Psychology Department, PUP

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Established in 1987, the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University Patiala, has had a fruitful journey towards creating its niche as a place for academic excellence in various domains and activities pertinent to the discipline of Psychology.

19/09/2026

AAGHAAZ 2026: Celebrating New Beginnings, Talent and Togetherness

The Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, organised its much-awaited Freshers’ Party, “AAGHAAZ 2026,” on 5 September 2026 with great enthusiasm, warmth and excitement. The event marked the beginning of a new academic journey for newly admitted students and provided a vibrant platform for students from different B.A., M.A. and Diploma programmes to come together, interact, build new friendships and celebrate their association with the Department of Psychology.

The celebration was made even more meaningful with the inclusion of Teachers’ Day celebrations, providing students with an opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation towards their teachers and mentors for their guidance, encouragement and support.

The Head of the Department, Dr. Nalini Malhotra, extended her warm wishes and words of encouragement to the students, particularly the newcomers embarking on their academic journey in the Department of Psychology. She encouraged the students to participate actively in departmental activities, develop their potential and make the most of their university experience.

The programme showcased the remarkable talent and creativity of the students through a diverse range of performances, including melodious singing, soulful poetry, solo dances and energetic group dances. The performances created an atmosphere of joy and celebration and reflected the confidence, creativity and enthusiasm of the students.

The presence of Dr. Harprit Kaur, Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, Dr. Ruby Gupta, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Mr. Mandeep Singh and Ph.D. scholars further enriched the occasion. Their presence reflected the supportive, inclusive and close-knit academic environment of the Department.

AAGHAAZ 2026 truly lived up to its name—a new beginning filled with enthusiasm, talent, friendship, confidence and memorable moments. The celebration provided a wonderful start to the academic journey of the new students and reinforced the spirit of togetherness that defines the Department of Psychology.

11/09/2026

World Su***de Prevention Day 2026

On the occasion of World Su***de Prevention Day – 10 September 2026, the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, organized an awareness activity on the Manodarpan Wall under the triennial theme “Changing the Narrative on Su***de” and Call to Action “Start the Conversation,”
Students, teachers, and research scholars actively participated by creating posters, placards, and hand-impression messages through the “Hands of Healing and Hope” activity. The creative displays focused on hope, resilience, empathy, emotional well-being, social connectedness, reducing stigma, help-seeking, early identification, timely intervention, and su***de prevention.

Messages such as “Keep Hope, Be Hope,” “Talk, Don’t Stay Silent,” “You Are Not Alone,” and “Let’s Join Hands, Let’s Ignite Hope” emphasized the importance of open conversations and timely psychological support.

Dr. Nalini Malhotra, Head, Department of Psychology, shared the message: “One conversation, one helping hand, and one sensitive companion can become a ray of hope in someone’s life.”

The activity encouraged everyone to start conversations, offer support, and contribute towards creating a compassionate and mentally healthy society.

08/09/2026

The Department of Psychology celebrates the successful completion of the PhD Viva Voce of Ms. Amarpreet Kaur Dhaliwal, who defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Challenging Essentialist Beliefs for Healthy Ageing Among Older Adults: A PERMA Model Intervention.”
She conducted her doctoral research under the able supervision of Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu. Her research highlights the vital role of fostering adaptive and flexible beliefs about the ageing process in promoting well-being during later life. The study further underscores the importance of implementing multidimensional intervention programmes as effective strategies for supporting healthy ageing among older adults.
The rigorous Viva Voce examination was conducted online on 02.09.2026 at 2.15 p.m. and evaluated by the external examiner, Prof. Vijyendra Pandey, Central University of Karnataka.
The institutional proceedings were facilitated and supported by the Head of the Department, Prof. Nalini Malhotra.
The Department of Psychology extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Amarpreet Kaur Dhaliwal on this significant academic achievement and commends her scholarly contribution to the field of psychology. The department wishes her continued success in her future academic and professional endeavours.

04/08/2026

Orientation program on 3/8/26
The Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, organised an Orientation and Induction Programme on 3-8-26 for the newly admitted UG-PG programme for B.A. (Hons) -1 students under the guidance of Professor Dr.Nalini Malhotra, Head of the department. The programme aimed to provide students with a meaningful introduction to university life by familiarising them with the department’s academic environment, curriculum, research culture, faculty, and the wide-ranging opportunities available in the field of Psychology.
The programme was coordinated by Jenus Singla (Research Scholar) and Namandeep Kaur (Junior Research Fellow), who welcomed the students and introduced them to the faculty members. Faculty members including Prof (Dr)Sangeeta Trama, Prof (Dr) Harprit Kaur ,Prof(Dr)Mandeep, Prof ( Dr ) Vidhu Mohan , Dr. Kamalpreet , Prof (Dr) Sukhminder Kaur and Prof (Dr) Mamta Sharma (Dean of Students’ Welfare), interacted with the students, offering valuable academic guidance and motivating them to make the most of their university experience. The students were also introduced to the other members of the department Prof (Dr) Damanjit Sandhu (Directorate of International Affairs), Prof (Dr)Tarika Sandhu and Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu and were familiarised with their academic and administrative roles within the department.
A series of informative and interactive sessions conducted by the department’s research scholars and Junior Research Fellows formed the highlight of the programme. Riya Mangla (JRF) acquainted the students with the department’s rich legacy, academic facilities, laboratories, and student activities. Avleen Kaur (JRF) presented engaging psychological concepts and landmark experiments, while Jeenat Rani (SRF) explained the academic framework and opportunities available under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Radha (JRF) highlighted the diverse career prospects and higher education opportunities in Psychology, inspiring students to explore the discipline with curiosity and commitment.
The programme concluded with interactive games, team-building activities, a quiz, and an engaging question-and-answer session creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, participation, and camaraderie among the students. On the occasion, Prof. Mamta Sharma , (DSW) felicitated the research scholars and Junior Research Fellows in recognition of their sincere efforts in successfully organising the programme.
The Department of Psychology extends a heartfelt welcome to the new batch and wishes them a fulfilling, enriching and successful journey ahead. We look forward to seeing them learn, grow and thrive as members of the Psychology family.

31/07/2026

Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu attended a meeting on 29 July 2026, convened by Ms. Gurpreet Deo, Special Director General of Police, Community Affairs Division, Punjab, to discuss the proposed Training Programme for Yuva Saanjh Committee Members at the Punjab Police Complex, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

The meeting provided an excellent platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative exchange on strengthening youth engagement and community participation.

Ms. Gurpreet Deo's vision of building safer communities by positively engaging young people through preventive and community-based initiatives was reflected throughout the discussions.

The meeting highlighted the positive role that the Punjab Police can play in guiding, mentoring, and supporting young people, especially vulnerable youth, by creating opportunities for engagement, trust, and early intervention.
Such collaborations between academia and law enforcement are valuable because they combine psychological knowledge with community outreach, leading to more effective programmes that promote youth well-being, resilience, and responsible citizenship.

The Department of Psychology remains committed to contributing its expertise to initiatives that support youth development, mental well-being, and stronger community partnerships.

27/07/2026

The PhD Viva Voce of Mr. Vikramjeet Singh was held for his doctoral research entitled:
"Adolescent Risk-Taking in Context of Identity Formation and Perceived Environmental Systems” today in the department of Psychology.
The research was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala.
The Viva Voce examination was conducted by the Dr Surendra Kumar Sia from University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi, whose insightful questions, constructive observations, and scholarly feedback provided a rigorous academic evaluation of the research. His valuable suggestions and expert guidance enriched the discussion, encouraged critical reflection, and contributed significantly to the overall quality of the doctoral examination.
The Department congratulates Vikramjeet Singh for successfully defending his PhD viva and appreciates the guidance of Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, the support of Dr. Nalini Malhotra, Head of the Department, and the valuable contribution of Dr Surendra Kumar Sia in making this academic milestone a success.

09/07/2026

A radio talk by Prof. Tarika Sandhu highlighting the role of Self-regulation and Mindfulness as practical life skills was aired on Akashvani Jallandhar( FM Rainbow 102.7 MHz )on 9th July 2026 .Special focus was given to the importance of self-regulation in efficient digital detox. Key highlights included how Self-regulation helps individuals to set healthy screen-time limits, avoid compulsive checking of devices, and engage more meaningfully in real-life relationships and activities.The talk concluded by encouraging listeners to cultivate mindfulness and self regulation to improve mental health, and lead a calmer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

01/07/2026

The Department of Psychology is delighted to announce that Prof. Nalini Malhotra has taken charge as Head of the Department today.

Our sincere gratitude to Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, outgoing HoD, for her dedicated leadership and valuable contributions.

The occasion was graced by Prof. Vandana Sharma, former Head and former Dean, Social Sciences, and Prof. Ritu Lehal, Dean Research, whose presence and words of encouragement are deeply valued. The entire faculty and non-teaching staff were present to extend a warm welcome, marked by a floral felicitation, cake, and good wishes, amidst cheer and camaraderie. With Prof. Nalini's guidance, the department looks forward to strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community mental health services.

Message from Prof. Nalini Malhotra, Head of Department:

A New beginning with Gratitude
With the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha, I am deeply honoured and humbled to assume the responsibility of Head, Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, patiala.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the university administration, my respected mentors, colleagues, students, friends, and family for their trust, encouragement, and unwavering support. I am sincerely thankful to everyone who made this occasion so memorable with your presence, blessings, and good wishes.
As I begin this new journey, I see this role not merely as a position, but as a commitment to serve with accountability, integrity, dedication, and compassion. I look forward to work together as a team to strengthen academic excellence, promote meaningful research and innovation, and create a supportive environment that will inspire learning growth and holistic development.

11/06/2026

Served as a Key Speaker and conducted a two-hour workshop at the Project Jeevanjyot programme organized by the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, Punjab. The session focused on the mental and emotional consequences of child beggary, counselling interventions, and rehabilitation services for rescued children, with special emphasis on supporting their reintegration into mainstream society and helping them develop the confidence, resilience, and motivation needed to succeed in life.

The programme brought together representatives from the Police Department, Health Department, Legal Services, Child Protection Services, NGOs, social workers, and other stakeholders from across Punjab. The event also provided an opportunity to interact with rescued children, their caregivers, and guardians, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing child welfare and rehabilitation.

I was privileged to share the platform with the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Dr. Baljeet Kaur, whose commitment to child welfare and protection continues to inspire meaningful change.

One of the proudest moments for me was seeing that a large number of officers working in child protection and welfare services across Punjab are products of Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala. It was especially gratifying to witness alumni of the Department of Psychology making significant contributions to society through their dedicated work with vulnerable children and families. Their impact on the ground is clearly visible and serves as a testament to the values of service, compassion, and professional excellence nurtured by our university.

Meaningful rehabilitation is not merely about rescuing children from adverse circumstances; it is about restoring hope, dignity, opportunity, and a future. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important mission and to collaborate with so many committed professionals working towards a safer and brighter future for every child.

Prof. Damanjit Sandhu

29/04/2026

The INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE
VIKSITBHARAT@2047:
GOVERNANCE REFORMS was organised on 28th April 2026 by the Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Punjabi University, Patiala headed by Prof. Rajbans Singh Gill .The Psychology section under the conference recieved active participation both in online and offline formats covering diverse perspectives such as - Role of AI in Mental health , Efficacy of Ecotherapy to combat academic stress, Role of VR interventions to alleviate depression , Socia Media and Gen Z interactions , Promoting well being in Athletes etc. Prof. Damanjit Sandhu( HOD) ,Prof. Harprit kaur, Prof. Sangeeta Trama , Prof. Tarika Sandhu , Prof. Sukhminder Kaur and Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu provided their valuable insights and encouragment to budding researchers during the session.Mental health and Psychology are key areas to map the real development of the country. Research in these areas opens avenues for youth well-being and optimal performance thus enabling the successful meeting of the Viksit Bharat goals@2047.

Address

Patiala

Website

http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/Pages/Department.aspx?dsenc=68

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