The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Psychology, SNDT WU, Churchgate and Psychiatrist, Dr. Rajendra Barve. The picture here depicts the finalisation of the Cell’s establishment..
"ATMABODH" SNDT WU Mindfulness Cell was inaugurated on March 22, 2022, by the University Department of Psychology at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, Churchgate. The Cell strives to become a global centre for mindfulness education and training. First of its kind in India, this Cell was founded by Dr. Nilesh Thakre (Head of Psychology Department, SNDT WU) and Dr. Rajendra Barve (Psychiatrist, Sugat Acharya & Mindfulness Trainer). This Cell will focus on training psychologists in areas such as Workplace Mindfulness, Cognitive Mindfulness Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, as well as educating and training masses about bettering one’s emotional well-being.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included Honourable Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, Chairman EC and Dr. Ujwala
Chakradeo, Vice-Chancellor, SNDT WU, Churchgate. The comparer began the ceremony by speaking about the importance and necessity of mindfulness and introspection during these challenging times. She applauded the creation of a soon-to-be global centre in the University, exclusively dedicated to spreading awareness about the benefits of mindfulness. Post the initial ceremony, Dr. Thakre and Dr. Barve joined the dignitaries for ribbon-cutting and distribution of the Cell's Information Brochure, thereby formally establishing the Mindfulness Movement in SNDTWU. Each guest was provided a brochure to inform them of the aims and objectives of the Cell.
In closing, the dignitaries discussed with Dr. Thakre the workings of the cell and expressed their deep appreciation for establishing 'ATMABODH' as a part of the Mindfulness Movement. The Centre will benefit not only students, teachers, alumni, but also the general public and hopes to lead to the establishment of many more such centres in India.
SANKALP - 1st Mindfulness Session
The Atmabodh Mindfulness Cell established under the University Department of Psychology, SNDT WU, Churchgate announced its first Mindfulness Training session titled "SANKALP". The session was conducted by Guest Speaker, Dr. Rajendra Barve. Dr. Barve is a renowned Psychiatrist and Mindfulness trainer.
The session was conducted on August 4, 2022 from 11.30am to 1:30pm. The session was exclusively held for the students and staff of the PG Department of Psychology. All participants including the Department teaching and non-teaching staff were assembled in the Room 609, 6th Floor of the Patkar Hall Building.
The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Nilesh Thakre, Head of Psychology Department, who extended a warm welcome to the Speaker of the day and everyone present in the audience. This was followed by a comprehensive Introductory speech delivered by Ms. Archishmati Sonawane. Ms. Sonawane spoke about Dr. Barve’s professional and personal achievements as a Mindfulness Trainer. Around 11.45am, Dr. Barve was called on the dais to officially start the first session of Aatmabodh Mindfulness Cell.
Dr. Barve began the session by explaining the term Mindfulness - "knowing what your mind is full of." Along with discussing various concepts such as contemplative science, an interdisciplinary study of the metacognitive self-regulatory capacity and the primary principles of science. Dr. Barve also spoke about emotions and how one must experience the emotions in the present (now), with regard to the same he emphasised on the physiological experiences, behaviour changes and bodily sensations.
Going forward in the session Dr. Barve spoke about the present moment awareness, i.e. being aware of what is happening to you now, and while doing so one must remain non judgmental in accepting the self. He referred to some stories to make the session more interactive and fun for the students to understand, especially concepts such as self awareness, meta awareness, introspection etc or as Dr. Barve termed "awareness of awareness".
Towards the end of the session Dr. Barve, took some questions from the students and he ended the session with exploring concepts such as the four noble truths of buddha where in he explained the difference between pain and suffering; taking references from pali language he discussed things like "way of life, wisdom, and awareness of memory.
After a few questions from the students, and staff members the first session of mindfulness training was ended with a formal vote of thanks by Ms.Anita Sanu, who warmly thanked Dr. Barve for the insightful session and expressed the curiosity to learn and practice mindfulness in future, Ms. Sanu also thanked Dr. Nilesh Thakre the Head of Department for the guidance and perpetual enthusiasm for having such insightful learning opportunities in the department.