How many of us know that Late Dr. Narendra Nath Sen Gupta is the father of Indian Psychology. He was a Harvard-educated Indian psychologist, philosopher, and professor. He played a significant role in founding the first Indian Psychological Association in 1924. Along with Late. Dr. Gunamudian David Boaz, he played a pivotal role in shaping the field of psychology. In 1916, Sen Gupta established the first independent department of psychology in India at the University of Calcutta, followed by another at the University of Madras by Dr. Gunamudian David Boaz . Practise of Psychology in India followed Western Tradition, which was supported by Girindra Sheckhar Bose, the successor to Nath Sengupta.
Dr. Boaz vibed with Sigmund Freud’s philosophy influencing the growth of psychoanalysis for the next 50 years. Later Pavlov, Skinner theorized that behavior is a manifestation of learning and can be conditioned by positive/negative reinforcement. While their approach may have worked with children at certain developmental milestones, it was difficult to apply to a nation that believes that people's actions are based on consciousness. Some contemporary Indian psychologists called for a shift in theories and methods. This shift took its own time to evolve due to the dearth of scientific evidence-based studies.
Over the course of time, the 1980s witnessed Indian psychologists comprehending that imitative studies from Western Psychology may not fit/suit the practice of Psychology in India. Indian psychology has evolved over time, drawing from ancient wisdom and practices. Concepts like koshas (Self), doshas (energetic forces of nature, fundamental principles that help us better understand ourselves and the world around us), and gunas (attributes, tendencies and quality like sattva, raja and tamas) from traditional Indian thought have influenced our understanding of human behavior and well-being. Guna is an element that can have an impact on our psychological and energetic states. Additionally, research findings on yoga and meditation consistently evidenced that conscious breathing helps with brain cells to develop new connections and changes occur in brain structure as well as in behaviors. Performing conscious breathing (Pranayama) improves cognitive skills, attention, and memory. Mind and body connection established that biological framework is essential factor in mental wellness.
Cause and consequences emphasize not only the importance of equilibrium between action/reaction and outcome, but also stresses the importance of inherent interconnectedness of things. “Here and now” is another component drawn from ancient wisdom to 20th century philosophers like Late Jiddu Krishnamurthy who emphasized on “living in the present moment”. Principally, it means being more aware and awake to each moment and being fully engaged in what is happening in one's surroundings – with acceptance and without judgment. This covers the social dynamics in this ever-changing society. Mindfulness is validated by introspection with a view to examining positive and negative forces in life and thereby anchoring a balance.
Indian psychologists in recent years have begun to integrate a biopsychosocial aspect into this Health Psychology. This has allowed the new psychology to bridge the gap between self, consciousness, and the physical world. Today, this practice is effective. The practitioners now use traditional wisdom and contemporary therapeutic approaches for wellness. Is this like old wine in a new bottle!
Ref: The History of Indian Psychology by Becca McKeithen, year untraceable
Dr. Saras Bhaskar
