Department of Psychology (RCI’s Centre of Excellence), Gurugram University,
in collaboration with
Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS)
&
Gurugram Police
organize
SAMANVAYA 2026: International Mental Health Confluence – Synergy for Research & Practice
February 22–25, 2026
Gurugram University, Sector-51, Gurugram, Haryana, India
The Department of Psychology (RCI’s Centre of Excellence), Gurugram University, is delighted to host Samanvaya-2026, an international confluence designed to promote growth in mental health research, evidence-based practice, and multidisciplinary engagement. Taking place from 22nd to 25th February 2026, this four-day event will bring together distinguished psychologists, mental health professionals, academicians, researchers, and students from across India and abroad.
Centred on the theme “Synergy for Research & Practice”, Samanvaya-2026 seeks to provide a dynamic forum where scientific exploration converges with practical applications. The programme will include keynote lectures, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, research presentations, expert dialogues, and student-led activities — creating a bridge between research excellence and real-world practice.
This confluence underscores the Department’s dedication to encouraging global exchange, enhancing professional skills, and driving innovation in the field of mental health. Through Samanvaya-2026, Gurugram University aims to cultivate an environment in which research shapes practice and practice, in turn, fuels further research — ultimately contributing to meaningful change among individuals and communities.
A university–community initiative promoting mental health awareness through collective action.
Inaugural Ceremony with eminent dignitaries, IHBAS experts, and Gurugram Police.
A vibrant student-led festival celebrating mental health, creativity and community healing.
Campus-wide activity encouraging expressions of gratitude and emotional connection.
Gurugram University, a State University established on 30th May 2017 under the Haryana Act No. 17 of 2017, is one of the region’s fastest-growing centres of higher learning. Situated in the heart of the millennium city, the University is envisioned as an institution of academic excellence, innovation, and societal relevance.
With a robust range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programmes, Gurugram University is committed to nurturing learners who are not just academically proficient but also socially responsible. The University encourages inquiry-driven learning, interdisciplinary academic exposure, and a culture of critical thinking. Its mission is to prepare world-class knowledge creators, researchers, professionals, and problem-solvers who are attuned to the cultural, ecological, and social fabric of the nation.
Gurugram University stands for academic quality, inclusivity, global outlook, and community engagement. By fostering creativity, leadership, and ethical values in students, the University aims to strengthen its role as a transformative educational institution contributing meaningfully to society.
The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) is one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to mental health care, neurosciences, training, and research. Established by the Government of NCT of Delhi, IHBAS functions as an autonomous academic and clinical centre with a mission to provide state-of-the-art, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health services to individuals across the lifespan.
Recognized nationally and internationally as a Centre of Excellence, IHBAS offers a wide spectrum of specialized clinical services including Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Neurology, Psychiatric Social Work, Community Mental Health, and Emergency Psychiatry. The institute is also renowned for its rigorous academic programmes, offering Graduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, and Post-Doctoral training, thereby shaping some of the country’s leading mental health professionals.
IHBAS is deeply engaged in multidisciplinary research, policy development, advocacy, and capacity-building. Its commitment to integrating mental health care with community needs and public health goals positions IHBAS as a pivotal institution in shaping India’s mental health landscape.
Gurugram Police, operating under the Directorate of Haryana Police, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of the citizens of Gurugram—one of India’s most dynamic and rapidly developing urban centres. With a focus on law enforcement, crime prevention, public safety, and community partnership, Gurugram Police has evolved into a modern and citizen-centric policing body.
The department actively embraces technology-driven policing, including cybercrime monitoring, traffic management systems, digital surveillance, and public grievance portals. Its commitment to community-oriented initiatives such as safety awareness drives, women’s self-defence programmes, youth engagement, and mental health sensitization reflects its progressive approach.
Gurugram Police work closely with educational institutions, NGOs, and community groups to foster a culture of trust, cooperation, and social responsibility. Upholding integrity, transparency, and service, the force continues to strengthen its mission of building a safe, supportive, and resilient community.
Established in 2018, the Department of Psychology aims to promote Psychology as a discipline addressing human problems through the integration of academicians, practitioners, and students. It prepares learners as professional Psychologists and Counsellors capable of addressing diverse mental health concerns.
*Approval awaited from Regulatory Body
At Mano-Sukoon, we walk with you, every step of the way, toward clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Prof. (Dr.) H.K. Aggarwal is Vice-Chancellor of Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, with over 35 years of distinguished service in medical education and clinical practice.A former Registrar and Senior Professor & Head of Medicine at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, he has significantly contributed to academic leadership and healthcare development. Internationally recognized in Nephrology and Internal Medicine, he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh and London) and recipient of the CAPD Fellowship from the International Society of Nephrology. Honored with multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, he is President of the Indian Association of Clinical Medicine (2025–26) and remains actively engaged in teaching, research, and social service initiatives.
Mr. K. K. Kapila is a distinguished Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India) and the American Society of Civil Engineers. After 13 years with the Airports Authority of India, he founded Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. (ICT), which has grown under his leadership into a leading global infrastructure consultancy operating in over 55 countries. He served as the first non-European Chairman of the International Road Federation (2010–2019) and is now President (Emeritus). He also holds an Advisory status with UNESCOS, he works closely with UN initiatives to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030. In 2025, he received the prestigious Louis Prangey Award at the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Awards, becoming its first Asian recipient.
Distinguished scholar in social, developmental, health, and cultural psychology. A recipient of prestigious awards like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Award and Fulbright Fellowship, he has published extensively in leading journals and edited Psychological Studies (Springer) for 16 years. His recent works include Psychosocial Interventions for Health and Well-Being (Springer,2018) and Surveys and Explorations in Psychology (Oxford, 2019).
Dr. S. P. K. Jena is the Former Senior Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, South Campus & Former HoD, Department of Psychology University of Delhi. Former, Director, Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, a trained and licensed Clinical Psychologist with M. Phil. in Medical and Social Psychology, from NIMHANS, Bangalore, and Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology, from CIP, Ranchi. He is the Editor, Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology for about 5 years.
His major works have been published in 4 books: (1) Perspectives in Mental Retardation, (2) Learning Disability: Theory to Practice and, (3) Homelessness. He has about 100 research publications in Indian and international peer reviewed journals, book chapters, book reviews, and features in newspapers. He has also conducted more than 30 workshops for a wide range of participants. A member of research evaluation committees of DST, and ICSSR. He has completed several extra-mural as well as intra-mural research projects.
Prof. Jena is the recipient of Dr. H. N. Murthy Oration award of Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP), and 1st Dr. V. Kumaraiah award from NIMHANS, Bangalore, for his outstanding contribution to the field of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Behavioural Medicine, apart from this he has been felicitated by several universities for his work in the field of disability
International journalist and educator focused on mental health reporting, public policy, and community narratives. Will moderate a panel on media & mental health.
She holds an M.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. in Social and Behavioural Studies from KROK University, Kyiv, Ukraine. With extensive international academic exposure—including training at Pecs University (Hungary), Collegium Civitas (Poland), and the British Council—she brings rich interdisciplinary expertise to her teaching and research.
Dr. Soroka has over 15 years of experience in higher education, having taught research methodology, cross-cultural communication, conflict management, and business psychology across leading institutions in Ukraine and India. She has authored more than 40 scientific publications, including Scopus-indexed papers and several course books in management and psychology. Her professional interests span art therapy, psycholinguistics, conflict resolution, and psycho-biographical studies. She continues to contribute to global scholarship on migration, emotional education, cross-cultural adaptation, and well-being through arts-based approaches.
Dr. Abhishek Bhati is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Bowling Green State University, USA, and a 2025–26 Fulbright-Nehru Fellow studying AI’s impact on civil society in India. His research focuses on nonprofits, civil society, and international development. He holds degrees from the University of Delhi, TISS Mumbai, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Bhati has led international research projects, published in top journals, and received multiple awards for his work on nonprofits and social impact.
Jessica Devrieze, based in Brisbane, Australia, is a holistic healthcare professional with 25 years of experience in the field, including more than 17 years dedicated to pharmacy, counseling, and nature cure. A strong advocate of whole-person wellness, she is skilled in meditation, yoga, and Pilates, and actively promotes integrative medicine—an approach that blends natural therapies with modern medical practices to support comprehensive wellbeing.
Guided by her belief that true health emerges from harmonizing science with nature, she works to empower individuals through balanced and evidence-informed healing practices. Jessica holds a Diploma in Counseling Psychology, a Diploma in Community Pharmacy, and certifications in Positive Behaviour Support, Hypnotherapy, and Nature Cure.
He has also coordinated an International Collaborative Teaching Programme with the Department of Sociology, York University, Canada. His areas of research interests are Sociology of Science and Technology, Digital technology studies, Media and Cultural and Ritual Studies. Recently he has published two books(ed) Ways of Being Indian: Essays on Religion, Gender and Culture published by Speaking Tiger, New Delhi and “Sociology of Covid 19 Pandemic in India: Education, Digital Divide, Work and Wellbeing” Published by Har-Anand, New Delhi.
Dr. Monalisa Palit, Ph.D., is a highly regarded licensed practitioner with a focus on child and adolescent mental health, boasting over twenty years of experience. She currently works as a senior consultant at Vimhans Hospital in New Delhi, India, where she specializes in diagnosing psychiatric conditions, performing clinical assessments, and providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Palit earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, holds a Master's in Psychology from Delhi University, and completed her B.A. (Honours) in Psychology at Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University.
Professor Vibha Sharma is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at IHBAS, Delhi, with over 28 years of experience in clinical work, teaching, research, and training. She has nearly 100 publications, an edited book on Clinical Neuropsychology, multiple awards, and extensive contributions as a resource person and examiner nationwide. Her key interests include Neuropsychology, Positive and Spiritual Psychology, Mental Health across the lifespan, and Hypnotherapy.
Dr. Prerna Sharma is Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist at IBHAS, New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in mental health research, teaching, supervision, and clinical practice, she is actively involved in training M.Phil. Clinical Psychology scholars and consulting with the Behavior Therapy Unit and Palliative Care Department at IBHAS. Her work focuses on adolescents and young adults, with research interests in youth mental health, self-harm, trauma, early parenting environments, palliative care, and transdiagnostic therapies. She has received grants from ICSSR, ICMR, and DST, and has over 25 publications and 12 book chapters. She serves as Associate Editor of the Indian Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Assistant Secretary General of IASP (2024–2028). She has been awarded the Buckshey Award (2023), J C Marfatia Award (2023), Bombay Psychiatric Society Silver Jubilee Award (2024), and Balint Award (2025).
Dr. Shahzadi Malhotra is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of contribution to mental health services, academia, and research. She is currently serving as Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology. Her areas of specialization include neurodevelopmental disorders, child and adolescent mental health, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.She holds dual postgraduate degrees from the University of Delhi, an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from IHBAS, and a Ph.D. from Jamia Millia Islamia, with research focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has held key leadership roles, including heading the Department of Clinical Psychology at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya. With around 75 publications and extensive research supervision experience, she remains actively engaged in teaching, research, and professional leadership.
Dr. Barre Vijay Prasad is Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi. He is the first dual-qualified Professional Psychologist recognized by RCI, holding an M.Phil in Rehabilitation Psychology (NIMH) and M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (IHBAS), along with a Ph.D. in Psycho-oncology from the University of Hyderabad. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and behavioral interventions, with a strong research focus on psycho-oncology. His interests include neurofeedback, neuromodulation, and VR-based mindfulness interventions. He has published extensively, edited internationally indexed textbooks, and organized NCPO 2025 at AIIMS Delhi.
Dr. Gauri Shanker Kaloiya is Professor, Clinical Psychologist at the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a WHO Collaborating Centre on Substance Use. A Registered Clinical Psychologist (RCI), he holds an M.Phil in Medical & Social Psychology from Central Institute of Psychiatry. He has served at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.He has contributed to national policy committees under MHA and MoHFW and is actively involved in NMHP training initiatives. With 4 books, 13 chapters, 55 research articles, and over 100 presentations, he is President-Elect of IACP and General Secretary of the Society for Addiction Psychology.
Dr. Sushma Gupta is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy at Gurugram University. She brings over 35 years of teaching experience from the University of Delhi, where she has made sustained contributions to political science education and scholarship. Trained in political science, Dr. Gupta’s academic interests are interdisciplinary, spanning political science, economics, and sociology. She has published fourteen research papers and is the author of a book examining Pakistan as a factor in Indo–Iran relations. Her forthcoming article, “Becoming through Duty: Reinterpreting Swadharma in the Bhagavad Gita and Beyond,” explores normative and philosophical dimensions of duty and ethical action.
Prof S. N. Ghosh is a seasoned academician with over three decades of experience in psychology, specializing in organizational behavior, stress management, health psychology, and social psychology. He has published over 30 research papers and participated in international research programs, including collaborations with Wharton School and the University of Washington. Dr. Ghosh is deeply engaged in academic administration and selection committees, with a focus on improving workplace mental health and psychosocial interventions for diverse populations.
Prof. Ghazi works mainly in the areas of health psychology, positive psychology at work, psychology of LIEM populations, smartphones/new technologies, and their implications in people’s lives. Prof Ghazi has supervised 15 Ph.D. so far and published more than 50 research papers in reputed journals. He has completed three major research projects sponsored by national agencies and is currently involved with national and international projects.
Prof. Pragyendu is a distinguished psychologist with over 17 years of teaching experience and extensive research in areas such as Volunteerism, Forgiveness, Trust, Gratitude, Helping Behaviour, Happiness and Counselling Psychology. With numerous publications and books, he has contributed significantly to mental health awareness and community-based interventions, including rural mental health initiatives.
Col Avinash Chander (Retd) served in the Indian Army for 30 years and transitioned to a career in holistic psychotherapy. With a master's in clinical psychology, diplomas in naturopathy, yoga, and hypnotherapy, along with certifications in Vedic astrology, he integrates traditional wisdom with modern wellness practices. Over the past 15 years, his non-invasive, drugless approach has helped many individuals overcome psychological, emotional, and psychosomatic challenges. An MBA in HR further enhances his expertise in understanding human behavior and wellness.
Dr. Manisha Jha is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychologist at Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences(IHBAS), with over two decades of experience in mental health. Her expertise spans adult mental health, psychotherapy, neuropsychology, adolescent adjustment, and well-being promotion. She has published in indexed journals, authored the book Theory of Mind, and supervised M.Phil Clinical Psychology and MD Psychiatry dissertations. She has served as subject expert for Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DRDO) and Amity University, and reviews for APA, SAGE, Springer, and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Recipient of the Durga Nand Sinha Award, she is also associated with Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists and has presented at over 70 national and international forums.
Dr. Rudrani Chatterjee is an Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences . UGC-NET qualified and RCI-registered Clinical Psychologist, she holds a Ph.D., M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, and M.A. in Psychology from the University of Calcutta. With over a decade of academic and clinical experience, she has previously served at the Institute of Psychiatry (Centre of Excellence) and National Forensic Sciences University. Her areas of interest include suicide prevention, psychoanalysis, projective techniques, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, psychological assessment, and community psychology. She is actively involved in research, conference presentations, invited lectures, and is Co-PI/PI in funded projects on dissociation.
Register:
https://forms.gle/rrHk4vwvDMFJYCuR6
Submit Abstract & Full Paper to:
samanvaya.psychology2026@gurugramuniversity.ac.in
Both Abstract and Full Paper submissions are essential to participate. Follow the format strictly — deviations may lead to disqualification.
** Best peer-reviewed papers will be published in an edited book with ISBN.
** Strictly follow the guidelines to avoid disqualification.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kaushik
Vice Chancellor, Gurugram University, Gurugram
Dr. Sanjay Arora
Registrar, Gurugram University, Gurugram
Prof. (Dr.) R.K. Dhamija
Director, IHBAS, New Delhi
Dean, Academic Affairs & Dean, Faculty of Law & Humanities
Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Management
Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology and Dean of Colleges
Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences
Dean, Research & Development
Senior Clinical Psychologist, VIMHANS, New Delhi
Head, Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Head, Department of Clinical Psychology, ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, IHBAS, Delhi
Prof. Gayatri Raina
Chairperson, Dept. of Psychology
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Education
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our coordinators.
Address: Gurugram University, Sector-51, Gurugram
Hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat & Sun Closed)
