24th MANIPSYC0N-2023 organised
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 10 2024: JNIMS director professor L Deben Singh has urged for calming our hearts and minds so as to bring an end to the prevailing conflict in Manipur in the right direction.

He was speaking as chief guest of the 24th annual conference MANIPSYCON-2023 organised by Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Manipur State Branch on the theme of "Conflict and Resilience", at the auditorium of JNIMS on Saturday.

Presided over by IPS state president prof K Shantibala Devi, the conference was also by JNIMS MS Prof Kh Lokesh-wor Singh, RIMS & JNIMS Psychiatry Departments former head Prof L Gyaneshwar Sharma and IPS East Zone president Prof RK Lenin as guests of honour.

Prof L Deben continued that the ongoing conflict in the state has impacted everyone mentally, physically, financially and in all other aspects.

Many have lost their lives and thousands got displaced forcing to take shelter in various relief camps set up across the state, he added.

Stating that it is human nature to stand up against threats or challenges to its existence, which would then add on to human growth and experience; he said that the focus should be on how to handle these situations.

Thus, there is the need to search for a solution which would end the conflict in the right direction, he observed, while advising against acting on sentiments or without thinking.

Regarding IPS, Prof De-ben recounted its inception in 1947 and informed that it is the biggest association of mental health professionals, with over 7000 members enrolled.

The Manipur state branch was set up in 2000.The Society is divided into five zones, with the eastern zone covering 13 states being the most vibrant.

Stating that Manipuris are a resilient group of people, he mentioned that the people barely made any complaints when fuel prices spiked upto Rs 350 during a three-month long blockade.

Apart from this, the state has overcome many conflicts in the past and pushed through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The frequent threats and sufferings have made us stronger and as such, we need to gather strength to overcome the present conflict.

We should refrain from spreading any news or information, which could further worsen the conflict.

Instead, the focus should be on rebuilding trust, courage and spreading love, he asserted.

As part of the function, prizes were distributed for a painting competition held on the topic of 'Mental Health Awareness' in October last, followed by releasing of a souvenir.

The winners of the painting competition were Ramakrishna Mission School, Imphal student Lanleibam Sinam (first), Kendra Vidyalaya No.l students Sunaina Saikhom (second) and Hijam Borish (third) .

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