National conference on social work concludes at Panjab University

Chandigarh, May 28, 2022: The two-day national conference jointly organized by Centre for Social Work, Panjab University and Indian Society of Professional Social Work (ISPSW) concluded today. The theme of the conference was ‘Co-building a new eco-social world: Leaving no one behind in Indian Perspective’. The valedictory session for the conference was conducted today with Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Dean Research, Panjab University, as the chief guest for the occasion and Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER as the guest of honour. The valedictory session of the conference saw felicitations for medical social workers, social work volunteers, research scholars and students. Also, best paper presenters in various categories were felicitated in the session.

Prof. Sudhir Kumar spoke about the theme of the conference as a pertinent one and stressed that, language, tradition and value system need to be incorporated in academic deliberations to help co-build a sustainable new world that would be inclusive. He drew several examples from the ancient Indian texts and hymns to focus on the importance of inner peace. He deliberated on the richness of Indian value system. With a number of examples, he explained how the language lent meaning to the word and how the words in foreign language and Hindi differed in their essence. He motivated the participants with his thought-provoking address. Dr. Vipin Koushal in his address stressed upon the importance of social workers in their service to needy patients. He highlighted the significant contribution of medical social workers during the pandemic and narrated incidents where the vigilant and careful observation of social workers had not only helped in serving the society but also brought justice to the victims. He quoted form his experience at PGI and said that the support of social workers to the society was indispensable. The Valedictory session also saw the release of book titled, ‘ Work and Life of a Professional Social Worker’ authored by Kamlesh Kumar Sahu and Chittaranjan Subudhi.

Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work and Convener of the Conference, proposed a vote of thanks and informed that the conference had put into practice the idea of sustainable world by making a conscience effort to use sustainable items even for the conference kits. He informed that the handbags were prepared by the women from NGO’, along with handmade pencils. He also lauded the efforts of students who had contributed in organizing the conference.  Mr. Ravi Kishan Jha, Vice-President , ISPSW ; Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Sahu, Hon. General Secretary, ISPSW  and Dr. Praful P Kapse, Treasurer, ISPSW also graced the event.