National Conference on Social Work commences at Panjab University

Chandigarh, May 27, 2022: “The essence of professional social work stems from the Indian culture and value system of selfless service” says Shri Satya Pal Jain at the Inaugural of two-day conference.

The two-day national conference on the theme of ‘Co-building a new eco-social world: Leaving no one behind in Indian Perspective’ commenced today at Panjab University. The inaugural ceremony of the Conference saw dignitaries sharing their thoughts on the relevance of professional social work, especially at the time of pandemic. The chief guest for the inaugural ceremony wasShri Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India & Ex- Member of Parliament, Chandigarh. The guests of honour for the event were, Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, President International Council on Social Welfare(South Asia), Alliance Ambassador, Ex- President NAPSWI & Professor, Delhi School of Social Work, Delhi ; Sh.Davesh Moudgil, Former Mayor and Fellow, Panjab University, Chandigarh ; Prof. Anju Suri, Dean College Development Council, PU, Chandigarh and Shri. Ravi Kishan, Jha, Vice President ISPSW. 

Shri Satya Pal Jain in his address weaved a connect between the ancient Indian culture which is based on foundation of selfless service and the practice of professional social work. He drew upon the example of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji and narrated the saga of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji who poured water to wounded soldiers irrespective of their religion. He furthered that such service of humanity should be the guiding light for social workers. “In these times of materialism and isolation, it was the idea of ‘we’ not ‘me’ which would take the society ahead.” Said Jain.  

Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work and Convener of the Conference, shared that the conference had 222 registrations from across the country and abroad including Srinagar, Assam, Himachal, Punjab and even from Netherlands and Canada. Prof. Sanjai Bhatt highlighted the ‘Indian Perspective’ in the central theme of conference and said that the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  from the Indian philosophy is showing the way forward to the world to take everyone along. “The current society is marred with a number of uncertainties and in such times the value of social work becomes more significant” he added.  Shri Davesh Moudgil in his address said that social workers also have the responsibility conserving the age old values of Indian tradition. He also urged the need to introduce ‘social work’ as a discipline in school curricula. Prof. Anju Suri highlighted the need to build a sustainable world with compassion for humans and environs also. Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Sahu, Associate Professor & I/C PSW, GMCH, Chandigarh; Hon.General Secretary, ISPSW and Co Convener of the Conference also shared his thoughts. 

Also, a poster highlighting the work done by  Center for Social Work during the pandemic was released on the occasion along with felicitations for the students and alumni of the Center who did exemplary work during the pandemic. A souvenir of the conference was also released on the occasion. The two day conference will see a number of technical sessions with paper presentations on several sub themes and award function for best paper.