25 Years of Indian Journal of Psychiatry

It was in 1958 when the necessity of a separate journal for psychiatry was recog-Tnis number consisted of 39 pages publishing 6 articles concerned with basic topics of Psychiatry. Gradually the journal marched on to its path of progress, changing its appearance a number of times, finally attaining the present shape in April, 1977. One can acquaint himself with the history of Indian Psychiatry by going through the pages of this journal which has successfully reflected the development of psychiatric medicine in this country. Initially in late 50 s when phenothiazines were invented psychiatrists expressed tlieir doubts about the utility of these drugs, which was beautifully expressed in the very first issue of the journil. Gradually the researches in psychopharmacology took over. Trie journal published original research reports of studies conducted in India. The then honorary editor Lit. Col. M. R. Vachha highlighted hopeful aspects of antipsy-chotic and antidepressant drugs (Vol. 3, No. 3). Over the years the size of each volume swelled to an all time high, 401 pages (Vol. 24) containing a total of 69 papers, that too mostly original research observations. From the very beginning the role of Indian system of Medicine and therapy (Yogi) has been recognised. Review papers as well as original research papers have been published on the subject. Contemporary issues on Indian scene have always been the concern of Indian psychiatrists. There was a special supplement on 'Mental Health in Administration' (April, 1967). Dr. Marfatia raised the issue of student's unrest (Vol. 9, No. 2). The necessity, urgency and national importance of family planning was recognised as early as 1968 when Dr. A. Venkoba Rao was the editor-in-chief. Vol. 10 published as many as 6 papers on psychiatric aspects of family planning. Several articles pert lining to this subject continued to be published since then and lately there was an editorial on family planning and mental health (Vol. 23, No. 2). The inhumane aspects of outdated Indian Lunacy Act, 1912 have been repeatedly brought into lime light with appeils for changes necessitated by modern developments in psychiatry before the parliament there was a critical evaluation published through the editorial column (Vol. 24, No. 4). In 1977, when I was given the honour of editing this journal, strong foundations had already been laid. I have tried to carry on the good work done by my distinguished predecessors. The journal has advanced in all directions …