Panel Discussion on Multidisciplinarity in Social Work Practice at Panjab University, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, March 8, 2025:The Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today organised a panel discussion on “Multidisciplinarity in Social Work Practice” to mark International Women’s Day. The event aimed to highlight the integration of diverse disciplines in social work and its crucial role in addressing contemporary social challenges.

The panel discussion was attended by faculty members, research scholars and students, , making it a meaningful event in celebrating the spirit of International Women’s Day and the multifaceted role of social work in society.

The session featured expert speakers, including Dr. Smita Sharma, Department of Economics and Dr. Manjushri Sharma, University Institute of Applied Management Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, who provided valuable insights into the intersection of social work with economics, management, and psychological frameworks.

Dr. Manjushri Sharma elaborated on the role of social workers in rehabilitation, emphasising the integration of the Bio-Psychosocial Model and the Inter-professional Care Model. She highlighted how social workers contribute to every stage of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—ensuring basic necessities, fostering safety and belonging, enhancing self-esteem, and guiding individuals toward self-actualisation. She also underscored the importance of empathy in counselling and rehabilitation, where social workers collaborate with healthcare professionals, mental health counsellors, and community stakeholders to provide holistic care.

Dr. Smita Sharma delivered an enlightening discussion on Empathy in Economics, seamlessly weaving economic principles with the human dimension of empathy. Her thought-provoking insights challenged conventional perspectives and highlighted the crucial role of compassion in economic decision-making. Her lecture not only broadened the audience’s understanding of the subject but also underscored the importance of integrating empathy into economic policies and research. Her passion for the field was evident, making the discussion highly engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Earlier, Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work, took the initiative to organise the event and extended a warm welcome to the esteemed speakers and participants. His efforts in bringing together experts from different fields emphasised the significance of multidisciplinary collaboration in social work.

The event provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, reinforcing the need for collaboration among various fields to enhance the impact of social work.