Mental Illness Awareness Week Through the Years
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), organized by JDSoLA, NMIMS, is more than an event—it’s a call to action. Dedicated to breaking stigma and fostering support, MIAW creates a vibrant space for dialogue, education, and empathy. Through dynamic activities and meaningful interactions, it empowers the community to champion mental health and inspire change.
2024
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) 2024, hosted by the Psychology Department of JDSoLA, NMIMS, was a vibrant celebration of mental health awareness, blending education, creativity, and advocacy.
Highlights included the satirical skit Mental Health Auction, the Psych-Pitch competition with innovative app ideas to combat social isolation, and the Psych-Chic fashion show narrating mental health stories through style. The excitement didn’t stop there—improv games brought laughter, and a candid talk by Digvijay Singh Rathee struck a chord with the audience. The week concluded on a high note with the Nukkad Natak Shatranj/Pyada, a powerful street play, and the electrifying Psych-Off dance competition. Special performances by Shubhi Joshi and Sachin Sharma added an extra spark to an already unforgettable event.
MIAW 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a movement that sparked conversations, inspired change, and created a lasting impact on everyone who attended. It was a beautiful reminder that mental health deserves not just attention but celebration, understanding, and action.
The Psych Film Festival at Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts, NMIMS Mumbai, invites students to engage with a psychological theme, challenging them to create short films that showcase their storytelling and visual artistry.
Through this unique initiative, students gain a deeper understanding of psychological concepts by analyzing the creative works of their peers. The festival serves as a platform for students to display their talents beyond the confines of the standard academic curriculum, fostering creativity and collaboration in a supportive environment. Ultimately, the Psych Film Festival not only enriches their knowledge of Psychology but also hones their filmmaking and teamwork skills.
2024
The Psych Film Fest 2024 spanned three days featuring engaging activities and student films exploring themes of relationships, sexuality, social experiments, and psychology. A standout moment was Kon Banega Counselor, a playful twist on Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by our very own Shamitabh Bacchan. Parents participated in guessing psychological disorders depicted in a theatrical play, while comedy acts and high-energy dance performances kept the excitement alive. The event was graced by the esteemed chief guest, Bharti Singh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UypViz0R-A&t=639s
‘SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY (SPD)’ THROUGH THE YEARS
Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on 10th September every year. At NMIMS, this day is observed with a series of interactive and insightful activities organized by the Psychology Department. It typically includes informative sessions, skits, and discussions designed to raise awareness about suicide, mental health issues, and strategies for prevention. Students and faculty members actively participate, often dressing in yellow or orange to symbolize support for the cause. The event also features engaging activities all aimed at fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and creating a supportive environment.
SPD 2024
For the Suicide Prevention Day ‘24 the PsychShop committee organized a suicide prevention talk titled 'Breaking the Silence' for 127 M.Sc. (Applied Psychology) and PhD (Psychology) students at NMIMS. The event was held in collaboration with Ankahee, an NGO specializing in providing online emotional support via call and email. The speaker focused on empowering students to act as emotional support systems for those around them, helping them explore and navigate difficult emotions. The talk aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention, debunk common myths, and equip participants with practical tools to support others
Psychology Committee
The Psychology Committee is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of psychological principles within the NMIMS community. It organizes events, workshops and seminars, discussing various aspects of psychology and mental well-being.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@psychologycommitteenmimssd3458
Departments :
Central Incharge: CIs lead the department, ensure that everything runs smoothly, provides guidance when needed, and is responsible for planning and decision-making.
Class Representatives: They serve as a bridge between the Central Incharge and students, communicate student’s concerns to the CIs and vice versa, facilitating communication.
Committees: The committees are divided based on their roles and functions. These are as follows-
Events Committee: They organise key events like Suicide Prevention Day, MIAW, and the Psych Film Festival.
Logistics Committee: They manage event logistics, ensuring smooth coordination between committees.
Events Creatives Committee: They design brochures, posters, and crafts for events, enhancing their visual appeal.
Progress Committee: They track syllabus progress and provide the study materials shared by faculty members to students before exams.
Placement/ Internship Committee: Connects students with internship and placement opportunities by providing leads through workshops and seminars.
Marketing Committee: They secure sponsorships and funding for events and activities.
Student Outreach Committee: They facilitate communication and engagement between the committee and students.
Podcast Committee: They produce and edit podcasts on Psychology related topics with professionals.
Research Committee: They discuss various research papers and share findings with the community.
Social Media Committee: They manage the online presence by creating videos and capturing event photos.
PsychShop Committee: They engage workshops and activities related to psychology.
Psych Creatives: Manages the committee’s blog and written content.
Discipline Committee: Maintains order and safety during events.
Book Club: Engages students in discussions about psychology-related books.
Magazine Committee: Publishes a magazine featuring committee activities and student work, handling logistics, design, and PR.
Peer Support Committee: Provides peer support and counseling for students.
Public Relations: Manages the committee’s reputation and builds connections inside and outside the campus.
Sports Committee: Fosters team building and competitive performance while integrating physical fitness and mental well-being to promote the holistic development of the student body.
PG Diploma students of Investigative & Forensic Psychology recently visited the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina and Helik Advisory in Mumbai Central. The exposure not only enhanced their academic knowledge but also facilitated direct interactions with professionals, enriching their understanding of the daily challenges faced by Forensic Experts. Moreover, the experience fostered the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, reinforcing their preparedness for careers in the field of Forensic Psychology.
PG Diploma students of Investigative & Forensic Psychology had an enriching visit to the Sessions Court in Andheri East on 1st February 2025. Observing live proceedings provided deep insights, making theoretical concepts more tangible and enhancing their classroom learning.
'Getting Mindfulness Right' Book Launch & Workshop
On October 19, 2024, the PsychShop Department of the Psychology Committee, Department of Psychology, hosted a book launch and workshop for "Getting Mindfulness Right" by Dr. Swati Desai.
The event featured a panel discussion with Dr. Desai and renowned actors, Mrs. Supriya Pilgaonkar and Ms. Shriya Pilgaonkar. Dr. Desai emphasized the significance of mindfulness in today's world, particularly amidst the pervasive influence of social media. Mrs. Supriya and Ms. Shriya shared their personal experiences as actors, highlighting the role of mindfulness in their profession. Ms. Shriya also reflected on how the book has impacted her, urging young people to read it and prioritize their mental health.
Dr. Desai then conducted an interactive workshop where participants practiced non-judgmental listening and compassionate communication. The session covered various therapeutic techniques, offering valuable insights into mindfulness and the path to becoming a better therapist.
At Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts (JDSoLA), students are taught to understand the importance of holistic development, nurturing not just their academic excellence but also fostering a vibrant community where they can explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lifelong friendships. Our wide array of extracurricular activities reflects our commitment towards providing students with a well-rounded college experience.
Every academic year begins with the Orientation Week welcoming the newly admitted cohort of students. Our esteemed guests, dedicated faculty members and alumni share their valuable insights and experiences. The orientation week is followed by "Fiesta”--a cultural evening, organized by the Student Council–to bond over engaging activities and captivating performances.
Our unwavering dedication to intellectual exploration and curiosity is showcased through innovative initiatives like the Open Space: Lecture Series—platform to engage with groundbreaking ideas that transcend the traditional curriculum. This unique series provides students with a platform to interact with distinguished subject experts from academia and industry.
The Millennium Fellowship at JDSoLA is a prestigious semester-long leadership development program partnering with the Millennium Campus Network. Through the fellowship, undergraduate students are provided with resources, mentorship, and support to implement projects that address various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations.
TEDxNMIMS is a major event proudly hosted by JDSoLA. With a commitment to sparking intellectual curiosity and fostering meaningful dialogue, TEDxNMIMS brings together a diverse array of speakers and attendees to explore innovative ideas and inspire change. TEDxNMIMS embodies our university’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and creating a community of learners and innovators.
At JDSoLA, we emphasize on striking a harmonious balance between work and recreation for an overall growth. A myriad of student-led clubs cover a wide spectrum of interests from film and dance to psychology and literature.
The Psychology Club regularly organizes sessions and workshops on mental health, stress management, resilience building and personality development programmes.
A workshop on ‘Substance Abuse Awareness’ at JDSoLA
The Literary and Cultural Club organizes year-round events for students to attend various Lit. Festivals, ‘Meet-the-Author’ and cultural immersion programmes.
Students of Literature and Cultural Studies visiting the American Consulate and Library, Mumbai during the International Black History Month
Students with faculties in one of the cultural immersion activities during Durga Puja.
The Music Club organizes practice workshops and lectures conducted by experts and scholars on world music.
The Poetry Club hosts workshops with poets, celebrates the World Poetry Day and the International Mother Tongue Day every year bringing the incredible linguistic diversity of India to JDSoLA.
The Sports Club brings all the sports enthusiasts through games and sports throughout the year and also hosts the Annual Sports Day.
PaperPlanes is the annual cultural fest of JDSoLA offering an exhilarating platform for students to showcase their diverse skills and passions. From electrifying performances and captivating competitions to insightful workshops and interactive activities, the fest buzzes with energy and enthusiasm.
Our students showcase their academic grit and scholarship in the research journal "Emerging Scholars”, Journal of Undergraduate Research and the podcast Picture Abhi Baaki Hai. These platforms provide students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture of intellectual inquiry and collaboration.
