The KISS Wellness Centre of Wellness, KISS-DU organized a two-day workshop on 21st and 22nd August 2025, on Mindfulness and Well-Being. The purpose of the workshop was to train the teachers and students of the University to understand the concept of Mindfulness and its immense benefits on physical and mental health. Professor Mahendra Prakash Sharma, former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMANHS, Bengaluru graced the occasion as the resource person.
The distinguished speaker presented a background history of the development of Mindfulness practice and its emergence from Buddhism. Basic tenets of Buddha helps us to come out of our difficult times and crisis and cope effectively with the situation. Impermanence of life, self-acceptance, being non-judgmental, minimalism, spiritual practices, introspection, breath control, compassion, empathy, love and kindness significantly contribute to our happiness in leading a blissful life. Looking at complexities of life and the stress that we are encountering in our daily life, we get affected by anxiety, depression, mood swings and many psycho-somatic disorders. Thus, we are in need of a stress-free life where we can express our potentiality to the best possible extent and enjoy our living. The above lines captured the essence of the two-day deliberations by the resource person and other revered speakers. Mindfulness practice sessions were also held over these two days.
Hon’ble Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Kashi Nath Jena delivered the inaugural address. Professor Emerita Namita Mohanty, Chairperson of Wellness Centre introduced the esteemed Guest, Esteemed Registrar of KISS- DU Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray spoke on the benefits of Mindfulness, and Sri. Subhendu Kumar Mohanty, Additional Director, Students Affairs and Dr. Trupura Mishra, Advisor of Wellness Centre shared their observations on the workshop. Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, Dean, School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-Spiritualism, KISS-DU shared his experience of attending this two-day workshop.
Dr. Sujata Acharya, Dean of School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology, KISS-DU presented a detailed report on the workshop. Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Director of Wellness Centre and Ms. Debahuti Pattnaik, Convenor of the Centre coordinated the event alongside with Dr. Arpana Oraon, Dr. Jaysmita Kuanr and all the members of the Wellness Centre. Teachers and students had very lively and impactful interactive sessions with our esteemed speaker Professor Mahendra Prakash Sharma. Students of our university performed a mesmerizing, theme based dance programme on both the days.
The session concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, delivered by Mr. Subhendu Mohanty, Additional Director, Student Affairs, KISS-DU, on the first day, followed by Dr. Maitree Padhi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, KISS-DU, who extended her gratitude on the second day of the workshop.
