Two day workshop on data analysis

A two day workshop on data analysis was organised by the Department of Social Work for the students of 2^nd year MSW on the 7^th and 8^th of December, 2019 (Saturday and Sunday). The workshop took place in room number 107 of the PG block and was handled by Dr. S. Rama Gokula Krishnan (resource person), faculty, Department of Social Work. Students were taught about the practical application of various statistical tests such as chi square, ANOVA, and regression to name a few. They were also taught how to enter and analyse data using data analysis software.  

International Conference-2019

The Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Bengaluru in association with School of Social Work, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), USA, organised a two-day international conference on the theme- Paradigm shift in a changing world order: health and rights on 10^th and 11^th December, 2019. Eminent speakers from social work and allied fields such as counselling, public health, medical science were present to share their ideas on the changing trends in health and rights. Dr. Arthur Frankel from UNCW during the inaugural ceremony opined that American social workers were mainly focusing on mental health and well-being and had done so for decades, whereas Indian social workers were focused on community development. Despite these differences in areas of focus, he said that social workers from both nations had more commonalities than differences in terms of issues faced such as poverty. Dr. Gifty Immanuel, a public health activist, elaborated on the public health challenges citizens around the world face due to the spread of various types of viruses. Dr. Harini Christopher examined the mental health act of 1987 and 2017 to understand the state’s stand mental health rights of citizens of the country. Dr. Augustine Lourdu, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, St Joseph’s College, presented his research work on social and cultural exclusion faced by HIV positive patients which he termed as triple exclusion. During the second half of first day, there were two panels of paper presentations where social work students and practitioners from various colleges and institutions participated. 

On the second day of the conference, Ms. Jacquline David, a senior counsellor from TTK hospital explained the current mental health infrastructure in India and its possibilities for development and wider access. In the panel discussion that followed, Dr. Satya Pal from Andhra University elaborated on health rights of Indigenous communities with focus on the handicaps of current public distribution system in the country. Dr. Benson Isaac, a professor at Azim Premji University, explained the concept of health workers in the country and extended the term to include every worker who works to ensure quality of life to citizens. Prof. YJ Rajendra, a senior faculty of Dept. of Social work, St Joseph’s College, presented his findings on medical mafia, the increasing levels of monetisation of medical health infrastructure in the country. Paper presentations and Poster presentations from students followed in the second half of the second day.  The two-day conference concluded with the valedictory ceremony and cultural events.

AMEDKAR MEMORIAL LECTURE 2019

The Ambedkar Memorial Lecture was held on 4^th December 2019 from 3:30pm at Xavier Hall. The program began on time with a prayer song by social work students. After which students of 1^st MSW performed a skit depicting Dr B R Ambedkar which highlighted the discrimination he had suffered and revolution he made, which set the tone for the evening. The PG Coordinator, Dr Alan Godfrey delivered the welcome address highlighting on the importance of Dr B R Ambedkar and the Constitution. The chief guest and speaker, Sr. Adv. Mr. Arvind Narrain was then introduced by a 1st BSW student.  Mr. Arvind Narrain who is an expert on LGBT rights spoke about the radical constitutionalism which he divided into two components. The transformative constitution and the idea of constitutional morality and fraternity. He discussed that constitutional transformation happens from personal experience and other capabilities. He spoke about the caste system in India and some of the provisions introduced in the constitution that prohibits the unwanted practices in society which created a break in the history of India. He also spoke regarding constitutional morality where he quoted that democracy in India is on soil which is undemocratic and there are no deep routes of it. He then highlighted on protecting the rights of minorities giving the example of LGBT and Sabarimala case. He concluded his speech by discussing the value of fraternity which brings society together and emphasised on taking Ambedkar’s research forward and reading his works. Following his talk, time was given for a quick interaction between the students and speaker, after which Dr Fr Augustine was called to speak a few words on the topic. Finally, Prof. Y J Rajendra gave the concluding remarks. The program then came to an end with the vote of thanks and refreshments.