CHANDIGARH, 13.09.25-The second day of the National Conference of the Indian Association for Social Psychiatry (NCIASP 2025) was marked by a stimulating blend of academic sessions, intellectual debates, and interactive learning, reflecting the dynamism of contemporary social psychiatry.

The morning began with symposia covering diverse aspects of social psychiatry, ranging from community mental health strategies and psychosocial interventions, to pressing issues such as migration, urban stress, and the impact of social change on mental health. Each session witnessed lively discussions, with speakers and participants highlighting the urgent need for context-sensitive models of care in India and beyond.

A major highlight of the day was the plenary lecture by Prof. Swaranpreet Singh on Cultural Psychiatry, which captivated the audience with insights into how cultural frameworks shape the understanding, expression, and treatment of mental illness. Prof. Singh emphasized the importance of incorporating cultural perspectives into both clinical practice and research, underlining the fact that psychiatry cannot be divorced from the social and cultural realities of patients.

Equally engaging was the plenary session by Dr. Manoj Kumar on the Social Determinants of Mental Health Care, which drew attention to the critical role of poverty, education, gender, and access to resources in influencing mental health outcomes.

The prestigious Venkoba Rao Oration was delivered by Prof. R.C. Jiloha, who spoke on “Mental Health in a Post-Pandemic World.” His address traced the profound psychosocial impact of COVID-19, examining lessons learned in resilience, policy, and service delivery.

The energy of Day 2 reflected the conference’s commitment to blending serious scholarship with engaging formats that promote critical thinking, mentorship, and collaboration. With its mix of scientific depth and lively participation, the day reaffirmed NCIASP 2025’s role as a hub for advancing dialogue on the social dimensions of mental health.