Prof. Dr. Ayan Bahadur Shrestha @ workshop "State of Psychology in Nepal- 2012"

Summary

This transcript discusses the evolution of philosophy and psychology education in Nepal over the past five to six decades. It highlights the transition from teaching psychology as a part of philosophy to a standalone science, focusing on behavior and the mind. The speaker emphasizes the need to develop applied psychology in practical fields like public service, industry, and the military to enhance its relevance and impact on society.

Takeaways

• 📚 Philosophy has been taught in Nepal for the past five to six decades, with the first department starting at Tandra College.
• 👨‍🏫 The father of a doctor in Nepal is recognized as the first person to teach philosophy at the college level.
• 🏫 In 1956, the College of Education was established, which was the first to train teachers and also introduced psychology as a science.
• 🔬 Initially, psychology was taught as a part of philosophy, focusing on the mind or soul, rather than behavior.
• 🌟 The first person to teach psychology as a science at the College of Education was a professor who later moved to the United States and became a clinical psychologist.
• 📚 Dr. Rose and Joshi co-authored a book titled 'Democratic Renovation in Nepal,' which discusses politics in Nepal.
• 🔑 Dr. Pran, who later passed away, was succeeded by the speaker as the third person to teach psychology in Nepal.
• 🏛 Psychology began in other colleges such as in Morang, Biratnagar, and Janakpur, and the first batch of Master's courses in Psychology started in 1980.
• 🧠 The speaker emphasizes the need for psychology to evolve from a theoretical discipline to an applied science, focusing on practical applications in various fields.
• 🛠️ There is a call for the development of applied psychology in Nepal, particularly in areas like public service, where psychologists could assess the capabilities and attitudes of administrative candidates.
• 🔄 The speaker criticizes the lack of application of psychological principles in everyday life and different professional fields, suggesting this is why psychology has not gained as much popularity as sociology and anthropology.
• 🚀 The potential for psychology to be applied in various sectors such as the military, industries, and advertising is highlighted, indicating a need for skill development in these areas.

Q & A

How long has philosophy been taught in Nepal?

Philosophy has been taught in Nepal for the last five or six decades.

Which college first started the department of philosophy in Nepal?

The department of philosophy was first started in Tandra College.

What was the first institution to teach psychology as a science in Nepal?

The College of Education was the first institution where psychology was taught as a science.

Who is considered the first person to teach psychology in the College of Education?

The first person to teach psychology in the College of Education is not clearly mentioned in the transcript, but it is mentioned that he went to the United States and became a clinical psychologist.

What book did Dr. Rose write about politics in Nepal?

Dr. Rose wrote a book titled 'Democratic Renovation in Nepal'.

Who co-authored the book 'Democratic Renovation in Nepal' with Dr. Rose?

Joshi co-authored the book 'Democratic Renovation in Nepal' with Dr. Rose.

In which university did the first psychology professor teach after moving to the United States?

The first psychology professor taught at Berky University in California after moving to the United States.

When did the first Master's courses in Psychology begin in Nepal?

The first Master's courses in Psychology began in 1980.

Why does the speaker believe psychology has not developed as much as sociology and anthropology in Nepal?

The speaker believes psychology has not developed as much because it is primarily taught theoretically without enough focus on its practical applications in various fields of life.

What does the speaker suggest to improve the status of psychology in Nepal?

The speaker suggests focusing more on the professional part of psychology, applying theories in different fields of life, and developing skills to use psychology in practical settings such as the military, industries, and advertising.

What is the speaker's view on the role of psychologists in the Public Service Commission of Nepal?

The speaker feels that psychologists in the Public Service Commission should be more involved in assessing the behavioral characteristics and capacities of candidates for administrative roles, rather than just working as administrators themselves.