The Sir Cowasjee Institute of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Hyderabad, organized a one-day seminar titled “Bridging the Minds and Cultures: Introducing the Intersections of Anthropology and Psychiatry to Prioritize Mental Healthcare in Sindh” at the Dr. Hyder Ali G. Kazi Auditorium on October 18, 2025. The event brought together a large number of doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff, paramedical professionals, students and institute staff to explore how anthropology and psychiatry can collaboratively contribute to a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and culturally appropriate care.

On the special invitation of Dr. Nisar Ahmed Sohoo, Medical Superintendent of the Institute, Dr. Abdul Razaque Channa, Chairman, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, and Dr. Rafique Ahmed Wassan, faculty member of the same department, participated as distinguished guest speakers. Both scholars discussed the significance of anthropology in enriching psychiatric education, practice, and research.
The event commenced with Tilawat and Naat, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Nisar Ahmed Sohoo. The session was moderated by Dr. Mushtaq Sargani, who served as stage secretary.

In their presentations, the guest speakers elaborated on anthropology’s crucial role as the science of human beings and cultures, and its interdisciplinary potential for advancing mental health understanding. Dr. Channa emphasized anthropology’s holistic approach by outlining its four major subfields and their contributions to comprehending complex human behavior. He stressed the importance of culture as the central focus of anthropological inquiry.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rafique Ahmed Wassan introduced the audience to Psychological Anthropology, focusing on the seminal work of Ruth Benedict, a pioneering American anthropologist of the 1930s and 1940s. He discussed the Culture and Personality school of thought, illustrating its significance for psychiatry and mental health education and research. Dr. Wassan elaborated on Benedict’s concepts of cultural-psychological types and national character, demonstrating their continued relevance in understanding the cultural dimensions of mental health.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the guest speakers were honored with traditional Sindhi Ajrak and shields of appreciation, followed by a vote of thanks.

This seminar marked a significant step toward bridging the disciplines of anthropology and psychiatry in Sindh, reinforcing a shared vision to humanize mental healthcare through cultural understanding, collaboration, and compassion.