Prof. Girishwar Misra

Eminent Psychologist — Former VC, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha

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).

Prof. S. P. K. Jena

Senior Professor, Applied Psychology

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

Ms. Holly Wise

Solutions Journalist & Scholar

International journalist and educator focused on mental health reporting, public policy, and community narratives. Will moderate a panel on media & mental health.

Dr. Iryna Soroka

Associate Professor at the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, India

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

Associate Professor of Political Science at Bowling Green State University, USA

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.

Ms. Jessica Devrieze

Holistic Health Practitioner and Integrative Wellness Educator

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.

Prof. Manoj Kumar Jena

Professor of Sociology and Chairperson at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, JNU, New Delhi.

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

Sr. Clinical Psychologist, VIMHANS

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.

Dr. Vibha Sharma

Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at IHBAS, Delhi

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. Satyam

Head, Department of Clinical Psychology, ABVIMS & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi

Dr. Satyam is an experienced clinician and academician with expertise spanning Neuropsychology, Depression, Biofeedback, Emotional Intelligence, Personality Disorders, Stress, and Child Psychology. With a strong background in applied clinical practice and research, he has contributed significantly to assessment, intervention, and training within the field of clinical psychology. He holds qualifications in Clinical Psychology (PG), a PG Diploma in Psychotherapy, Counselling & Guidance, M.Phil (Medical & Social Psychology/Clinical Psychology), and a Ph.D.

Prof S. N. Ghosh

Professor, Department of Psychology, Himachal Pradesh University

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. Md. Ghazi Shahnawaz

Professor, Dept of Psychology, Jamie Millia Islamia, New Delhi

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

Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi

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)

Holistic Psychotherapist and Mental Wellness Expert

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.