Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) in Jharkhand entered into an agreement on Saturday with Krishnapur Nazrul Charcha Kendra, Calcutta, for the use of fine arts in promoting positive mental health and wellness.

Associate professor and in-charge of the department of psychiatric social work at the Ranchi-based CIP, Dipanjan Bhattacharjee, claimed it as one of its kind agreement in the country wherein the use of music and other relevant forms of fine arts in the promotion of positive mental health and wellness in common people as well as people with psychological issues would be explored.

“The Krishnapur Nazrul Charcha Kendra, Calcutta, has been functioning for the promotion of scholarly works and different forms of fine arts in India and abroad. The basic objective of this memorandum of understanding is to carry out activities like the development of awareness about various facets of mental health and well-being and increase adjunctive use of art, music and other relevant forms of fine arts in the promotion of positive mental health and wellness in common people as well as people with psychological issues,” said Bhattacharjee.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, Nazrul Charcha Kendra would be sending its team of musicians and artists to the campus of Central Institute of Psychiatry periodically and they would perform for the patients. They will also be training faculties and students of the CIP on the use of music therapy for mental wellness and also indulge in research work on the use of music as a treatment for mental wellness.