India’s psychology sector has seen remarkable growth in recent decades, mainly thanks to the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP). Created in 1989, it is now the most prominent place in India that aims to develop, research and train people in the ethical practice of psychology.
Objective and motivation of establishment
In the 1980s, when serious research began to be done in subjects like science and sociology in India, the need to establish a subject like psychology seriously was also felt. Understanding this need, some leading Indian psychologists together established NAOP in 1989. Its main objective was to develop psychology as a strong academic and professional field in India.
National Organization of Psychologists
NAOP is thought of as the main organization of psychologists in India. The organization has made it possible for psychologists nationwide to talk about their thoughts, show their research and introduce new ideas. Because of it, students, researchers and professionals now have chances to network and work together in an intellectual community.
Standardization in Training and Education
NAOP has taken several important steps to bring uniformity in the education and training system of psychology. The organization has played a major role in making psychology courses more relevant and practical in various universities and institutes of India.
Its aim is not just to grant degrees, but to create competent and ethical psychologists. For this, the organization has organized several workshops, certification programs, and field-training projects.
Promoting ethical standards
Ethics is very important for the success of any profession, and it becomes even more important in a sensitive field like psychology. NAOP offers ethical advice to psychologists so that they continue to be proper and professional while assisting society.
These ethical aspects require minding patients’ confidentiality, having kindness toward them and making sure to stick to professional rules. The organization also teaches students to adopt these values right from the beginning.
Promoting research and innovation
NAOP has always given priority to research in psychology. Every year it organizes the National Conference of Psychology, where both young and experienced researchers present their studies. Students and scientists participating in these conferences work together to understand the changing mental nature of the society and find solutions to it.
Apart from this, many prestigious journals and research papers are published by NAOP which are also recognized internationally.
Importance to Indian perspective
One of the features of NAOP has also been that it has always given importance to the Indian context. Instead of adopting the principles of Western psychology as it is, the organization emphasized on developing a different approach keeping in mind the Indian society, culture and family system.
It inspired research to understand the problems of Indian mental health in the local social and cultural context. Such as – connecting the joint family system, religion, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda with the psychological perspective.
Platform for youth and students
NAOP has also worked to increase the interest in psychology among the youth. The competitions, seminars and research internship programs organized by it make the students strong academically and professionally. Many students have established their careers in research, counseling, clinical psychology, and education under the guidance of NAOP.
National and international partnerships
NAOP is not limited to India only. It has also partnered with many international organizations and universities, which has given an opportunity to present Indian psychology on the global platform. At the same time, work has also been done towards implementing the innovations and research work being done abroad in India.
Future direction
Today, when awareness about mental health is increasing in the society, the role of NAOP becomes even more important. In the coming years, the organization plans to contribute further in the following areas:
- Advising on government policies related to mental health
- Expansion of psychological services in rural India
- Psychosocial awareness campaigns in schools and colleges
- Training in psychological first aid and crisis counseling
Conclusion
The National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) has not only given an organized form to the field of psychology in India, but has also worked to reach it to different sections of the society. This organization has shown that if worked with the right direction, ethical values and local understanding, then psychology can become a powerful tool for social reform.
