Inspired by the vision and ideals of Prof. Dr. N. D. Patil, the Department of Psychology at Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College, Urun-Islampur, was established in 1982 under the guidance of Principal V. R. Pungavkar and the leadership of Prof. C. K. Chautre. The department was founded with the objective of fulfilling the educational needs of students from rural areas. Under the able guidance of former Principal V. B. Syankar, the department achieved steady progress. In 2004, the Postgraduate Department was established with a specialisation in Clinical Psychology, marking a significant milestone in the department’s academic journey.
Over the years, the consistent support of the institution and its stakeholders has played a vital role in the department’s progress. Equipped with qualified and expert faculty, the department has evolved into a well-established academic unit. After the retirement of Prof. C. K. Choutre in 2006, Dr. M. G. Jadhav successfully guided the department until 2017, when Prof. (Dr.) G. B. Kamble assumed the role of Head of the Department. Today, the department holds a distinguished reputation in both academic and mental health domains.
In 2023, the department reached new heights when Head of the Department, Dr. Ghansham Kamble, and faculty member, Dr. Tejpal Jagtap, were elected to the Psychology Board of Studies of Shivaji University, while Dr. Milind Deshmukh was appointed to one of its subcommittees. During the same period, all three faculty members received recognition from Shivaji University as Ph.D. Guides/Supervisors.
Academic and Research Achievements:
• Doctoral Research: Seven students have been awarded Ph.D. degrees, while 13 students are currently pursuing Ph.D. research. Of these, 10 are under the guidance of the department’s faculty.
• NET/SET Examinations: Fifteen students have successfully cleared the SET, NET, and GATE examinations, with six currently serving as full-time professors.
• Merit List Achievements: A total of 80 students from the department have appeared in Shivaji University’s Merit List. In 2019–20 and 2022–23, seven out of the top ten positions in the University’s Post-Graduate Social Sciences Merit List were secured by students of the department. Five students have achieved first rank in these merit lists.
• Professional Advancement: Over 50 students have pursued higher qualifications such as the Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (RCI), the Counselling and Rehabilitation Course at the Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health (MIMH), Pune, and M.Phil. In Clinical Psychology. Many are now working as psychologists and counsellors in reputed mental health institutions, while others have established independent practices.
With its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to mental health awareness, the Department of Psychology continues to be a centre of learning, research, and professional growth, contributing meaningfully to the academic community and society at large.
Vision:
“To foster the development of emotionally resilient, socially sensitive, and ethically responsible individuals through quality psychological education, research, and community engagement. The department envisions becoming a centre of excellence in the field of psychology, contributing to mental well-being and social harmony through scientific understanding and human values.”
Mission:
1. To impart quality education in Psychology that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application for personal, academic, and social development.
2. To promote scientific temperament and critical thinking among students through research-oriented and experiential learning methods.
3. To enhance mental health awareness and psychological well-being in society through community outreach, counselling, and extension activities.
4. To nurture ethical and professional competencies among students for diverse careers in psychology, counselling, education, healthcare, and social services.
5. To provide inclusive and accessible education, especially for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, aligning with the vision of 'Education for the Masses'.