Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Psychology and Research marks milestone 20th anniversary celebrations with grandeur

The Indian Institute of Psychology and Research (IIPR) marked its 20th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of its current campus under OFM management with a grand celebration on 6th July 2024. The event celebrating two decades of excellence was held at St. John’s College of Nursing Auditorium, drawing a notable crowd of students, faculty, and distinguished guests.

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Bhaskar Rao, Former Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, and Former ADGP of KSRP and Internal Security. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Saji P Mathew OFM, Chairman of IIPR; Fr. Joseph Prasanna Kumar OFM, Vice Chairman; Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine, Principal of IIPR; and Dr. Sunita K Damodar, Coordinator of Academics.

Inaugural Ceremony

The event began with a solemn College Prayer Song performed by the College Choir, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and a prayer. Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine extended a warm welcome to the gathering and highlighted the institution's key milestones. This was followed by the Presidents of the Student Councils presenting a detailed report of the academic year's activities.

Honoring Academic Excellence

The highlight of the day was the felicitation of 10 university rank holders from the M.Sc. Psychology and M.Sc. Counselling Psychology batch of 2021-2023, including two Gold Medalists from the Bengaluru City University Convocation, Deepika Saini and Mallika Dhagat. The college also awarded 16 Merit Scholarships and academic proficiency awards across Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PGDCP courses.

Inspiring Words from the Chairman

Rev. Fr. Saji P Mathew, OFM, addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the willingness to learn from setbacks. He encouraged students to persevere through challenges and view failures as steps toward success, advocating for hard work and the right counsel to unlock opportunities.

Keynote Address on Mental Health

Chief Guest Bhaskar Rao, a Psychology graduate himself, delivered an insightful speech on the critical role of mental health in today's fast-paced world. He highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the need for young psychologists to create wellness spaces and provide counseling to various sectors, including police personnel, corporate employees, and educators. Rao also spoke passionately about women's empowerment and the role of educational institutions in breaking barriers and fostering nation-building.

Recognizing Achievements and Contributions

The Best Outgoing Student Awards were presented to Kavsalyaa P from the PG course and Sainanda Dua from the UG course. Additionally, Chandrakanta S Hiremath, a 2015-2017 M.Sc. Psychology alumna, was honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award 2024 for her outstanding contributions to research, art, and social work.

Publications and Cultural Showcase

The event saw the release of the annual college magazine, Illumnus, and a special College Day edition of the bimonthly newsletter, Kaizen. Dr. Sunita K Damodar proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the event's success.

Vibrant Cultural Extravaganza

The formal program concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a vibrant cultural show. Students of IIPR showcased a variety of performances, including dances, songs, poetry recitations, rap, martial arts, rhythmic gymnastics, and a live band, highlighting the diverse talents on campus. The celebrations culminated with a delightful dinner, leaving attendees with cherished memories of the day.