Psychology Department, PUP

03/02/2026

Punjabi University Patiala Inaugurates Online and Telephonic Counselling Training Cell (OTCTC)
Patiala, February 2, 2026
Punjabi University Patiala marked a significant milestone in the field of mental health and psychological services with the inauguration of the Online and Telephonic Counselling Training Cell (OTCTC) at the Department of Psychology. With this initiative, the University has become the first institution in India to introduce structured entrepreneurship training in the domain of mental health and psychological services.
The OTCTC has been established with the support of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub (EICH) of Punjabi University Patiala, with the objective of empowering students to develop mental health start-ups, digital counselling platforms, and independent counselling practices.
The Cell was formally inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University Patiala, Dr. Jagdeep Singh, followed by an inaugural workshop in which eminent experts shared their professional expertise on virtual counselling, digital mental health services, and psychological entrepreneurship.
The workshop focused on strengthening professional competencies in digital mental health service delivery. The distinguished resource persons included Dr. Rahul Chakravarty and Dr. Raj Laxmi from the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER Chandigarh; Dr. Harshmeet Kaur, Counselling Psychologist; and Prof. Rohit Garg from the Department of Psychiatry, Government Rajindra Medical College and Hospital, Patiala.
Experts from PGIMER Chandigarh provided insights into the functioning of the Tele-MANAS project and demonstrated effective strategies for handling emergency mental health calls. Dr. Harshmeet Kaur emphasized the importance of ethical and legal frameworks, professional accountability, and safety standards in the provision of online counselling services.
In a special session, young entrepreneurs and researchers Mr. Harsh*t Katoch, Ms. Radha, and Ms. Sherrain Rattan shared critical perspectives on online counselling practices, emergency response systems, and the ethical design, safety protocols, and professional standards required in AI-powered mental health chatbots.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh stated that the establishment of OTCTC represents a significant step towards innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the field of mental health services. He highlighted the increasing psychological pressures on students, particularly in the context of social media influence, and emphasized the role of online counselling in reducing stigma and enhancing access to mental healthcare services. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Psychology in working towards a cause that has the potential to protect lives and support young people experiencing psychological distress.
Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, Head, Department of Psychology and Nodal Officer of OTCTC, expressed her gratitude to Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jagdeep Singh and Prof. Himender Bharti for their support in establishing the Cell. She stated that developing a trained workforce in online counselling and digital mental health practices is essential for addressing the treatment gap in mental health services. She further shared that the OTCTC aspires to establish a 24×7 mental health helpline service for the students of Punjabi University Patiala.
The workshop witnessed the participation of over 150 students from the Department of Psychology and was attended by faculty members and senior university leadership, including Prof. Himender Bharti, Prof. Rajbans Gill, Prof. Harprit Kaur, Prof. Mamta Sharma, Prof. Nalini Malhotra, Prof. Mandeep Kaur, Prof. Vidhu Mohan, Prof. Sukhminder Kaur, Prof. Tarika Sandhu, Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, and Dr. Kamalpreet Sohi, who also played a significant role in convening the event.

31/01/2026

27/01/2026

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India to train budding mental health counsellors to set up independent tele-counselling and remote practices and become self-reliant entrepreneurs in the digital world, the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University Patiala, has recently established an Online and Telephonic Counselling Training Cell (OTCTC) with the support of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub of Punjabi University Patiala (PUP).
The inaugural workshop of this Cell will be held on February 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. onwards. The workshop will focus on developing counselling skills and core competencies relevant to counselling in the digital environment, as well as addressing critical issues in the domain of telemental health and counselling.
Trainee counsellors will benefit immensely from this workshop, as it aims to empower them to set up their own online counselling practice or work as a tele/online counsellor for organizations.
Kindly register yourself for this event and equip yourself with the skills to become an effective tele/online counsellor.

PS: Registration free
Tea/Lunch/Certificates will be provided

*LINK FOR REGISTRATION *
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegN2k5USugBz48TZCFVC8WDe9YWz2GiAvSahi9YWSpKr3_3g/viewform?usp=dialog

09/01/2026

08/01/2026

The Department of Psychology congratulates Mr. Harjinder Singh for successfully defended his Ph.D viva . He has worked on the topic ‘Ontogenesis of personal wisdom in counsellors: Role of personality, self-regulation and perfectionism’ under the supervision of Prof. Tarika Sandhu. The viva was conducted by Prof. Jyotsana Shah , GJU Hisar in an online mode. Harjinder is currently working as a Juvenile Counsellor with Canada Government.

22/12/2025

The Department of Psychology congratulates Miss Shashi Kiran Gill for successfully defending her PhD viva. Miss Gill worked on the topic “Academic performance in adolescents :Role of metacognition. emotional intelligence and anxiety’ under the supervision of Professor Nalini Malhotra. The viva was conducted by Professor Sandeep Rana from GJU Hissar.

29/11/2025

Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, Head, Department of Psychology, was invited to deliver a guest lecture at Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gaya. Prof. Sandhu spoke on " Stress Management: Mind the Mind" highlighting that our thoughts and attitude overburden and overwhelm us in situations which are usually not as distressing as we perceive them to be . One need to be mindful of ones' thoughts and consciously de-clutter ones mind while focusing on ones priorities in order to stay in control of our life. Prof. Sandhu shared how we have learned to think in distorted ways which eventually make us behave in ineffective manner thereby influencing our emotional well-being. One has to be watchful of the loop of thoughts, ideas, actions and consequences which are the major contributors to our life-stress. The lecture was attended by over 600 Officer- Cadets and Officers of Indian Army. Prof. Sandhu exhorted the young officer cadets to be watchful of their self-defeating thoughts and shared techniques to foster psychological resilience and develop self-compassion during setbacks while going through the strenuous training period at the academy. The lecture was highly applauded and was given a standing ovation by the audience. Lieutenant General Vivek Kashyap, Commandant OTA appreciated the insights of Prof. Sandhu and shared that one should focus on one’s purpose and mental toughness is essential to achieve excellence in any chosen area of life .

18/11/2025

Prof. Damanjit Sandhu was invited as an expert panellist at the Deans’ Student Conclave 2025 held at the Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala on Nov.14, 2025 on the occasion of 50th edition of Saturnalia- Technical & Cultural fest.
Prof. Sandhu talked about how the campuses now have to shift their focus from crisis intervention to prevention in the context of student mental health and well-being . While producing scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, we have to focus on the social-emotional development of the students as these are new skills that are vital to a flourishing life. Educational institutes must endeavour to build resilience in students and also adapt their curriculum according to the needs of the learners. Campuses should be places where students can freely discuss their failures , vulnerabilities and weaknesses without being judged or stigmatised. Prof . Damanjit Sandhu also shared the recent developments in the field of Cyber Psychology also informed about the flip side of AI powered chatbots for youth mental health.
Prof. Sandhu shares that it’s a matter of pride to see the PUP Department of Psychology Alumnus, Dr. Sonam Dullat, Manager (Student Counsellor) — Thapar Institute Counselling Cell, performing an inspiring role and providing a great direction and leadership to the team of Counsellors.

11/11/2025

Harsh*t Katoch, a PhD scholar under Dr Damanjit Sandhu from the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, presented “From Perceived Usefulness to Parasocial Bonding: Integrating TAM & PSR in Adolescent AI Companions” at the International Conference on Psychology and Psychiatry organised by Scientex Conferences, held on 5–6 November 2025 at City Seasons Dubai Hotel, Al Maktoum Halls 1 and 2, 2 27th St, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai, UAE; his talk was scheduled on 5 November. The presentation drew on his doctoral thesis, “Artificial Intelligence Powered Chatbot Interaction: Impact on Loneliness and Psychological Well-being in Adolescents,” examined adolescent interactions with companion AI, discussed the Juliana Peralta case as a cautionary example, analysed persona-driven chatbot design choices, proposed preventive safeguards through the SAFEE model, and outlined a theory-driven model explaining parasocial relationships with AI chatbots.

03/11/2025

Alumni of Department of Psychology, Dr Aradhana Bahri joined as Principal at RSD College, Ferozepur. The college was established in 1921 to cater to the educational needs of people of this border town. It is worth sharing that the college has appointed a female principal for the first time in its glorious history of 104 years.

03/11/2025

ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਿਆ ਮਿਟੀ ਧੁੰਧੁ ਜਗਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਆ

On this pious day, the Department paid obeisance to the holy procession organised in Punjabi University, Patiala. The philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji centers on the belief in one God, universal equality, and living a life of honest work, service, and devotion.

ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ, ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ ਤੇ ਵੰਡ ਛਕੋ
Happy Gurpurab!!

31/10/2025

Prof. Damanjit Sandhu participated in the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Pathways to Mental Health & Wellbeing, organised by Department of Psychology, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi and chaired an eminent speakers’ session. Insightful deliberations on appropriate psychotherapeutics for juvenile de-addiction across varied socio-economic statuses were carried out. Prof. Sandhu expressed thankfulness to Dr. Daisy Sharma ( PUP Psychology Department Alumni , presently Associate Professor, University of Delhi ) and Prof. Narender Chadha for organising a very meaningful conference.