Private company

Indian Psychiatric Society

Logo: indianpsychiatricsociety.org³

Professional association in India

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) is the oldest professional association of psychiatrists in India. Founded during the 34th Indian Science Congress, IPS replaced the Indian division of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association. Savita Malhotra from Chandigarh is the current President of the Indian Psychiatric Society.² Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

Websiteindianpsychiatricsociety.org

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The story

In 1929, Col. Berkeley Hill founded the Indian Association for Mental Hygiene, affiliated with the National Council for Mental Health Hygiene in Great Britain. The Association ceased to function after yew years.

Later, Dr Banarasi Das campaigned for the Indian division of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association. The division was formed in 1939 and functioned till 1947.

On 7 January 1947, during the 34th Indian Science Congress, the founding members decided to dissolve the Indian division of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association and establish the Indian Psychiatric Society. Ajita Chakraborty was elected president of the society in 1976, thereby becoming the first woman to serve as president of the society.

From Wikipedia’s article on Indian Psychiatric Society, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.⁴

Controversies and legal

Controversy

Early marriage to curb sexual crimes

During her term as the president of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Dr Indira Sharma suggested early marriage as a way to curb sexual crimes. The statement caused Indian psychiatrists to oppose her view. The members raised concerns about uploading her speech on the society's official website, as required by the rules. Dr T S Sathyanarayana Rao, the editor of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, suggested that the Society examine a written article supporting her claims before uploading her speech. Dr Indira Sharma insisted the difference of opinion should be respected.

Homosexuality is unnatural

In the days following the end of Dr Indira Sharma's term as the president of the Indian Psychiatric Society, the Times of India interviewed her about the views she expressed during the panel discussion on the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling of Delhi High Court and re-criminalise homosexuality. She confirmed the reports that she believes homosexuality is unnatural. Following her interview, the current president and general secretary of the society issued a joint statement clarifying the official position of the society. The statement said there is no evidence to support the claims that homosexuality is a psychiatric disorder.