Panaji: Indian Medical Association Goa State branch along with Goa State Legal Service Authority and Sangat Goa, organised programme on sensitisation of judicial officers on stress management at workplace.
The program was organised on 10 February 2024 at 9:30 AM in the conference hall of High Court of Bombay at Goa.
The dignitaries included stalwarts from judiciary and eminent medical professionals. The event was attended by more than 50 judicial officers.
The eminent members present at the event were Justice Shri. M.S. Sonak, Senior Judge, & executive chairman GSLSA, Justice Shri Bharat P Deshpande, Judge & chairman High court legal services committee, Dinesh Shetty, Registrar Administration, Irshad Aga, Principal District Judge, Ms Sherin Paul, Principal District Judge, Mrs Vijaya Ambre, Member Secretary, GSLSA, Dr Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, President IMA Goa State, Dr Shekhar Salkar, President IMA Bicholim, Dr Medha Salkar, Editor IMA Newsletter, Dr Ravindra Agrawal, President, Psychiatric Society of Goa, Ms Urivita Bhatia, Senior Psychologist, Sangath Goa.
“`Dr Shekhar Salkar, in his welcome speech extended gratitude towards Justice Shri. M.S. Sonak for accepting IMA’s request to conduct the workshop, he further added that the event was in sync with the continued efforts of IMA Goa state to raise awareness on mental health corresponding to the theme of 2024 “ Be kind to your mind”
Justice Shri. M.S. Sonak, in his introductory speech welcomed all the members, especially the resource faculty from IMA Goa state Dr Vikram Patel for undertaking the sensitisation programme for judicial offices on stress management, Justice Shri. M.S. Sonak recalled a famous thought of Mother Teresa, he quoted that “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come and all we have is today” and we should act wisely to make our day better. He further added that judicial officers undergo various levels of stress in their day-to-day life and while we all deal with this stress in our own ways, Professional help is always useful and today’s program will certainly help in understanding the intricacies of stress management.
Dr Sandesh Chodankar, in his speech emphasised on the importance of mental well-being, he reminded the members that in today’s fast life it is of utmost importance to give priority to physical as well as mental health, he added that IMA Goa state is committed towards the well- being of the legal community of Goa .
IMA Goa state also launched the monthly newsletter Medi-Vocal, at the hands of distinguished guest present at the event,
Dr Vikram Patel in his orientation discussed on the various indicators of stress, Dr. Patel mentioned that often stress is an external factor which influences work and personal life in a negative way and the vicious circle leads to disruption of mental well-being, he said that primarily three professions, teaching medical and legal are most vulnerable and stress is an occupational hazard due to astral nature of these professions,That often the responsibilities which are inherent to these professions can cause ‘moral injury’ to the practitioners. He further explained to the members that being aware and self-realisation is the key to handle any events leading to stress and stress is a part of day-to-day life and we should train ourselves to deal with it. He emphasised on the role of “Resilience “, which is our ability to thrive in the face of adversity; having resilience skills will help cope better with stress and demands of the profession.
Dr. Patel said that empathy is the most important quality of any professional and it plays a vital role in legal profession, judiciary is the guardian of justice, Dr Patel demonstrated various methods to handle work related stress efficiently.
Mrs. Urvita Bhatia, senior psychologist from Sangath Goa undertook an interactive stimulation session for all the members, the activity included various physical exercise to relax the body and mind.
Dr shekhar salkar compèred the function while Smt. Vijaya Ambre Member, Secretary Goa state legal services authority extended the vote of thanks and concluded the ceremony.
