KIIT Student Counselling Cell organized a virtual session on “Hope in Times of Covid” for teaching and non-teaching staff of KIIT School of Humanities and Social Sciences on 6th November 2021. Initiating the discussion, Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini, Director Student Counselling, KIIT-DU said, “KIIT University has a structured Counselling Cell to deal with the emotional and psychological issues of staff and students of KIIT. Dr. Priyabadini informed that the counseling series is being organized by the committee constituted by the Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS to counsel the staff and other members in view of the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. She apprised the participants about the other committees constituted by the Founder for facilitating staff and their family members who are affected by Covid. She also advised the faculty to be prepared to receive the students physically in the campus, anytime soon.
Prof. S. C. Swain, Associate Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences welcomed everyone on behalf of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and thanked the Counselling Cell for this initiative. Dr. Pranab Mohapatra, Asst. Professor, Department of Psychiatry apprised the participants about the importance of staying positive in these difficult times. Mrs. Sadhana Mishra, KISS, who is also a social activist, shared her experience of working with the transgender community during the pandemic.
Dr. Rajalaxmi Panda, Dy. Director, Student Counseling informed about the Central and State Government websites, in operation, related to Covid-19. Dr. Kajal Parasar, Dy Director Community Engagement Cell, shared her personal experience of suffering from Covid and the support she received from KIMS. Concluding the session, Dr. Pranab Mohapatra advised the participants to stay safe, duly complying with the Covid appropriate behaviour and protocols.