INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR ON 'MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL: STRATEGIES AND ROADMAP'

Looking at the current status of mental health in today’s world, it is very important to ensure that mental health is prioritised now more than ever before. On account of this, the MnP students from the Department of Social Work conducted an International webinar titled "Mental Health for all: Strategies and Roadmap" on the 10th of October 2020 which is observed as World Mental Health Day. The webinar was conducted through Zoom, was live streamed on YouTube and had national and international participants. There were three sessions and each session had different speakers who emphasized on different topics related to the theme. The first session commenced with a brief introduction by Ms. Renu Philips of IIMSW highlighting the educational accomplishments and expertise of the first speaker Prof.Hye Kyung Kang (Chairperson of Department of Social Work, Director of Master of Social Work Program and Associate Professor in Seattle University). The speaker emphasized on the title" The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Crisis from a Social Justice- Focused Perspective". Prof. Kang spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the increase in demand of mental health services and a decrease in its access. She discussed about some of the promising intervention strategies and spoke about policy and advocacy needs. The second session began at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Aishwarya Toppo from IMSW introduced the second speaker- Mrs. Eliza Pereira (Former Head of the Department of Medical Social Work at St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore).

Her topic was "Access to Mental Health in the Indian Scenario". She talked about what Mental Health is and gave emphasis on the fact that it’s totally O.K. to seek help. She also highlighted on some of the myths related to mental health and also shared one of her professional experiences related to one of the myths. 

The third session began at 11:45am with a brief introduction by Sr.Christine Ezhil from IIMSW highlighting the educational accomplishments and expertise of the third speaker Dr.nJames (Assistant professor in Psychiatric Social Work, Central Institute Of Psychiatry, Ranchi). The speaker spoke about the history of community social work and on the institutiobnalization of  persons with mental illness. He also spoke on deinstitutionalization the development of psychotropic drugs and about the change in the public opinion about not isolating the people with mental illness.

After the third session, Fr. Dr. Augustine Lourdu (P.G Co-ordinator, Dept. of Social Work) gave the concluding remarks. This was preceded by the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Shari Tess Mathew (Coordinator of the Webinar, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work).

The sessions were very informative and was successful as the resource persons had great knowledge with regard to the theme. The webinar was mainly conducted in order to raise awareness regarding investment in mental health and improving mental health access in relation to the objective of World Mental Health Day 2020. The webinar aimed to bring in people from multidisciplinary backgrounds in order to create awareness on the importance of mental health.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan- students work for rural development despite the pandemic.

A total of 22 students and three faculty members (Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik (HoD), Dr. Fr. Augustine Lourdu (PG Coordinator) and Dr. Alan Godfrey) from the Department of Social Work conducted 3 pilot visits and have selected 2 villages in Anekal Taluk for currently carrying out the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, a programme by the Government of India. As part of the on-going programme, a total of 94 households have been surveyed in the two villages. Meetings with the stakeholders in the community were also held and a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted to gain a better understanding of the villages. The students noted that in one of the selected villages, the number of school dropouts was high. This motivated the students to organise a street play on the importance of education. The gathering was also informed about the existence of certain scholarship schemes that could be used to support their children’s education. It is important to remember that all of these efforts are being undertaken at a time when the pandemic has struck fear in the hearts of millions of people in the country. Despite the danger posed by this deadly virus, the students have chosen to undertake this important programme. The Department of Social Work salutes your bravery and dedication to the rural community!

Medical & Psychiatry Students Work in Hospitals around the Country during the Pandemic

With the Covid 19 pandemic causing havoc around the world and in the country, the students of second year MSW students specialised in Medical and Psychiatry have chosen to work in different hospitals around the country from Delhi to Kerala and from Assam to Rajasthan, along with several other states including Karnataka, as part of their month long consolidated field work. The students have taken all the necessary precautions for working in such conditions. Nevertheless, it requires tremendous courage to work in hospitals during such times. The Department of Social Work is proud of you and the wonderful work that you are doing! Keep at it and all the best! 

SWSA Alumni Lecture – 1

On the 23^rd of September 2020, the Social Work Students Association organised its first lecture of the Alumni Lecture Series. The speaker for the session was Ms. Gangamma, Program Manager at Amazon.  

The session started with an introduction on the Alumni lecture series by the emcee, Janane Shree from I MSW. Ms. Girija from I MSW invoked God’s blessings through a prayer song. Ms Diya James, the President of SWSA, welcomed the gathering. Following which, Mr. Arjun Mark from II BSW took over as the moderator of the session. He introduced the speaker, Ms. Gangamma, Program Manager, Amazon. 

Ms. Gangamma addressed the gathering on the theme: Social Work in the Corporate Sector – Perspectives and Scope. She talked about the role of social work in the corporate sector and shared some of her experiences in the field of social work. She also shared her experience as a student at St. Joseph's College and as the first President of Reach (Former name of SWSA).  She motivated the students of social work to work harder and become agents of change by using the knowledge that they gain in social work in whatever field they choose to work in future, be it in the corporate sector or in the social sector.

After her lecture, Ms. Gangamma addressed all the questions posed to her and cleared the doubts of students.  Then, the Head of Department, Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik addressed the gathering. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks by Tenzin Noryang of I BSW.

Lecture on Labour Codes: Challenges and Prospects

On the 26^th  of September, 2020, the Social Work Students Association organised a lecture on Labour Codes: Challenges and Prospects. The session began with the emcee, Ms. Nadiya welcoming the speaker, Sr. Adv. S Balan, High court Advocate,Trade Union Leader, on behalf of the association.

Ms. Aparajitha of II MSW sang a prayer song to invoke God’s blessings. Ms. Shikha Swaraj, General Secretary of SWSA gave the welcome address. Ms. Roopika of II MSW took over as the moderator for the session. She introduced the guest, Sr. Adv. S Balan, High Court Advocate and Trade Union leader.

Sr. Adv. S Balan addressed the gathering on the theme, Labour Codes: Challenges and Prospects (with reference to the recent policies declared by the central government). He talked about the history of workers and how the workers have contributed in developing the nation. However, the individual development of the workers was still lacking, be it economic, political or social. He also highlighted the fact that only 6 per cent of the labour force is legally protected and the rest are still suffering. He talked about the labour force being the backbone of our nation and that we fail to give them the respect and rights that they deserve. He explained the condition of Indian labour by quoting examples from many countries.

After his lecture, he addressed all the questions posed by the students.  This was followed by the concluding remarks given by Prof. Y J Rajendra. The session ended with the vote of thanks by Tenzin Noryang of I BSW.

Social Work Students Association (SWSA) - Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony-2020

The Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony of the Social Work Students Association (SWSA) was held on 19^thSeptember, 2020. The emcee, Ms. Deekshitha welcomed the Chief Guest, Ms. Leila Passah, Independent consulatant, Gender and Development. Following this, there was a prayer song sung by Ms. Kezia. Ms. Diya delivered the welcome address after which, Mr. Harris introduced the chief guest of the ceremony. 

Ms. Leila Passah, is a passionate professional advisor, committed to the development of women and girls across boundaries of race and religion. She talked about her journey of becoming an activist, how her life changed after she joined a women’s movement. She also spoke about a movement known as the ‘If we do not rise’ movement, which focuses on the rights of the trans people, migrants, dalits, etc. She also showed a video related to this movement. She concluded by advising the attendees that social work should go beyond social service, it has to involve the passion for justice and give rise to a transformed society. In the end, she showed a rap song related to this issue.

The programme continued with Prof. Kiran Jeevan presenting a brief introduction to SWSA right from its inception. Ms. Leila Passah officially inaugurated SWSA for the academic year 2020-21. Prof. Viola Noronha, the faculty coordinator of SWSA introduced the core committee and initiated the oath taking ceremony. This was followed by a dance performance by the students of II MSW, a virtual skit by II BSW on cyber bullying and a video message by II MSW on being hopeful. The programme ended with the vote of thanks by Ms. Sherin Priscilla, Vice President of SWSA.

WEBINAR ON CANCER PREVENTION AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BY SWSA

A webinar on ‘Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle’ was organized by Social Work Students Association (SWSA) in collaboration with Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer (SLBC) on 5^th September 2020. Ms. Florina Singh introduced the resource person, Ms. Sumki Begum to the gathering. At first, the attendees were shown a video about Sanjeevani and how it helps cancer survivors, after which Ms. Seena Kimhoiching of III BSW spoke about SWSA and about SLBC's role in cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle. A prayer song was then sung by Sr. Mary Nisha of II MSW. Ms. Ruby Ahluwalia, Senior Bureaucrat and co-founder of SLBC, addressed the students about the various flagship projects run by the organisation such as the Can Sahyogi, Satori, Can Saarthi, and Can Chetna. The resource person of the session was Ms. Sumki Begum, Senior Programme Coordinator. She highlighted the important aspects of cancer which includes early detection, making a substantial difference in a person’s life diagnosed with cancer, how to reduce the probability of getting cancer; causes of cancer and how one could prevent it by working on some specific factors. The attendees were shown videos which explained how people could work on improving their immunity system. Ms. Sumki also discussed the symptoms and the risk factors of cancer. She talked about how to diagnose cancer in the early stage with a method known as ‘CAUTION’, each letter indicating a particular symptom. With the lack of sleep being one of the risk factors, a video explaining it was shown. After this, the common forms of cancer and the possible changes that can be expected in a person suffering from cancer were highlighted. 

The session also included an online quiz conducted by Mr. Pratik Permey. It was a thrilling game and all the attendees loved it. Following this, there was a question and answer. After all the questions were answered, the winners of the quiz were declared. They were- Athira (1^st  place), Diya (2^nd place) and Thomas and Rayhan (3^rd place).  Following this, Mr. Anil Ahluwalia, cofounder of SLBC, addressed the attendees about the changes in lifestyle that adds to the probability of having cancer, and the role social workers played in spreading awareness. He also talked about the internship opportunities at SLBC. Ms. Sumki then informed the attendees about the digital awareness programmes conducted by SLBC and how it has helped in creating awareness in society. Ms. Seena thanked Ms. Begum for the informative session and also showed a chart summarising the contents of the session. Then, Ms. Viola Noronha, the SWSA coordinator, also appreciated SLBC and Ms. Begum's efforts. Ms. Marryam Jahangir, proposed the vote of thanks and with that the webinar came to an end.