DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
The Mind Theatre
On 25.10.2025, a workshop titled The Mind Theatre was conducted by the Dementia Care Foundation at Curi Hospital in Thoraipakkam from (9 am – 1 pm). The workshop aimed to provide valuable insights into dementia care and explore techniques for engaging patients with cognitive impairments. The session was attended by five students, along with the Head of Department Mr.Rajkumar A, who participated in both the learning and interactive discussions..
One of the key aspects of the workshop was the presentation of The Mind Theatre, a unique approach to engaging dementia patients through creative and sensory-based therapies. The concept behind this method is to use visual aids, music, and storytelling to trigger memories and encourage mental stimulation, which can help reduce anxiety and enhance emotional well-being.
In conclusion, the workshop provided essential knowledge on dementia care while encouraging a compassionate and creative approach to patient engagement. The students left with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by dementia patients and the importance of innovative therapies.
World Mental Health Day
The Department of Psychology, Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dhruti Charitable Trust on 10th October 2025 (Friday), to commemorate World Mental Health Day.
The MOU was signed in the conference hall of AMCAS at 10 AM between Dr. T.S Santhi, the Principal of Asan memorial college of arts & science and Mr. Suresh Arunachalam, President and Trustee, Dhruti Charitable Trust. Dr. S. Kanimozhi, (Dean – Administration), Dr. Jaya (Dean-Academics and research), Mr. A. Rajkumar (Head-Dept. of Psychology), Ms. Jaya Venkatesh (Co-ordinator, Dhruti Charitable Trust) took part in the prestigious occasion.
The program aimed to create awareness among young students about the importance of Mental Wellness, Reducing the stigma & cultural barriers, Improving the coping skills and Equipping students to access support and organize seminars and conferences in pertinent areas of mutual interest.
In addition to this event, the students from psychology department actively participated in spreading awareness about world mental health day and created “Wall of Positivity” where the students wrote positive remarks on cards. “Post-it” where they went to each class collecting emotional feedback on sticky notes. “Emotion Cards”– where students were given specific situations and asked them to find solutions using emoticons.
Mental Wellness Awareness Workshop
The Department of Psychology, Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science, organized an enlightening mega “Mental Wellness Awareness Workshop” in collaboration with Dhruti Charitable Trust. The program was organised in August 2025 for about 7 sessions, in 5 days.
The program aimed to create awareness among young students about the importance of Mental Wellness, Reducing the stigma & cultural barriers, Improving the coping skills and Equipping students to access support and provide a comprehensive overview for future improvements.
The Inaugural session of the event was graced by Mr.Ramji Venkatachari, founder Druti Charitable Trust Dr. T. S. Santhi, Principal, and Dr. S. Kanimozhi, Dean – Administration and Head, Department of Microbiology, and the faculties of Psychology Department.
The Speakers of the session were Dr.Sangeetha G, The Director of psychological services at Dhruti., Dr. Divya Prabha S, Counselling Psychologist, Ms.Sri Sakthi, Psychologist & editorial board member in Mental Compass Magazine.
Entire college students from Shift I& II (All UG&PG) attended this program and greatly benefited from the insightful presentation and gained valuable knowledge about Mental Wellness. Overall the program turned out to be a successful event.
Enhancing Art Therapy Skills through Sacred Geometry & Intuitive Expression
The Department of Psychology organized a one-day workshop on “Enhancing Art Therapy Skills through Sacred Geometry & Intuitive Expression” for Psychology students on 12.8.25 at Mini Auditorium.
The workshop aimed to provide students with experiential learning in art-based therapeutic techniques, integrating both traditional symbolic forms and modern expressive practices.
The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Varalakshmi Bharanidharan, an art therapist and Founder of Varaaz Arts Studio. With extensive experience in combining psychology and creative techniques, the resource person guided students through interactive sessions and hands-on activities.
Students engaged in a guided activity where they designed their own mandalas and geometric forms using colours.They also understood intuitive expression through colours, patterns and free-flowing art as a means of emotional release. This experiential process allowed participants to practice mindfulness, patience, and focus, leading to self-reflection.
Observational Visit
As part of the academic curriculum for psychology students, an observational visit was organized by Department of psychology, AMCAS to The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental health (BALM), Kovalam on 1.08.2025. The visit aimed to expose students to real-life practices in mental health care and to deepen their understanding of psychosocial rehabilitation, community mental health, and patient-centred care.
Students were welcomed by Ms.Sandhya (Co-ordinator), who gave an overview of the history, mission, and initiatives of The Banyan. The session highlighted the centre’s philosophy of combining clinical treatment with social rehabilitation.
The Banyan is a pioneering mental health organization in India that provides holistic care for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Its services range from emergency and crisis care to rehabilitation, community mental health programs, vocational training, and long-term care.
Mr. Raj Kumar. A, Ms. Vivega.C & Ms. Divya M accompanied all the students from department of Psychology. During the observational visit, students gained valuable insights into the functioning of a mental health care facility and the holistic approaches used for patient well-being. They were exposed to the therapeutic environment, staff-patient interactions, and various rehabilitative services provided.
DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
The Department of Psychology, Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dhruti Charitable Trust on 10th October 2025 (Friday), to commemorate World Mental Health Day.
The MOU was signed in the conference hall of AMCAS at 10 AM between Dr. T.S Santhi, the Principal of Asan memorial college of arts & science and Mr. Suresh Arunachalam, President and Trustee, Dhruti Charitable Trust. Dr. S. Kanimozhi, (Dean – Administration), Dr. Jaya (Dean-Academics and research), Mr. A. Rajkumar (Head-Dept. of Psychology), Ms. Jaya Venkatesh (Co-ordinator, Dhruti Charitable Trust) took part in the prestigious occasion.
The program aimed to create awareness among young students about the importance of Mental Wellness, Reducing the stigma & cultural barriers, Improving the coping skills and Equipping students to access support and organize seminars and conferences in pertinent areas of mutual interest.
In addition to this event, the students from psychology department actively participated in spreading awareness about world mental health day and created “Wall of Positivity” where the students wrote positive remarks on cards. “Post-it” where they went to each class collecting emotional feedback on sticky notes. “Emotion Cards”– where students were given specific situations and asked them to find solutions using emoticons.
CHANGING THE FUTURE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY
In order to set an ideal platform for the students to supplement their theoretical Knowledge, the department of psychology organized a guest lecture titled “Changing the future for Persons with Disability”, on 26/02/2025 (Wednesday) from 10:30 A. M. To 11:30 A.M.
Mr.Sarvag, Football coach Able Aura addressed the students and spoke about application of psychological concepts and sports training toward empowerment and transforming life experience for persons with disability. He gave an overview on Skill assessment, personalized skill training and focused sports training for person with disability.
MUSIC AND PSHCHOLOGY
The Students and Faculty members of Department of Psychology had participated Madras Psychology Society Endowment Lecture 2024-2025 on 27.01.2025 from 10 A.M- 1 P.M at University of Madras, organized by Department of Psychology on the Topic “Music and Psychology” by Dr.R.Gopalakrishna – Retired Professor and Chairman,Banglore University. The objective of attending this lecture was to gain knowledge on this topic and explore interdisciplinary connection with expert guidance.The speaker Emphasized on Music and Mental health and provided insightful examples to the students. The speaker’s expertise and engaging discussions provided new insights and perspectives in the topic
DEALING WITH MANIPULATIVE BEHAVIOUR AND BUILDING ASSERTIVENESS
A group of 5 students pursuing post graduate in counselling psychology from Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt Vaishnav (SDNBV) College for Women Presented the concept based lecture on “Dealing with Manipulative behaviour and Building assertiveness” as a part of their academic curriculum for 2 hours.
The session began with a few fun games and then proceeded with the actual content. Students also participated in multiple activities which were related to the topic. They explained various areas of the concept in detail including ways to analyse manipulation, types of manipulation, etc. Towards the end, the group conducted a question – answer session to verify if the students understood the seminar effectively. The group were also open to feedback and reviews. It was beneficial for the students as they got a detailed knowledge on the concept.
OBSERVATORY VISIT
For the purpose of providing students an insight into the real working environment, The Department of Psychology organized a one-day observatory visit to YADHAVI Life Skill Development Centre for special needs children on 03.10.2024 from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Mr.Sathish, Director of the institute welcomed the students and staffs. Mrs.Aruna, Parent coordinator of the institute explained various operations of the center and vocational activities conducted for special children. During the visit, students had the opportunity to interact with the students and learned about the nature of disabilities, their mind set and the training programs customized for the empowerment of needy students and Mr. Raj Kumar. A and Ms. Vivega.C accompanied the students.
ENDOWMENT LECTURE
The Students and Faculty members of Department of Psychology had participated Professor S. Karunanidhi Endowment Lecture 2024-2025 on 03.01.2025 from 10 A.M- 1 P.M at University of Madras, organized by Department of Psychology on the Topic “Mind and Brain” by Prof .Dr.A.V. Srinivasan – Emeritus Professor, Dr.M.G.R Medical University, Former Head ,Professor Neurology , Madras Medical college. The objective of attending this lecture was to gain knowledge on this topic and explore interdisciplinary connection with expert guidance.The speaker Emphasized on Mind – Brain relationship and provided insightful examples to the students. The speaker’s expertise and engaging discussions provided new insights and perspectives in the topic.
DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
The Department of Psychology and Youth Red Cross of Asan memorial college of arts & science observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June 2024. The Principal of the college presided over the function and Pallikaranai Police Sub Inspector Mr. Muthu kumar addressed the student gathering stating the importance of voluntary restraint from drug abuse in any form. He also added that intake of illicit drugs is the prime cause of many criminal activities and suggested drug awareness as the need of the hour. Several other events like mime, drama, awareness presentations were made by the students, emphasising the importance of drug abstinence. The programme was a grand success.
GENESIS – ASAN MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL (8/08/2024) & (9/08/2024)
The Department of psychology from Asan Memorial College of arts and science participated in the GENESIS event held for two days at Asan memorial Secondary school. Here some of the activities were organised, in order to promote and advocate the scope of psychology. On the first day, we conducted three mental exercises- Master mind (Memorizing Shapes, Chunking words and Stoop test), Tree of hope (Transforming Negative to Positive Affirmations), Place & Play (connecting the clues and pointing it on world map).
On the second day, we displayed two mental assessments like Concentration test and Digit span test. The students, the parents and the teachers were actively involved in the assessments and the exercises. They took extra initiative in beating the average record for each assessment.
Each assessment and activity, were reinforced with rewards and positive affirmations. This encouraged the audience to give in more efforts and psychological potential to the activities. These experimental activities led us to prove the mental ability and psychological behaviour of all ages of students. In this regard, the event was beneficial for the students of psychology and the audience. Activities were coordinated by II year Psychology Students (Aishwarya.M, Divya M. K and Yazhini.K) and they were accompanied by Ms.Vivega.C Assistant Professor. Overall, 250 students participated in the activities. Further, pamphlets were distributed and the scope of psychology were briefed to the audience. The event was a great success for the department since it went well as it was planned..
OBSERVATORY VISIT
Observatory visit – As a part of the curriculum, intending to enhance practical learning for students, the Dept. of Psychology has organised a visit to AKG Public School on 27-02-2024 from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, with a motive to observe the children’s behaviour. Here, students designed various experiments ( Three mountains task, Conservation of matter, Animation, Categorisation, Pretend play etc.) to assess the cognitive ability of the kindergarten, I & II standard students and administered it to the children referring to Piaget’s theory on pre-operational stage.
OBSERVATORY VISIT
For the purpose of providing students an insight into the real working environment, the Dept. of Psychology organised a one day observatory visit to MANASU (Mana Nala Sugalayam -A home for wandering men with mental illness) at Thrisulum on 24-01-2024. During the visit, students were exposed to the basic operations of the organisation and learnt the basics involved in rescue, recovery & re integration of street wanderers with mental illness. They also had a chance to interact with the inpatients.
GUEST LECTURE
In order to set an ideal platform for the students to supplement their theoretical Knowledge, the department of psychology organized a guest lecture titled “Psychology in practice & The scope of psychology”, on 31/08/2023 (Thursday) from 10:30 A. M. To 12:30 P.M.
Mrs. A. Thendralarasi, counselling psychologist & founder of CHERISH – counselling canter, addressed the students and spoke about application of psychological concepts in everyday life and the immense opportunities in the field. Mr. A. Rajkumar (HOD i/c) gave the welcome address and Ms. Aishwarya (Ist year student) proposed the vote of thanks. Honorarium & attendance certificate was provided to the guest speaker.
OBSERVATORY VISIT
As an objective to gain insight to the students and enhance practical experience, the Department of Psychology has organized one day observatory visit to “TRUST WAY FOUNDATION” , De-addiction center, Keelkattalai, on 13/09/2023 from 9:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Students were exposed to the assessment, operations & treatment plans for substance addict patients. The students also had a direct one-to-one interaction with the patients. 14 students participated in the visit and were accompanied by two staffs (Mr. A. Rajkumar & Ms. C. Vivega).