Yuva Margadarshini- An initiative to empower rural youth

The constitution of India provides each and every citizen the right to a decent livelihood. This includes the right to employment as well. In fact, employment ensures economic empowerment which in turn helps ensure a decent standard of living, a dignified life. However, due to the uneven terrain of economic development, which is centered around urban areas, many youths from rural areas are not being able to receive the necessary information with regard to job openings and opportunities for skill development. In order to bridge this gap in information, The St. Joseph’s Resource and Convergence Centre (SJRC) representing St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Bengaluru, in collaboration with Damana Mahila Sangha, Ambedkar Thoughts Library, and Jnana Jyothi have embarked on an initiative called “Yuva Margadashini”. This is a brainchild of Prof. Y.J Rajendra. The main objective of this initiative is to connect the rural youth and direct them about employment opportunities in both the government and private sectors. The WhatsApp group aimed at informing the youth about employment opportunities and opportunities for skill development was launched on the 22^nd of June, 2021 in a government school in Anekal. The programme’s chief guest was Mr. Mahanandhan, the Circle Inspector of Anekal.

 

  

Covid Relief Efforts of College led by the School of Social Work

On the one hand, the pandemic has led to the deaths of millions of people around the world and on the other, it has led to the economic dispossession of several vulnerable communities. In response, the students and faculty from the School of Social Work are heading the relief efforts of the college. The faculty in charge of the relief efforts are Fr. Francis Pinto, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, who is leading the efforts as the faculty coordinator, Fr. Augustine, Lourdu, Dean, School of Social Work, and Lt. Akshay D Mandlik, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work. Suraj from 18BSW is the student coordinator. Kushveer, Praneesh, and Arun Peter from thrid BSW, are some of the other students who are actively involved in the relief efforts. The efforts originally began on May 15, 2021. A total of 1000 essential needs kits have been distributed to vulnerable groups in and around the city. Coolie workers, members of the transgender community, and senior citizens were a few of the vulnerable groups who were provided support. Apart from this, financial support is being provided to students who need it at this juncture. The relief efforts also involve providing counselling to students affected by covid and students who have family members who are affected by covid. 

Heroes Speak- Lt. Akshay & Nicole on their Service to the Departed

The second wave of covid-19 has hit India the hardest. In these dark times, two brave people- one, a student and the other, the Head of the School of Social Work, have been working tirelessly over several weeks to help provide a dignified burial to those who have become the victims of this deadly virus. There have been numerous articles covered by both national and international media on the efforts of these brave individuals. Now, let us hear from the heroes themselves, in their own words.

Nicole (BSW student): "I began working at the cemetery after seeing my dad who had already been working there along with a friend of mine. My friend told me that there was help required as there were simply too many bodies being brought to the cemetery. At that time, there were about 25 bodies being brought in a single day. I realised the seriousness of the situation and so me and three of my cousins decided to go help out."

"In the first few days, I was able to hold my composure due to my training as a social work student. However, at times, I found it very emotionally and physically straining to bury the bodies, and as a result, I had to take a few days off in between as well." 

"Even now, after so many days of working at the cemetery, I still hear the sounds of the families crying and they don't go away. However, I feel that the work that we are doing is filled with goodness. This has been my primary motivation. My family has been very supportive throughout this and I intend to keep working. That's just simply how I am. I have been raised to do good and to give to those who do not have as I have been given so much."

Lt. Akshay D Mandlik (HoD, School of Social Work): "I began working in the graveyard when I heard about some of my old students working there. This motivated me to go there and help them out. I did think about it initially as this was during the height of the second wave and safety was a concern, but I went ahead as I believe service is one of the highest virtues for a social worker. Luckily, my classes were coming to an end and I called my old student who welcomed my decision to join and help out. 

"When I saw the first body being brought, I was a bit hesitant but with time, I became more comfortable. I believe that motivation emerges from the mind and the heart, and having a defence force background has always inspired me to believe that service must be at the forefront of all our endeavours. I also took all the necessary precautions such as wearing a PPE kit and consuming multivitamins as I believe it helps. That's about it. I am glad to have been a part of it all. To me, it was an opportunity to serve humanity and I went ahead with it."

The School of Social Work salutes these two and many other brave covid heroes from our school, from our college, and around the world as well, who are not just fighting to protect the lives of those alive but are also giving a dignified send off to those who were not fortunate enough to survive this pandemic. 

Many human beings have died due to this disaster but humanity lives on in the hearts of heroes like Nicole and Lt. Akshay.