SEWA Parma Dharma - One-Day Conference on National Social Work Day

The Department of Social Work proudly hosted the "SEWA Parma Dharma" conference on August 21, 2024, to observe National Social Work Day. This one-day event brought together more than 100 representatives from NGOs, schools, and colleges to explore the theme, "School Social Work: Opportunities and Challenges." The conference featured inspiring talks from three esteemed speakers who shared their insights on the importance of social work in today's society.

Sister Lucy Kurien, the visionary behind Maher, an organization established in 1997, shared her journey of founding 46 homes across India, dedicated to supporting destitute women, children, and men, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Maher has touched the lives of over one lakh people, providing shelter, education, and empowerment to those in need. Sr. Lucy emphasized that "Service is the best religion," urging participants to stand firm in their commitment to social work despite the challenges they may face.
Mr.Alok Agarwal, a renowned social activist and a key figure in the Narmada BachaoAndolan, spoke on the critical role of advocacy in social work. Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlighted the importance of participatory intervention processes and the need to assess the impact of development projects on local communities. Mr. Agarwal encouraged the young generation to study local areas, engage in meaningful service, and not be overwhelmed by challenges.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Jain, Senior Advisor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis, with over two decades of experience in economic development and rural livelihoods, discussed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and its relevance to social work. He emphasized the role of social workers in improving the gross enrollment ratio through awareness campaigns and field immersions. Mr. Jain also touched upon the importance of financial and digital literacy in empowering communities.

The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Dr.RutwikGandhe, where social workers and school teachers delved into the challenges faced by today's youth. The panel explored initiatives that social workers can take, particularly in the areas of mental health, research, counseling, and digital well-being. The speakers agreed that when social work is driven by passion, it leads to true satisfaction and positive societal impact.

The conference provided a platform for social workers to exchange ideas and strategies to tackle the opportunities and challenges within the field of school social work. The event underscored the significance of divine intervention in social work, highlighting that pure intent is key to making a lasting difference.

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