Mangalore: Academic Exchange Programme was conducted between School of Social Work, Mangaluru and Christ Nagar College, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala
An Academic Exchange Programme was successfully conducted on the 7th of October 2023 between the MSW students and faculty of the School of Social Work (Autonomous), Roshn iNilaya, Mangaluru, Karnataka, and Christ Nagar College, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala. This program aimed to foster academic collaboration and knowledge sharing between these two esteemed institutions.
The program commenced with an enlightening session led by Dr. Jenis Mary P, the Vice Principal of School of Social Work (Autonomous), Roshni Nilaya. Dr. Jenis underscored the core values of the college and drew attention to the evolving societal needs, emphasizing the importance of "Monotasking" over multitasking. She affectionately referred to the college as a "Green Campus" and described it as the nucleus of social work, committed to establishing multiple development centers. Dr. Jenis concluded by highlighting that social workers play the dual role of 'sky walkers and ground workers' when it comes to service-mindedness.
The subsequent session was conducted by Dr. George David, Head of the Social Work Department at Christ Nagar College. Dr. David centered his discussion on the college curriculum of the department of social work, which was founded on the 14th of September 2022. He delved into the objectives and scope of the course, shedding light on the diverse opportunities available to social work students and the associated eligibility criteria. Furthermore, he showcased the department's remarkable achievements and accolades, while also engaging in an in-depth discussion on the charity approach in social work.
Later Dr. Pradeep Kumar, a faculty member of Christ Nagar College discussed on “Community Governance, Emerging Cities, and Disempowering Governance." He coined Kerala as 'Rurban,' indicating its rural essence intertwined with urban lifestyles. Dr. Kumar expounded on the challenges posed by smaller constituencies and their implications for urban local bodies' politically restrictive functioning. Quoting the vision statement of Nirmala Sitharaman, 'Minimum Government - Maximum Governance,' he called for a mission-oriented approach to address these issues. He emphasized that local government operates as a subsidiary of the state government and called for a more vigilant approach to governance.
The program concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude from Dr. Sebastin KV, extending appreciation to all participants for their active involvement in this enriching academic exchange. This Academic Exchange Programme served as a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and insights, strengthening the bonds of collaboration between these two esteemed institutions. It further reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to advancing the field of social work. A total of 120 students and faculty members participated in the programme. Shraddha compeered the program.