Pondicherry University VC highlights role of school psychologists in building resilience at Tokyo meet

chennai: pondicherry university vice chancellor and neuroscientist prof. p. prakash babu underscored the crucial role of school psychologists in fostering mental well-being and resilience among students, while delivering the keynote address at the 8th asia pacific school psychology association (apspa) international conference held at tokyo university, japan, on september 20.speaking on the theme “neural pathways to resilience: advancing school psychology for mental well-being in the asia pacific”, he said social and emotional challenges are closely linked to neural synapses and urged greater efforts to empower school psychologists to address these issues. he also suggested practical activities to promote mental health and resilience, drawing wide appreciation from participants.prof. babu recalled his post-doctoral research experience in japan, noting the country's commitment to education and psychological research. drawing parallels with india's national education policy (nep) 2020, he said the policy emphasizes not only academic excellence but also counselling, emotional resilience and social adaptability, making psychology and mental well-being integral to holistic education.his address, he added, sought to bridge global best practices with india's educational reforms, inspiring participants to collaborate for the mental health of students across the asia pacific region.the conference also featured addresses by apspa international president prof. panch ramalingam, tokyo university of social welfare chairman prof. l.m. lopez, and its president prof. jiro sakai, who released the conference abstracts. india's ambassador to japan shri sibi george delivered the inaugural address.