First-Ever Psychology Olympiad and Psychology Expo Held in Nepal

For the first time in Nepal, a Psychology Olympiad and Psychology Expo have been successfully concluded in Kathmandu. 

These programs were held during the second Psychology Week event organized by BA third students and Social Service Club of Kathmandu Model College (KMC), Bagbazaar. Eight colleges participated in the first Psychology Olympiad, and winners were awarded with cash prizes, certificates and medals.

Among the participants, National College secured first position and received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. St. Xavier’s and Thames International College jointly secured second place, each receiving Rs. 5,000. The Olympiad was conducted by an independent panel of three experts outside the KMC, namely psychologists Padam Raj Joshi, Sagar Nepal and Deepa Manandhar. Along with the winner colleges and KMC, Samriddhi, R. R. Campus and Tri-Chandra Campus and K & K, participated in the Olympiad. 

The event was conducted from April 17 to 23. Throughout the week, various activities related to psychology and mental well-being was organized with the aim of spreading awareness about mental health among the general public. The program offered a fun and learning environment for psychology students and encouraged collaboration with professionals and organizations in the field. The activities also played roles to bridge the gaps between psychology and non-psychology students and individuals. 

The first Psychology Expo held at Basantpur on 17 April featured various memory games, activities related to well-being, psychology, fun, attention, personality, illusion and sensation. At least 500 members of the general public participated and played those psychological games. Additionally, poster presentations were conducted, showcasing writings on mental health.

In Psychology Expo held on April 22, Not only psychology students but also students from other disciplines actively engaged in the activities. Including KMC, Tri-Chandra Campus and Samriddhi College demonstrated their stalls, while four organizations namely, PICS Nepal, Manoshastra, Nepal Academy of Psychology, CeTrade also participated.  

On April 18, a cultural program was conducted at a fair in Hadigaun, where students raised awareness about mental health through music and dance. On April 20, a speech competition about the psychology controversy was conducted. On April 22, the Psychology Olympiad was held and on April 23, the closing ceremony was held on the occasion of UN World Psychology Day, where prizes were distributed to the winners of the Olympiad, Duals and Doubts of Psychology controversy and for all the participants. 

At the ceremony, Asst. Prof. Sanjesh Shrestha, Head of the Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University (TU), addressed the event as the chief guest. He highlighted the importance of psychology in all areas of life, stating that it should not be limited only to mental health alone. “Psychology is not only about mental health. It is equally essential in everyone’s life and is important for students of all disciplines.” 

Similarly, KMC College chief Surendra Subedi expressed that such activities and programs can serve as the methods to enhance professional skills among students while fostering networking and collaboration with related organizations and experts. 

Dhurba Prasad Timalsina, Head of Internal Quality Assurance Cell at KMC, said that such programs during college life not only broadens students’ knowledge but also strengthens their competent skills. Announcing another upcoming event, 2nd KMC symposium in October, BA/BBS Program Head, Alish Raj Rajopadhyaya said that Psychology Week especially helped inform the general public about mental health.