Mangaluru: The SPANDANA 2026 International Conference, organised under the theme “Education, Equity and Justice: Advancing Social Work for Inclusive and Sustainable Societies,” was inaugurated on 6 October 2026 at 10.00am at Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru. The conference brought together students, faculty members, academicians and distinguished guests to deliberate on the role of education, equity and justice in building inclusive and sustainable societies.
Addressing the gathering Captain Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dakshina Kannada called upon citizens to actively participate in democracy and contribute to building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society. Speaking as the Chief Guest, he highlighted the significant contribution of Roshni Nilaya in producing committed and socially responsible social workers and appreciated its continued connection between education, social responsibility and service. Emphasising the importance of the Constitution, justice, the rule of law and democratic participation, he urged people to move beyond merely identifying shortcomings and instead take responsibility for improving society. He also described Mangaluru as a city distinguished by its blend of tradition, modernity, diversity and education and called for collective efforts to make it cleaner, more inclusive and progressive.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Parinitha, Professor, Department of English, Mangalore University, Mangaluru. In her thought-provoking address, she explored education as a continuous process extending beyond classrooms, textbooks and formal institutions. She emphasised learning through personal experiences, listening, social interaction and engagement with society, while encouraging students to remain sensitive to the social realities around them. Speaking on radical learning, she highlighted how travel, exposure to diverse cultures and interaction with different communities can challenge established assumptions and transform one’s understanding of the world. Drawing inspiration from social reformers such as Jyotiba Phule and Mukta Bai, she underlined the transformative potential of education and critical thought in challenging inequality and promoting social reform.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Cecilia Farida Goveas, Controller of Examinations, who presided over the inaugural ceremony. Inviting participants to look beyond mere attendance and reflect on the deeper purpose of the conference, she posed the significant question inspired by Rabindranath Tagore: “What will be different after we meet here?” She encouraged participants to make SPANDANA 2026 a meaningful learning experience through active participation, exchange of ideas and engagement with diverse perspectives. Emphasising the role of education in social transformation, she referred to Nelson Mandela’s celebrated observation that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” She urged students to carry the knowledge and insights gained during the conference into their academic, professional and social lives and to use education as a means of understanding inequality, developing social responsibility and contributing to positive social change.
Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean of PG Studies, welcomed the gathering, while Dr. Anuradha Shetty, Conference Coordinator, introduced the theme of the conference and highlighted its relevance to contemporary social work and society. Dr. Jacintha D’Souza, Former Principal was present on the occasion, followed by Dr. Sebastin K. V., Director – Research. The distinguished speakers Dr. Ashok Antony D Souza , Dr. Parashuram K G and Dr. Anand Gerard Sebastine also graced the occasion Fr. Maxim, Secretary of Sustainable Development Form, introduced the Chief Guest, while Navya, President – HR Forum, introduced the Keynote Speaker. The programme was compered by Rhema Fernandes. Dani Sam Saji, Convenor, Family Cosmos Forum, proposed the Vote of Thanks.
The presence of distinguished dignitaries, academicians, speakers, faculty members and students added significance to the occasion and set a meaningful tone for the two-day conference on education, equity, justice and the transformative role of social work.