As part of the Mental Health Week celebrations, the Department of Psychology at Don Bosco College, Panjim, organised an enriching experiential learning visit to Sangath, Porvorim, on 8th October 2025. Thirty students from SYBA and TYBA Psychology participated in the visit, accompanied by Assistant Professors Andrea D’Souza and Tabitha Fernandes.
Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by Ms. Jaya Katiyar, who provided an insightful introduction to Sangath’s vision, mission, and ongoing initiatives. Sangath, known for its pioneering work in mental health, child development, and community-based research, offered the students a close look at real-world applications of psychology.
The interactive session featured a series of talks by Sangath’s multidisciplinary team:
- Dr. Rohit Shah
- Ms. Vartika Jain
- Ms. Grace Pacheco
- Mr. Subhash Pednekar
- Mrs. Lalan Karapurkar
- Mr. Rajanish Haldankar
- Ms. Trupti Payekar
Each speaker shared their professional journey, expertise, and contributions to Sangath’s wide-ranging programmes — from research and field implementation to outreach and organisational support. Students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, deepening their understanding of mental health work beyond textbooks and classrooms.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Sangath premises, allowing students to observe firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration between psychologists, researchers, field workers, and community engagement specialists leads to impactful mental health interventions.
The field trip provided students with valuable exposure to the functioning of a leading mental health organisation and reinforced the importance of empathy, community participation, and evidence-based practice in psychological work. It was an inspiring and educational experience that strengthened their connection to the field.
