Mental health must be given equal importance in health education in school curriculum, stressed Padmashri Prof. Kakarla Subba Rao, Director & Vice-Chancellor, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences(NIMS).

Prof Subba Rao delivering his inaugural address at the 55th Annual National Conference of Indian Psychiatric Society 2003 ANCIPS-2003 today said violence was a universal phenomena, not confined to any country or georgraphical area. It is an expression of sick mind. The cause of violence he said was due to genetic component of individual as well as external influences one bears. 40 per cent of that could be attributed to genetic component and rest of 60 per cent violent tendencies are acquired by an individual from society because of social indiffereneces, injustive meted to him or her, jealousy and other factors.

He pointed out that in children lot of importance is given on intelligent quotient, extracurricular activities but no one gives stress on emotional quotient. He suggested that we must cultivate positive attitudes for a crime free society.

Over 2500 eminent psychiatrists participating in the ANCIPS 2003 will deliberate several crime and violence related issues pertaining to children and schools. Prominent psychiatrists would present their papers such as "Comprehensive School Mental Health Project- A Holistic Vision" by Dr. Jitendra Nagpal; Suicidal Behavirour in children, Hyperactivity, Depression, Dysgraphia or Mental Retardation in Secondary School Children; 'Holistic Approach to School Mental Health" by Dr. (Mrs.) Indu Bakshi etc and others.