IMA Goa state branch in its continued efforts to serve the state of Goa with public health
initiatives has teamed up with Directorate of Education, Govt of Goa and Sangath NGO to
deliver a workshop on “Parenting Skills and Stress Management” the workshop is scheduled
on 20th Jan 2024 at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji at 3.00 PM.
The workshop is part of the year long series of activities IMA Goa state branch intends to
undertake in sync with the “Be Kind to your Mind” theme for the year 2024.
Eminent psychologists Ms. Urvita Bhatia, and Mr. Kedar Mirchandani from Sangath Goa shall
be speaking at the workshop which will be attended by a diverse group of teachers, parents and
general public.
Shri Shailesh Zingade, Director, Education, Govt of Goa, speaking during the press conference
explained to the members of the media that Government of Goa is committed towards
wellbeing of teachers and students, he further added that government has appointed special
counsellors for schools to monitor the psychological health of children and address any issues
in this domain, “Paalak Mitra” is an one of kind initiative which will enable students, teachers
as well as parents to understand the topic better.
Dr Sandesh Chodankar, President IMA Goa state branch thanked the members of the press for
highlighting the issue as mental wellbeing should be the priority of all citizens, he assured that
IMA Goa state will undertake many such initiatives in future to sensitize the public on
importance of stress-free life.
Dr Vikram Patel, Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard
Medical School and a Chief Mentor of IMA Goa state on mental health initiatives expressed
gratitude towards Directorate of Education, Govt of Goa and IMA Goa state branch for
inculcating mental health and phycological wellbeing as a theme for this year, he reminisced
on the fact that the state government current mental health counselling program for education
department is based on the efforts of Sangath NGO co-founded by him.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, President IMA Bicholim urged the media to give maximum coverage to
this initiative as parenting skills and stress management are of prime importance to grow as a
society, he added that teachers are in the best position to judge the child for any abnormal
behavioural changes, he said that IMA Goa state plans on providing certification based skilling
for teachers on mental health, this will self-empower teachers to create a stress free
environment both in schools and personal lives.
