Expert Guest Lecture by Professor Bishal Sitaula from Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Professor Bishal Sitaula from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) delivered an expert guest lecture on the topic “The Inner Dimension of Mental Health Care in a Rapidly Changing World.”

During the session, he shared insights from his 37 years of teaching and research experience at NMBU. Professor Sitaula discussed the essence of human feelings, emotions, empathy, and passion, emphasizing that everyone has the ability to understand and share the feelings of others — but not everyone is equally ready to help those in need. This, he said, is an important question we all must reflect upon.

He then shared his thoughts on mindfulness, explaining it as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness, he said, can be used as an effective therapeutic technique.

Professor Sitaula also conducted a practical meditation session focusing on breathing — inhaling and exhaling — which helped participants concentrate and stay grounded in the present moment despite the wandering nature of the mind. The exercise encouraged everyone to be fully present and aware of their current experiences without overreacting or becoming lost in thoughts.

He reminded participants that the past is gone, and the future is unknown, so it is essential to focus on the present. He further explained that mindfulness is “the practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose, without judgment.” It involves being fully aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings as they are, rather than being carried away by them. This awareness can include observing the breath, noticing bodily sensations, or simply paying attention to what is happening around us.

After the session, Professor Sitaula and representatives from Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences (MMIHS) held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen coordination and collaboration between MMIHS and NMBU.

The meeting was attended by:

Prof. Bishal Sitaula, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Dr. Banshidhar Mishra, Chairman, MMIHS, Associate Professor Jiwan Prakash Sharma, Vice-Chairman, Dr. Dharma Prasad Khanal, Campus Chief, Prof. Durga Khadka Mishra, Assistant Campus Chief, Prof. Mandira Onta & Dr. Khadga Bahadur Shrestha, Head of Department, Dr. Suman Chandra Gurung Coordinator, International Relations Division & Dr Bidhyanath Koirala was also present during the discussion.

At the conclusion of the program, the Chairman presented a token of love to Professor Sitaula, and the Vice-Chairman handed over the institution’s prospectus and souvenir to the distinguished guest.