The National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) envisions a future where psychology serves as a beacon of understanding and empowerment, guiding individuals and societies towards flourishing and resilience in the face of adversity. With a mission to revolutionize the landscape of mental health and well-being on a global scale, NAOP is dedicated to excellence, collaboration, and compassion, embracing interdisciplinary approaches and innovative technologies to unlock new frontiers in psychological research, practice, and education. The Academy fosters a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity, empowering psychologists to be catalysts for positive transformation in their communities and beyond. NAOP's vision extends beyond traditional boundaries, seeking to inform systemic change and adapt environments that nurture the full potential of every human being. To achieve this, NAOP aims to promote the quality of teaching, research, and multidisciplinary work within psychology, enhancing employment opportunities for psychologists and ensuring high ethical standards in the field.
The idea of NAOP was conceived in discussions among young and senior psychologists during national seminars on Applied Social Psychology in India, organised by Professor Girishwar Misra at Bhopal University in 1985 and 1987. These scholars recognised the need for a professional organisation to provide a national forum for the exchange of ideas and collaboration among psychologists in India.
On February 11, 1987, a group at Bhopal signed a commitment to establish NAOP, entrusting Professor L.B. Tripathi with drafting a constitution. The organisation was formalised on February 24, 1989, at IIT Kanpur, and its first annual convention was held on February 7-8, 1990, at Gorakhpur University. NAOP was registered as a society in Bhubaneswar on July 31, 1990. In 2000, NAOP adopted the publication of *Psychological Studies*, a journal initiated by Professor B. Krishnan, with Professor G. Misra as its editor. The NAOP constitution was further modified in 2014, reflecting the organisation’s growth and continued commitment to advancing psychology in India.