North East Centre for the Indian School Psychology Association (InSPA) was inaugurated at St. Joseph University (SJU), Chümoukedima, on February 27 by national president of InSPA, Prof. Panch. Ramalingam.
Welcoming the newly established regional centre, St. Joseph University Vice Chancellor Dr. Gnanadurai encouraged InSPA authorities to sustain long-term collaboration in promoting academic programs. He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen educational development in the region.
In his address, Prof. Panch Ramalingam assured the gathering of InSPA’s commitment to promoting school psychology across the North East through the regional centre at St. Joseph University. He underscored the significance of establishing such a centre to support the psychological well-being of students.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Zavise Rume, Professor at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Nagaland, highlighted InSPA’s global connections and collaborations. He expressed hope that the regional centre would bring the academic world closer to St. Joseph University. He also proposed the introduction of training programs on school psychology for teachers to make it a universal service accessible to all students.
The occasion was also graced by Prof. Wael M. F. Abuhasam from the Palestinian Arab American University, who served as one of the resource persons. Other speakers included Dr. D. Rajendra, National Secretary of InSPA, and Dr. Shripuja Siddamsentty, InSPA Clinical Psychologist.
The program was coordinated and chaired by Dr. Watinaro Longkumer, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology and Counseling at St. Joseph University. The event began with a prayer by Rev. Sr. Dr. Thaines Mary, and vote of thanks by Areni Tungoi, PhD scholar and InSPA member.
Established at Pondicherry University, Puducherry, InSPA is one of India’s leading professional organizations for school psychology, with international affiliations and collaborations.
With the opening of the North East Regional Centre, all InSPA activities and programs for the region will now be coordinated from St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima. Prof. Zavise Rume has been appointed as the Head of the InSPA North East Regional Centre.