive.

Beyond its academic richness, NCIASP-2025 provides an invaluable opportunity for young researchers, postgraduate students, and early-career clinicians to present their work and engage with senior experts. Such platforms ensure that the next generation of mental health professionals remains rooted in both scientific rigor and social sensitivity.

The deliberations are expected to contribute to policy recommendations and practical frameworks that will strengthen India’s ongoing efforts to expand mental health care. In doing so, the conference aligns closely with PGIMER’s mission of combining excellence in education, research, and patient care with meaningful community impact.

By convening diverse voices and perspectives, the 32nd National Conference of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry reaffirms the shared commitment of the profession to advancing social psychiatry as a cornerstone of mental health in the 21st century.
For further information, please visit: www.nciasp2025.org