Counseling Session on “Hope in Times of COVID” at KIIT School of Applied Sciences
In the wake of the concerns associated with the ongoing pandemic situation and the impending third wave, a counseling session on the theme “Hope in Times of COVID” was organized on 2nd October, 2021 on virtual mode. The counseling series is an initiative of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS to counsel the staff and other members in the present extraordinary situation, informed Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini, Director, Student Counseling. 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.
Greeting the participants on the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Dr. Priyabadini mentioned that today we need similar resilience and hope that marked our Nation’s Independence, to combat the pandemic. She emphasized the need to stay calm and positive. She suggested colour therapy, mindfulness and other therapeutic interventions to counter stress and boredom and to prepare ourselves for the possible arrival of students in the campus in near future. She apprised the participants about the other committee constituted by the Founder KIIT & KISS, for facilitating staff and their family members who are affected by COVID.
Dr. Lalita provided useful inputs and guidance to develop immunity to counter corona. She spoke on the nuances of the second wave of COVID-19 and uncertainty of the third wave along with the protocols to be followed. She emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and maintaining appropriate levels of hygiene. She made a point on the availability of inexpensive sources of probiotic in water-rice (pakhala). She patiently and comprehensively addressed the concerns of the participants.
Prof. Rajalaxmi Panda emphasized the power of positive psychology and provided information about the COVID-19 helpline of Central and state Govt websites. Prof. Jyotirmay Maity, Prof. Digbalaya, Faculty, School of Applied Sciences also spoke at the session. Prof. Pushpalata Pattajoshi, Dean, thanked the Counseling Cell for conducting such a useful session.