Mangaluru: The Department of Social Work, St Aloysius (Deemed to be) University, Mangaluru, organized a two-day National Seminar, ‘SAMPRATHI 2026,’ on the theme ‘Promoting Health and Well-being in a Changing World: Emerging Challenges & Sustainable Responses’ on 16 September 2026 at Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Block.
Dr M. Vijayakumar, Pro Chancellor, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, and Director & CEO, Zulekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology, was the Chief Guest. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor, presided over the programme. Dr Ronald Nazareth, Registrar of the University; Dr Loveena Lobo, Convenor of the Programme; Dr Vidya Vinutha D’Souza, HoD, Department of Social Work (UG & PG); and Akanksha Joseph, Student Coordinator of SAMPRATHI 2026, were present on the dais.
Dr Vijayakumar, in his address, highlighted how changing lifestyles, increasing stress, environmental changes, and unhealthy food habits have contributed to the rising incidence of diseases. He emphasized the importance of prevention, early detection, and widespread community awareness to promote and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.
Presiding over the programme, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, emphasized that physical health and a spiritually healthy mind are essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. He stressed the importance of creating awareness and bringing about positive changes within the systems and environments in which we live and work.
Dr Loveena Lobo, Convenor of the Seminar, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the seminar and its theme. Akanksha Joseph, Student Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr Sudhir Prabhu, Professor & Head Community medicine, Fr Muller’s Medical College hospital, highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting well-being. Through case studies, he drew attention to the concerns of vulnerable populations and the role of social determinants in shaping health outcomes. He also discussed the physical dimensions of health, emerging issues and challenges, and the roles of individuals, communities, and society in promoting well-being.
The panel discussion on environmental and climate-related health concerns featured Dr Shaiesh Morajkar, NITTE University, as the first panelist. He provided insights into climate change, environmental risks, and their implications for human health. The second panelist, Dr SmithaHegde, Principal, CFAL, spoke on Behaviour Change and Community Engagement for Environmental Health. She highlighted the close connection between human beings and nature and emphasized that sustainable solutions require the active participation of individuals and communities. She also stressed the importance of giving back to the Earth what we receive from it. The panel discussion was effectively moderated by Dr Rowena Wright, Associate Professor, AIMIT, Beeri.
Dr Anish V. Cherian, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, conducted a session on “Youth Mental Health and Well-being: Addressing Risks and Preventing Suicide.” He provided a clear understanding of the mental health concerns faced by young people, including depression and anxiety, substance use, academic and adjustment-related stress, non-suicidal self-injury, and relationship difficulties. The session emphasized the importance of listening, sharing, building meaningful connections, and strengthening support systems. Dr Cherian also highlighted the need to work collaboratively with families of individuals who have died by suicide, as well as with the police and other community-based institutions. The session reinforced the understanding that well-being is fundamental to a meaningful and healthy life.
The Valedictory Session featured Dr Roopashree Shenoy, who addressed the gathering on the importance of health and the need to consciously protect and nurture it. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr Melwyn D’Cunha, SJ, who sensitized the participants to the impact of lifestyles and everyday habits and emphasized the importance of mindfulness in experiencing and sustaining well-being.
Dr Vidya D’Souza, HoD, Department of Social Work (UG & PG), delivered the welcome address, and Savith D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
On Day two paper presentations were held concurrently in several venues and online too. Presenters shared their research work on the seminar sub themes and shared their findings.
The two-day seminar provided an enriching platform for academicians, researchers, students, healthcare professionals, and practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary health and well-being concerns. The sessions emphasized the need for preventive approaches, community participation, sustainable practices, and collaborative responses to emerging health challenges.