‘प्रशांति ’ - One Day Intensive Mindfulness Workshop
organized by
आत्मबोध SNDT Women’s University Mindfulness Cell
&
Department of Psychology, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
(January 18, 2023)
The University Department of Psychology, SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate and आत्मबोध SNDT
Women’s University Mindfulness Cell conducted ‘प्रशांति ’ - A Workshop for teaching and non-teaching staff of all colleges affiliated to Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University, Mumbai, on January 18, 2023 from 10am to 5pm at Lady Premleela Thackersey Committee Hall in Offline Mode. It was inaugurated by Prof. Ujwala Chakradeo, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women’s University; Dr. Rajendra Barve, Psychiatrist & Sugat Acharya, Co-Founder of आत्मबोध Mindfulness Cell and Dr. Nilesh Thakre, Head, Department of Psychology & Co-Founder of आत्मबोध Mindfulness Cell.
During the inaugural address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ujwala Chakradeo expressed how आत्मबोध - (translated as) self awareness is such a rare entity in our lives. Prof. Chakradeo articulated her passion for the Mindfulness practices and how she applies mindfulness through the various roles she plays in her professional and personal life to answer the question she poses to herself ‘Who is she under all the roles she plays everyday?’. A holistic tone of the workshop was set by a memorable quote by Prof. Chakradeo stating: ‘माझ्या मध्येमी आहे. मी त्याचेबी आहे. (I lay within myself. I, myself, am its seed). At the end of her address, she appreciated Dr. Nilesh Thakre and Dr. Rajendra Barve for their initiative to promote Mindfulness among the academic fraternity and wished the organizing team luck for the Workshop and future endeavors of the Mindfulness Cell.
The Workshop began with Dr. Thakre’s session on the origins of Mindfulness. He conducted a few activities to bring the participants into their current awareness and used real life examples to discuss the utility of Mindfulness practices in everyday life. This was followed by Dr. Rajendra Barve’s session who initiated his session by providing in-depth knowledge about the origins of Mindfulness and the process of building self-awareness. Using metaphors, analogies, and everyday life examples, he enlightened the participants through the use of a Zen story and his own personal experiences. He conducted activities by showing videos to the participants which enhanced their understanding of mindfulness. After guiding the participants in a 20-25 minute guided meditation, he concluded the session with a Q & A. Participants wholeheartedly took part in the Workshop via an interactive and hands-on approach.
The One Day Intensive Mindfulness Workshop ended with a Valedictory ceremony which was presided by Dr. Vilas Nandavadekar, Registrar of SNDT Women’s University, Churchgate. Dr. Nandavadekar enunciated how mindfulness has become increasingly vital to educational institutions as well as the necessity for this concept to be implemented. As a follow-up to the Workshop, 2 participants, Dr. Avaneesh Bhatt (Lecturer at Smt. M.M.P Shah Women’s College) and Ms. Chitra Lele (Head, UG Dept. [Pol. Sci], SNDT WU) spoke about their learnings which was followed by the Registrar awarding certificates to each participant. The Workshop was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Anita Sanu.
As a result of the cooperation and support of the faculty members of the Department of Psychology at SNDT Women's University, the Workshop concluded on a positive and successful note. A bright promise of more such activities by Atmabodh SNDT Women's University Mindfulness Cell and the Department of Psychology, SNDT WU, Churchgate was given by the organizing team.
