Counseling Series on ‘Hope in Times of COVID’ Counseling Session Organized for KIIT Boys Hostel Staff
Considering the significance of remaining safe and positive in the context of the current pandemic situation, the KIIT Counseling Cell has been conducting a Counseling series on the theme “Hope in Times of Covid,” covering the teaching and non-teaching staff of each School, Unit and their family members. As a part of the series, a counseling session was organized for Boys Hostel staff of KIIT on 1st June, 2021. The counseling series for KIIT staff and their family members has been started at the initiative of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, who has constituted a Committee for this purpose, informed Mr. Sudhir Rath, Director Hostels.
Introducing the members of the Committee, Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini, Director, Student Counseling said that it has been the endeavour of this Committee to provide support to the participants in the perspective of clinical, psychological and social aspects of life during these difficult times. While emphasizing the importance of mental health, she underlined the need for staying positive while complying with the laid down protocol of COVID appropriate behavior. She also made the participants aware of the other committees constituted by the Founder for facilitating staff and their family members who are affected by COVID-19. In order to address the concerns of the participants on the clinical side, she had specifically invited Dr. Lalita Patnaik, In-Charge, PG Council, KIMS and Dr. Pranab Mohapatra, Dept. of Psychiatry, KIMS. Other members of the Committee, Ms. Sadhana Mishra, Ms. Rajalaxmi Panda, Dr. Kajal Parashar and Ms. Linkan Subuddhi were also present.
Dr. Priyabadini apprised the participants of the unprecedented welfare and humanitarian measures for the staff members announced by the Founder. It includes financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the family of the deceased due to Covid and suitable employment in KIIT, KISS or KIMS to one eligible family member based on his/her educational qualification. She also informed about the facilities being provided by KIMS to staff and their family members during this pandemic.
Dr. Lalita provided useful inputs and guidance in dealing with the pandemic. She spoke on the nuances of the second wave of COVID-19 and the measures to be taken to remain safe and healthy. She emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and maintaining appropriate levels of hygiene. She spoke on the protocols to be followed in case of Home Isolation, balanced and immunity booster diet, vaccination, etc. She patiently and elaborately addressed the concerns of the participants.
Dr. Pranab Kumar Mohapatra apprised the participants about the positive ways of doing things. He exhorted them to follow the guidelines, namely, staying at home, wearing masks, sanitizing and practicing social distancing. Ms. Rajalaxmi Panda shared information relating to provisions contained in the relevant websites of Central and State Govt. pertaining to the pandemic.
Ms. Subuddhi stressed on the importance and relevance of “Art of Giving” in these times which call for greater compassion and fellow feeling. Prof. Kajal Parashar, Dy Director, Community Engagement Cell recommended the engagement of people in whatever productive works they can during this period and concluded the session with a vote of thanks.