Prof. Shridhar Sharma

Professor Shridhar Sharma, MBBS, MD, DPM, FRCPsy.(Lond.), FRANZCP (Australia), FAMS, DFAPA (USA),  Emeritus Professor in Psychiatry, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) of India is an Internationally and Nationally recognized medical leader in the field of Psychiatry with expertise in the area of Psychopharmacology, Social Psychiatry, Health Policy, Medical Education and Planning and a strong advocate of human rights of mental patients. Currently, he is a Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Psychiatry and Behaviour Sciences in P.S.R.I. Hospital for Liver and Kidney Diseases.

Past Academic and Administrative Experience:

He has occupied significant positions in both Academic and Administrative fields at national level. Was the Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences, Government of Delhi (1993-96). Additional Director General of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Government of India (1991-93);  a former Director, Post Graduate Institute of Medical, Education and Research, Chandigarh (1990-91); Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung General Hospital, New Delhi (1986-88)’ and Director & Professor, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Govt. of India, Ranchi (1981-86).  Professor & Head Dept. of Psychiatry Goa, Medical College from 1968-81. Professor of Psychiatry, Medical College, Baroda (1965-68).

He was Hony. Physician to the President of India (1989-93).

Position in Societies:

Formerly President World Association of Social Psychiatry (WASP) (2001-2004), (2006–2008), Chairman, Board of Trustees, World Association for Social Psychiatry (2004-07), was President of Indian Psychiatry Society (1985-86), Indian Association of Social Psychiatry (1986-87) and Chairman of World Psychiatric Association, Review Committee (1983-89) and was founder Secretary, “Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management Committee” and former Vice Chairman of Interdisciplinary Committee and other Committees of the WPA. He was also Vice president of the World Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Vice President, WFMH and Albert Schweitzer World Academy of Medicine

Has represented India in many international meetings including WHO and UN and has worked as a short term WHO consultant and WHO Advisor for more than two decades.  Besides he has been a member of expert groups of Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Council for Agricultural Research and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in India and visiting Inspector, Medical Council of India and consultant to National Human Rights Commission and Department of Ocean Development. He is the only Psychiatrist who was a member of the Cabinet Sub-committee, Governemnt of India on Drug Abuse.

Research and Awards:

Was a Member of International Advisory Committee of WHO collaborating center of McGill University in Canada 1983-2001. Member of the International Scientific Committee on Antarctica Research (1989-92)Also member of Polish Academy of Medical Sciences and many other International and National Scientific Societies. Editor, Japanese Bulletin of Social Psychiatry, Japan. He is the recipient of many national and international awards including Dr. D.L.N. Murthy Rao Oration, the highest award given by Indian Psychiatric Society, Dr. V.N. Bagadia, Oration for lifetime achievement in the field of psychiatry in India. Platinum Jubilee oration of Indian Science Congress for significant contribution in the field of mental health and Dr. N.N. De oration for the highest contribution in the field of Social Psychiatry in India, was given a Gold medal of Polish Academy of Medical Sciences in 1999. Dr. N.N. Moorthy Award by Indian Medical Association for development of Psychiatry in India and many other Awards including Award of Excellence in the field of Positive Psychotherapy. His current interest are in the field of spirituality, ethics and globalization.

Has been invited by many Universities in USA, Canada, Japan and European countries as a visiting Professor/Lecturer and has traveled extensively both in India and abroad. He has been on International Scientific Committees of many International and National congresses. Was member of Indo-US Mental Health Committee, Indo-Russian Science Commission and Indo-Japan Science Committee. 

Has published 9 books/monographs and over 200 scientific papers. Has contributed immensely in the field of Social Psychiatry, Psychosomatic diseases, Psychopharmacology, Antarctica Research, Health & Mental Health aspects of Island, Coastal zone, Desert Health and Disaster Management and Medical Education and Ethical issues.

He was bestowed with Dr. B.C. Roy National Award (1981), the Honorary Membership of the World Psychiatric Association and World Association for Positive Psychotherapy in recognition of his achievements, contribution and leadership in the field of psychiatry and for making extraordinary efforts to promote the status of psychiatry, disseminating psychiatric knowledge as well as for his concern for the welfare of mental patients.

Shridhar Sharma

September 17, 2015