International Conference on Sociology, Economics, Political & Psychological Studies

Event Date: 22nd to September 24th, 2024.

The 1st International Conference on Sociology, Economics, Political, and Psychological Studies, organized by the School of Liberal Education (SOLE) at Galgotias University in collaboration with the We Avec U Mental Health Organization, was held from September 22nd, 2024 to September 24th, 2024. The central theme for the conference was “Unveiling Socio-Economic, Political, and Psychological Dynamics: The Touch of Indian Diaspora in the 21st Century”. Through sociology, economics, political science, psychology, and literary studies, scholars explored a wide array of topics including social challenges, economic policies, psychological well-being, and cultural identity. The event aimed to bring together a diverse group of scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

The inaugural function of the 1st International Conference of Sociology, Economics, Political & Psychological Studies was held on September 22nd, 2024. 

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Aankur Pradhan, the Research Manager, and Kashish Jha, Psychology and Operations Associate, who introduced the esteemed guests and organizers. They expressed their gratitude towards the conference patrons, including Dr. Dhruv Galgotia (Honorable CEO, Galgotias University), Mr. Suneel Galgotia (Honorable Chancellor), Ms. Aradhana Galgotia (Honorable Director of Operations), and various other distinguished faculty members. The university's dedication to interdisciplinary education, research, creativity, and innovation were emphasized, as well as its vision to be known globally for value-based education.

The introduction to the School of Liberal Education (SOLE) and the Galgotias University followed, highlighting its diverse range of enriching programs, emphasis on experiential learning, and commitment to creating an environment that contributes to the holistic development of students.

Then the conference's organizing partners and collaborators were introduced and acknowledged, including Psychological Fitness Solutions, Raj Samadhan India, Psychohealing, Altreus Technology Pvt Ltd, Vidya Ananda, The Mind's I, Manastatva, The Healthy Mind Clinic, Zentered Minds, PRANA, The Psych Hub, Neuro and Biofeedback Society, Kasturba Memorial Society, Find YOur CAlling, Zetta Holistics, and the Indian Institute of Psychology and Training.

The conference hosts also introduced the We Avec U Mental Health Organization, the organizing partner for the conference, a distinguished multidimensional mental health organization known for its innovative healthcare services, holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health care, and commitment to advancing the field of mental health through rigorous research.

To bring the conference to an auspicious start, the Saraswati Vandana (Hey Sharade Maa) was played as a welcome song.

The function continued with the introduction and addresses from the esteemed guests, including the Dean of SOLE, Prof. Dr. Anuradha Parasar, the Conference Convener, Prof. Dr. Shikha Srivastava, and the Conference Director, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu.

The highlight of the inaugural function was the release of the conference souvenir, which was done by Prof. Dr. Shikha Srivastava, setting the tone for the upcoming sessions that aimed to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and forge new paths in the understanding of society, economy, and human behavior.

The inaugural function successfully set the stage for the three-day event, which promised to be a platform for valuable insights, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the advancement of academic knowledge in these interconnected fields.

It was then followed by the sessions of the conference.

On Day 1, September 22nd, the conference commenced with four pivotal sessions, each providing a rich tapestry of insights into the interconnected fields of Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and Psychology.

Session I, chaired by Prof. Dr. Roopali Sharma and Dr. Tamanna Saxena, featured seven presentations exploring the implications of social media on body image, gender identity, and coping mechanisms. The discussions highlighted the complex and profound ways in which digital environments can shape individual self-perception and psychological well-being.

Session II, under the guidance of Dr. Neelam Pandey and Dr. Babita Prusty, featured seven papers addressing academic procrastination, social media's influence on personality development, and the application of artificial intelligence in mental health interventions. The session delved into the evolving technological landscape and its multifaceted impacts on human behavior and mental health.

Session III, led by Dr. Pratibha Anand Singh and Dr. Neeraj Panwar, included seven presentations examining the interplay between social media, gender identity, and psychological well-being across diverse demographic groups. The discussions shed light on the complex sociocultural factors that shape individual and collective experiences in the digital age.

Session IV, chaired by Dr. Hari Om Sharma and Dr. Ritu Sharma, presented seven papers analyzing the significance of self-concept, gender roles, and artificial intelligence in relation to individual mental health. The session provided valuable insights into the intricate connections between personal identity, societal norms, and emerging technologies.

On Day 2, September 23rd, the second day of the conference featured an array of concurrent sessions, each offering unique and thought-provoking perspectives.

Session V, chaired by Dr. Manju Dahiya and Dr. Rupali Chandola, encompassed seven papers investigating body image issues, resilience, and forgiveness among young adults. The session explored the challenges and coping mechanisms of a critical demographic in the context of evolving social and cultural pressures.

Session VI, under the leadership of Dr. Ranju Lal, Prof. (Dr.) Shadab Ahamad Ansari, and Dr. Buddha Dev Biswas, featured eight presentations exploring the psychological effects of social support, social media, anxiety on young adults, and LGBTQ social identities. The discussions highlighted the significance of community, representation, and inclusive approaches in addressing mental health concerns.

Session VII, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Srivastava and Dr. Alka Pandey, comprised six presentations focusing on body image, gender dysphoria, and the impact of parenting styles. The session delved into the intricate interplay between individual experiences, family dynamics, and societal norms in shaping mental health trajectories.

Session VIII, led by Dr. Shalini Kumari and Dr. Mansi Yadav, included six presentations examining leadership dynamics, educational institutions, and psychological well-being. The discussions explored the role of organizational structures and educational environments in fostering or hindering mental health and overall flourishing.

Session IX, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Srivastava and Dr. Manju Dahiya, explored key aspects related to stress levels, emotions, intelligence, guided imagery, and mental health of young adults. The session provided valuable insights into the multifaceted factors influencing the mental well-being of this critical population.

Session X, under the guidance of Dr. Anuradha Sharma and Dr. Medha Narayan Kulshreshtha, featured six presentations centered on artificial intelligence and mental health, emphasizing the influence of chatbots and virtual environments on the mental well-being of young adults, and strategies for mindfulness. The session highlighted the emerging technological landscape's potential to both support and challenge mental health.

Session XI, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Shadab Ahmad Ansari and Dr. Pragati Surekha, included seven presentations examining the technological and environmental factors influencing individuals' affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses. The discussions delved into the complex interplay between external stimuli and internal psychological processes.

Session XII, led by Dr. Ambika Prasad Pandey, Dr. Rupali Chandola, and Dr. Priyanka Jain, featured eight papers holistically addressing the sociodemographic aspects of behavior and their impact on overall life patterns. The session underscored the importance of considering the diverse contexts and experiences that shape individual and collective mental health.

On Day 3, 24th September, the conference commenced with the last session for the event.

Session XIII, chaired by Dr. Sundeep K, Nupur Agarwal, and Dr. Arvind Kakulte, comprised seven presentations discussing mindfulness, social media usage, sleep quality, and their impacts on mental health. The session explored practical strategies and interventions for promoting mental well-being in the modern digital landscape.

This marked the successful conclusion of all the sessions for the conference. 

The sessions were followed by the Valedictory Session for the International Conference on Sociology, Economics, Political & Psychological Studies. It marked the culmination of a remarkable three-day gathering that brought together over 200 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. 

Aankur Pradhan, the Research Manager at We Avec U, and Kashish Jha, the Psychology and Operations Associate, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, presenters, and participants to the valedictory session. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who had contributed to the success of the conference through their active engagement, insightful presentations, and thought-provoking discussions.

The conference, themed "Unveiling Socio-Economic, Political, and Psychological Dynamics: The Touch of Indian Diaspora in the 21st Century," had provided a unique opportunity to examine the complex interconnections between societal, economic, political, and psychological realms, with a particular emphasis on the experiences and contributions of the Indian diaspora. The hosts highlighted the remarkable reputation of Galgotias University and its School of Liberal Education (SOLE) in fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, known for its commitment to excellence, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary education.

The co-host of the event, the We Avec U Mental Health Organization, was also lauded for its innovative and inclusive approach to mental health care, as well as its dedication to advancing the field through rigorous research and specialized training programs for aspiring psychologists. The hosts emphasized the collaborative spirit that had defined the conference, underscoring the invaluable contributions of the hosts, organizers, and supporters.

The awards for the conference were then announced by Ms. Prasuna Shanmukha Priya Lanka, the Organizing Chairperson. The winners were congratulated and acknowledged for their hard-work and efforts

Then the Conference Convener, Dr. Shikha Srivastava, and the Conference Director, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu, were invited to read a comprehensive report summarizing the key discussions, findings, and outcomes of the conference. The report served as a valuable resource, encapsulating the collective wisdom and insights shared over the past three days.

The valedictory session then welcomed a distinguished guest Prof. (Dr.) MVR Raju, Head & Senior Professor at the Department of Psychology, Andhra University, and President of the Indian Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), who shared his wise insights about the conference. 

The valedictory session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Prasuna Shanmukha Priya Lanka, the Organizing Chairperson and CEO and Director of the We Avec U Mental Health Organization. She expressed her profound gratitude to all the participants, partners, and organizers, highlighting the power of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change and advancing interdisciplinary understanding. She emphasized the significance of nurturing the relationships and inquiries that had emerged from the conference, with the ultimate goal of shaping a better, more equitable world.

The 1st International Conference on Sociology, Economics, Political & Psychological Studies had undoubtedly been a resounding success, fostering a rich tapestry of ideas, forging new connections, and paving the way for future collaborative endeavors. As the participants bid farewell, the essence of the conference remained, challenging them to apply the insights gained and continue the vital work of addressing the complex societal, economic, political, and psychological dynamics that shape our shared global landscape.

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