CHANDIGARH, 20.01.26-A 3-Day National Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) Workshop (20th to 22nd January 2026) on “Clinical Approaches to Diagnosis and Management of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology” was formally inaugurated today at the Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, led by professor Anita Sharma and the Indian Association of Health, Research and Welfare (IAHRW) led by Dr. Sunil Saini.

The inaugural session commenced with the College Anthem, followed by the lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge, compassion, and professional responsibility in the field of mental health. This was followed by a warm welcome of the Chief Guest of the day, Shri Balamurugan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, by the Principal, Dr. Sapna Nanda, Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh. In her welcome address, the Principal highlighted the aim and relevance of the workshop, emphasizing the growing mental health concerns among children and adolescents in the context of rapid social change, academic stress, digital exposure, and evolving family dynamics. She underscored that the workshop seeks to strengthen professional competence in early identification, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based clinical management of emotional, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents.

The session also featured a programme overview by the Workshop Coordinator, Dr. Ravneet Chawla, Associate Professor, Government College of Education, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh. She briefed the audience on the workshop design, expert-led sessions, case-based learning, and the participation of more than 150 delegates, including clinical psychologists, counsellors, special educators, rehabilitation professionals, faculty members, research scholars, and postgraduate students from across the country, representing ten states, including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. She also acknowledged the contributions of the organizing team, which includes Dr. Lilu Ram, Dr. Anjali Puri, Dr. Vandana Aggarwal and Dr. Punam Bansal (IQAC, Workshop & Repertoire Committee) whose collective efforts have contributed significantly to the successful planning and execution of this national-level CRE workshop.

The Chief Guest, Shri Balamurugan, IAS, in his inaugural address, stressed the urgent need for systematic capacity building of mental health professionals and educators to respond effectively to the rising prevalence of psychological challenges among young populations. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical clinical practice, and early intervention to ensure the holistic development and well-being of children and adolescents.

The Resource Persons for the day were Dr. Deepika Lamba, Amity University, Mohali; Dr. Satwinder Singh Saini and Dr. Gagandeep Singh Clinical Psychologists, PGI Chandigarh. They delivered insightful sessions on early identification and diagnostic screening of childhood psychopathology, clinical assessment tools and techniques for children and adolescents, and diagnosis and intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders. The audiences including school counsellors had many queries and observations regarding peculiar as well as typical case in their roles. The interactive session after each expert deliberation invited elaboration on grey areas.