Mangaluru: Yenepoya Nursing College, through its Department of Mental Health Nursing in collaboration with the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, organised a National Conference on “Redefining Neuropsychiatry: Innovation, Integration & Holistic Approaches for a Changing World” on January 23, 2026. The conference was held at the EMD Hall of Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University and brought together academicians, clinicians, and nursing professionals from across the country.
Focus on evolving neuropsychiatric care
The conference aimed to explore emerging trends, innovations, and integrated approaches in neuropsychiatry, with special emphasis on holistic care models in the context of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Discussions highlighted how advancements in neuroscience, mental health care, and interdisciplinary collaboration are reshaping patient outcomes and professional practice.
Chief guests underline advances and specialisation
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of the chief guests Dr. Gangadhara Somayaji K. S., Vice Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University, and Dr. Fathima D’Silva, Principal, NITTE Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences. Both emphasised the unique and superspecialised nature of neuropsychiatry, noting how recent advancements are significantly influencing mental health and neurological care delivery.
They highlighted the growing need for specialised training, evidence-based practice, and innovation-driven approaches to address the increasing burden of neuropsychiatric disorders in society.
Presidential address on AI and future practice
In her presidential address, Dr. Leena K. C., Dean, Yenepoya Nursing College, spoke on the evolving role of neuropsychiatry in the era of artificial intelligence. She underlined how AI-driven tools, digital health technologies, and data-informed decision-making are redefining assessment, intervention, and rehabilitation in mental health and neurological nursing practice. She also stressed the importance of ethical, patient-centred, and holistic care models alongside technological integration.
Distinguished presence and academic leadership
The conference was further graced by Dr. B. H. Sripathi Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, and Dr. B. T. Nandish, In-charge Registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University, who attended as Guests of Honour and expressed their support for academic initiatives that strengthen specialised nursing education and research.
Dr. Binsha Pappachan, Head, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, in her role as Organising Chairperson, welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the conference. She highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health and medical-surgical nursing in addressing complex neuropsychiatric conditions.
Academic exchange and participation
The conference witnessed active participation from 184 delegates representing various states across India. The sessions provided a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and discussion on best practices in neuropsychiatric nursing, innovation in care delivery, and holistic approaches to patient management.
At the conclusion of the programme, Prof. Shashikumar Jawadagi, Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the university leadership, speakers, delegates, and organising teams for the successful conduct of the national conference.
Conclusion
The national conference stood as a significant academic initiative, reinforcing Yenepoya Nursing College’s commitment to advancing specialised nursing education and promoting integrated, innovative, and holistic approaches in neuropsychiatric care to meet contemporary healthcare challenges.