The Department of Psychology of Don Bosco College, Panjim, in collaboration with the Wellness Club, organized a session on, De-Addiction and Mental Health: Understanding Psychiatry’s Role in Recovery” on March 7, 2026 at the Bicentenary Hall, Don Bosco College, Panjim-Goa. The programme was part of a National Task Force Initiative aimed at creating awareness about substance addiction and mental health among students.

The session was coordinated by Tabitha Nunes and Dr Vijay Viegas, B.A. psychology program coordinator. The resource person for the session was Dr Ashish Deshpande, consultant psychiatrist and ex-class A trustee, GSB, Mumbai, who was invited as a guest speaker under the Professor of Practice initiative by the Department of Psychology, Don Bosco College, Panjim, Goa.

Dr Deshpande highlighted the psychological and psychiatric aspects of addiction and emphasized the importance of early intervention, professional treatment, and supportive environments in the recovery process. The session helped students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of substance abuse on mental health and the role of psychiatry in rehabilitation.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Principal, Professor Teotone Vaz and Director Father Kinley D’Cruz,