Name of the Event: Educational Tour to Himachal Pradesh
Type of event: Educational Tour
Date: 7th - 13th February 2025
Organizers: Amity Institute of Behavioral and Allied Sciences (AIBAS)
Faculty Coordinators: Dr. Shubhangi Gupta and Dr. Rituraj
No. of Students: 43
Report: The educational tour to Himachal Pradesh, organized from 7th to 13th February 2025, provided Psychology students with a unique opportunity of their psychological development by providing opportunities for experiential learning, fostering social interaction, building empathy, enhancing critical thinking skills, boosting confidence, and exposing them to new perspectives and environments, all of which contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the world around them and personal growth.
The following places covered during this tour:
1. Jyotisar, Kurukshetra: Jyotisar, revered as the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, holds profound philosophical, psychological, and ethical significance. The site, where Lord Krishna is believed to have imparted the sacred discourse to Arjuna, provided students with an immersive experience in exploring timeless teachings that resonate with contemporary psychological principles.
Students engaged in discussions on ethical dilemmas, moral decision-making, and mental resilience as illustrated in the Gita. They examined how Arjuna’s internal conflict and Krishna’s guidance reflect cognitive-behavioral principles, emphasizing self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. The dialogues also explored existential psychology, particularly the Gita’s perspectives on duty (dharma), free will, and the search for meaning—core themes that parallel modern theories of human motivation and personal growth. By drawing connections between ancient philosophical insights and contemporary psychological frameworks, students gained a deeper appreciation for the integration of spirituality, ethics, and mental well-being in personal and professional life.
2. Dharohar Museum, Kurukshetra University: The Dharohar Museum at Kurukshetra University serves as a living archive of Haryana’s rich cultural and historical legacy. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to explore how cultural heritage, traditions, and social identity shape human behavior and psychological development.
Through an array of artifacts, folk art, traditional attire, and historical narratives, students analyzed the role of indigenous practices in shaping collective consciousness and individual identity. Discussions centered around the impact of social structures, belief systems, and environmental influences on personality formation, reinforcing key concepts in cross-cultural psychology.
Dr. Updesh Kumar, Scientist ‘G’ (Retd.), Headed, Mental Health Division, Follow-Up Division and Technical Coordination Division, DIPR, DRDO highlighted the significance of cultural preservation in fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and intergenerational learning. By witnessing the interplay between cultural history and psychological development, students gained a broader perspective on the ways in which societal norms, traditions, and heritage influence cognitive processes, behavioral patterns, and emotional well-being. The experience underscored the importance of understanding cultural diversity in psychological practice, equipping students with valuable insights for research and application in multicultural settings.
3. Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Shimla, originally the historic Viceregal Lodge, stands as a prestigious center dedicated to advanced research in the fields of social sciences and humanities. Renowned for fostering intellectual discourse and scholarly inquiry, the institute provides a stimulating environment for researchers and academicians from diverse disciplines.
During their visit, students were introduced to the rich academic legacy of the institution and explored its significant contributions to interdisciplinary research. They gained valuable insights into various research methodologies that bridge multiple disciplines, enhancing their understanding of how knowledge evolves over time. The discussions and interactions emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to academic inquiry, where historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives intersect to shape contemporary thought.
A key takeaway from the visit was the integration of psychology with other disciplines such as history, philosophy, and sociology. Students were encouraged to reflect on how psychological theories and principles can be applied to historical narratives, ethical dilemmas, and societal structures. The experience broadened their intellectual horizons, allowing them to see the interconnectedness of human behavior, cultural evolution, and social dynamics.
Additionally, the visit provided an opportunity for students to engage with researchers and scholars, gaining exposure to critical thinking, analytical frameworks, and the ongoing debates shaping the fields of humanities and social sciences. By immersing themselves in this academic setting, students developed a deeper appreciation for the role of interdisciplinary research in advancing knowledge and addressing complex societal issues.
4. Gulaba Point, Manali:
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Manali, Gulaba Point served as an ideal setting to explore the profound connection between nature and mental well-being. The tranquil environment, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, provided a perfect backdrop for discussions on the therapeutic benefits of nature. Students delved into the principles of eco-psychology, examining how natural surroundings contribute to stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall psychological health.
Through reflective exercises and group discussions, they analyzed the impact of high-altitude environments on cognitive functions, mood regulation, and mental clarity. The serene atmosphere allowed them to experience firsthand the calming effects of nature, reinforcing concepts related to mindfulness, nature therapy, and outdoor-based psychological interventions. The visit emphasized the growing importance of integrating nature into mental health practices, highlighting its potential to alleviate anxiety, depression, and urban stress.
River Rafting Experience:
Participating in the thrilling adventure of river rafting provided students with a unique opportunity to explore psychological concepts in action. The experience underscored the interplay between risk-taking behavior, fear management, and decision-making under pressure. As they navigated through turbulent rapids, students gained insights into the psychological mechanisms that drive human performance, including the influence of adrenaline on focus, reaction time, and resilience.
The activity also served as a practical demonstration of sports psychology principles, particularly in the areas of teamwork, communication, and trust-building. Working together to steer the raft successfully fostered a sense of collective coordination and leadership, illustrating the importance of group dynamics in high-stress environments. Moreover, the experience highlighted resilience-building strategies, showing how individuals can adapt, manage fear, and remain composed in challenging situations.
By linking adventure sports to mental strength and endurance, the river rafting session reinforced key psychological theories related to motivation, perseverance, and coping strategies, making it a valuable experiential learning opportunity for the students.
6. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh: At the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, Dr. Akhilesh Sharma, Professor, and Dr. Satvinder Singh Saini, Clinical Psychologist from the Department of Psychiatry, provided valuable insights into the practical dimensions of clinical psychology and mental health research. They discussed various career pathways available after graduation, highlighting opportunities in both clinical practice and academic research.
During the session, students had the opportunity to engage with experienced professionals in psychiatry and psychology, deepening their understanding of therapeutic techniques, psychological assessments, and real-world case studies. The discussions emphasized the critical role of mental health care within medical environments and the growing need for skilled professionals in the field.
Furthermore, the visit served as a bridge between theoretical learning and practical application, allowing students to witness first-hand the intricacies of psychological evaluation, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a clinical setting. This experience not only broadened their perspective on mental health but also provided them with a clearer vision for their future careers in psychology and psychiatry.
7. Tibetan Monastery, Manali
The Tibetan Monastery visit introduced students to Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and the role of meditation in mental health. The study of monastic life and its impact on emotional regulation and cognitive processes offered valuable insights into positive psychology.
So it can be concluded that this educational tour to Himachal Pradesh was a highly enriching experience that allowed psychology students to explore diverse psychological concepts in real-world settings. From philosophical discourse at Jyotisar and Buddha monastery to clinical exposure at PGIMER, students developed a broader perspective on human behaviour, cognition, and emotional well-being. The tour not only strengthened their academic foundation but also provided opportunities for experiential learning, fostering a deeper appreciation for the field of psychology.
Objectives achieved and outcomes:
The educational tour to Himachal Pradesh (7th - 13th February 2025) for Psychology students at Amity Institute of Behavioral and Allied Sciences (AIBAS) successfully met several key objectives and yielded valuable outcomes:
Objectives achieved:
1 Students engaged in hands-on learning experiences that complemented their academic curriculum.
2 They explored psychological principles in real-world settings, such as cognitive-behavioral insights at Jyotisar and mindfulness practices at the Tibetan Monastery.
3 The visit to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) in Shimla emphasized the intersection of psychology with history, philosophy, and sociology.
4 The Dharohar Museum provided insights into how cultural heritage and social identity influence human behavior.
5 The visit to PGIMER Chandigarh allowed students to engage with professionals and understand clinical psychology applications.
6 Visits to Gulaba Point and river rafting in Kullu demonstrated the impact of nature and adventure on mental well-being.
7 Adventure activities like river rafting helped develop teamwork, resilience, and stress management skills.
Outcomes:
1 Discussions at Jyotisar on ethical dilemmas and decision-making improved students' analytical abilities.
2 Engaging with diverse communities, professionals, and scholars fostered social and emotional intelligence.
3 Interaction with experts at PGIMER provided guidance on future career opportunities in psychology and mental health.
4 Visits to historical and spiritual sites deepened their understanding of cross-cultural psychology.
5 The tour reinforced academic knowledge through real-life applications in varied environments.