JAMMU: The Department of Social Work, Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with UGC-MMTTC, successfully organized an eight-day (online) Faculty Development Program (FDP). The program was organized under the visionary leadership of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CU Jammu. The main focus was on the capacity building of educators and research scholars of social work on the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). This initiative, probably the first in North India, aimed to concretize the foundations of Social Work from ‘Bhartiya Gyan Parampara’ and reinvent social work education.
The FDP brought together 16 distinguished experts from various social work institutes, who explored the shift from Eurocentric social work education to an Indianized approach. The sessions covered a diverse range of topics, including Upanishads, concept of Dharma to Seva, Sankhya Philosophy, Values and teachings of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Spirituality as a method of social work, replacing the western model with Indian values system, integrating Yogic Science in therapy, Gandhian perspective and the contribution of Nanaji Deshmukh and Lok Mata Ahilya Devi Holkar in community development.
The discussions emphasized the importance of contextualizing social work education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, addressing diversity, contemporary challenges, and the need for an indigenous, culturally rooted approach to the discipline.
The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Mahesh Chougule, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, as the chief guest. In his address, he underscored the significance of an interdisciplinary approach, merging IKS with contemporary knowledge systems and localizing curricula to reflect Indian traditions and culture, thereby positioning IKS on a global platform.
Dr. Nancy Mengi, Head, Dept. of social work, presented a comprehensive report on the program's outcomes, highlighting enthusiastic participation with over 55 attendees from 17 states and union territories.
Dr. Neelika Arora, Director, MMTTC appreciated the organizing team for smooth coordination and congratulated on the successful conduct of the program.
Dr. Akshay Kumar, Asst. Director, MMTTC, was also present in the valedictory session. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Vinay Kumar, Faculty, Dept. of social work acknowledging the valuable guidance of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CU Jammu, Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, Prof. Aswini Kr. Nanda, Dean, Social Sciences and the contributions of resource persons, participants, organizing committee members, and research scholars for successful completion of the FDP.
The Valedictory session was coordinated and moderated by young faculty member Mr. Fateh Lal Bheel of the Department. This initiative marks a significant step toward integrating Indian traditions into social work education and fostering a more holistic, indigenous approach to the discipline.
