Indian Army invited Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, a member of YPSF, AP Punjabi University to conduct a counseling session
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 15,2025
In a remarkable collaboration, Young Progressive Sikh Forum’s (YPSF) Member Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, Assistant Professor of Psychology from Punjabi University, Patiala was recently invited by the Indian Army to conduct counselling sessions for its personnel stationed in Leh Ladakh, a high-altitude region known for its extreme conditions. The invitation, extended by the Indian Army, aimed to address the mental health and well-being of soldiers stationed in one of the most challenging environments in the world.
With a wealth of international experience in the field of mental health, Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sessions, which were designed to help soldiers cope with the mental and emotional pressures of their demanding duties. These sessions focused on stress management, mental resilience, emotional regulation, and building strategies to manage the unique challenges posed by the high-altitude, isolated environment of Ladakh.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Sandhu has been continuously conducting a series of workshops aimed at promoting mental health issues at various government organisations including the Indian Army.
She was invited at one such programme in 2024 at Army Western Command, Chandimandir to deliberate on the issue of Stress Management and Marital Harmony where approximately 500 army personnel and their families attended her lecture in person. The programme was telecast live to Meerut and Dehradun as well. Also, she was invited by the Western Command, Ambala in 2023 to deliver a lecture on Lifestyle Diseases and Effects of Drugs and Substance Abuse and its prevention which was attended by a large number of army personnel and their families and was live telecast in the entire Western Command.
She was also invited by the Armoured Division, Patiala in 2020 to speak on the issue mental health promotion, which was received very well.
The response from the army personnel was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to take part in such impactful sessions. Soldiers, who regularly endure extreme physical and mental challenges, welcomed the support, noting how it not only helped them manage stress but also strengthened their overall mental resilience and camaraderie. Many highlighted the importance of such initiatives in maintaining their focus and well-being in high-pressure situations.
The success of the counselling sessions underscores the increasing recognition of mental health in the armed forces, especially in extreme and high-risk environments like Leh Ladakh. The work done by the Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu brought attention to the importance of mental well-being, something that has often been overshadowed by the physical demands placed on soldiers. Dr. Sandhu’s approach, which combined evidence-based psychological techniques with practical tools tailored to the unique needs of military personnel, proved to be both relevant and effective.
With Dr. Sandhu’s extensive international work experience in the area of mental health, where she has worked with multi-disciplinary community mental health teams internationally, was invaluable in offering personalized guidance and support to the army personnel. Nationally and internationally, she has provided a range of services, including outreach and direct clinical services such assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention; consultation/ liaison with community agencies, schools, hospitals, community education, development, coordination and prevention/ early intervention programs; and program development and evaluation. Her experience in working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health issues made her uniquely suited to this role, ensuring that the soldiers received the highest standard of care and attention.
This collaboration between academia and the Indian Army highlights the growing importance of mental health awareness in military settings. It serves as a reminder that, just as physical fitness is vital for soldiers, mental resilience is equally essential. The success of the counselling sessions in Leh Ladakh is a significant step towards further integrating mental health practices into the support system for armed forces personnel.
Her work has been lauded for its positive impact on the army personnel, with the sessions seen as a crucial element in fostering a healthier, more resilient military force. The initiative not only provided essential mental health support but also contributed to creating a stronger and more well-rounded force, capable of thriving even in the most challenging environments.
Indian Army invited Dr. Inderpreet Sandhu, a member of YPSF, AP Punjabi University to conduct a counseling session. As the Indian Army continues to prioritize the well-being of its personnel, this collaboration serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the mental health of soldiers stationed in high-pressure environments.
