The Psychology Association inauguration took place on August 12, 2024, as a key event featuring an invited talk by Dr. Manoj Kumar, a psychiatrist and founder of MHAT (Mental Health Action Trust) in Kerala. It centered on community psychology—exploring how psychological principles apply to groups and social systems—and psychological first aid (PFA), a structured approach to help individuals after crises or disasters by promoting safety, calming, connectedness, self-efficacy, and hope without invasive counseling.
The session's learning outcomes explicitly included gaining a solid understanding of community psychology concepts, building awareness about effective interventions during times of crisis (like natural disasters or social upheavals common in Kerala), and mastering practical dos and don'ts of counseling.
