June 9, 2018
Tirupati, the famous pilgrim town in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is widely associated with the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, several other historical temples, and is referred to as the “Spiritual Capital of Andhra Pradesh”. In addition, Tirupati is also home to many educational institutions and universities.
The Department of Psychiatry, S.V. Medical College, and Manas Rehabilitation Centre, Tirupati, organized the WAPR-IC (World Association of Psycho Social Rehabilitation- Indian Chapter) 5th National Conference on June 9 and 10, 2018, at D.K. Auditorium, S.V Medical College.
The theme of the conference was “REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY SCOPE, APPROACH & PRACTICE”. The scientific programme involved 37 eminent speakers, 30 free papers and around 20 posters impressive in their content and style of presentation.
Five free papers from MSCT&RF and one free paper from Subitcham Family Fellowship were presented on the following areas: Homeless persons with mental illness, juveniles with addiction, psycho-social rehabilitation, Quality of Life, care giver burden and Community Based Rehabilitation.
The conference was a personal milestone for two senior social workers from the Trust: P. Rajangam, and Pitchaivel, who presented papers in the free paper section. Their presentation was appreciated by mental H] health professionals. Similarly, M. Ramu, Sr. Consultant, M. Sankara Pandian, Sr. Consultant and K.S.P. Janardhan Babu, Director Programmes, MSCT&RF, also shared their experiences in psycho social rehabilitation (PSR) and community based rehabilitation (CBR).
Dr. C. Ramasubramanian, Founder and Consultant Psychiatrist, MSCT&RF, who also heads the WAPR (I/C) as President, delivered the presidential address on the inaugural ceremony. He spoke on the importance of CBR and PSR in resource poor settings and appreciated the Union Cabinet for allocating funds for the establishment of a National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation in Bhopal.
He also appreciated the WAPR Board Members and organizers of S.V. Medical College for their commendable work in ensuring a seamless co ordination of the various events in the conference.
This conference was a wonderful platform for academicians, practitioners, and research scholars, to strengthen PSR and CBR initiatives and perspectives in the years to come. Nearly 250 delegates across the states participated. Last but certainly not least, the darshan of Lord Balaji added a touch of divinity to the proceedings.
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