Mental Health Awareness Programme on Professional Communication and Interpersonal Skills for Non-Teaching Staff at Panjab University

Chandigarh, August 6, 2026: Panjab University today conducted the first session of its Mental Health Awareness Programme – Lecture Series at the Senate Hall for the University's non-teaching staff. The initiative aims to promote mental well-being, strengthen workplace communication, and foster a supportive campus environment.
The lecture series is being organised by the Office of the Dean Student Welfare, Panjab University, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh, to promote mental health awareness across the University community.
The session was delivered by Dr Pragya Verma, Assistant Professor (Clinical Psychology), Department of Psychiatry, GMCH, Sector 32, Chandigarh. Speaking on "Professional Communication and Interpersonal Skills", she highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, teamwork, emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication in the workplace. Through practical demonstrations, she explained the role of tone, active listening, respectful dialogue, and mindful communication in building positive professional relationships and handling day-to-day interactions more effectively.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (Women), Panjab University, said that the lecture series is part of the University's ongoing efforts to promote mental well-being and create a healthier and more supportive campus environment. She emphasised the importance of equipping university staff with practical skills that contribute to positive workplace relationships and overall well-being.
The programme witnessed active participation from the University's non-teaching staff, who appreciated the practical and interactive nature of the session. It marked the beginning of the Mental Health Awareness Programme – Lecture Series, under which similar sessions on different aspects of mental health and well-being will be organised for various stakeholders across the University.
The programme was coordinated by Dr Rupinder Kaur, Chief Medical Officer; Pulkita Wadhwa and Deepti, Counsellors, Panjab University; along with Dr Bani, Warden, Girls' Hostel No. 10, and Dr Navneet, Warden, Girls' Hostel No. 11.