“SPANDANA 2018 - RESPONDING TO REALITIES 2018
International Conference "FROM DIVERSITY TOWARDS INCLUSION: A SOCIAL WORK PARADIGM" was inaugurated at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya on 15th February 2018. The august gathering was welcomed by Ms. Susan George, Student Convener. Dr. Rameela Shekar, Dean introduced the theme of the conference
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. B. S Nagendra Prakash, Registrar Mangalore University. In his inaugural address, Dr. Prakash congratulated the institute for selecting the theme which is the need of the hour. He saw Spandana as the Bridge from diversity to inclusion and encouraged all the Social Work students to be the ambassadors of change. He reminded the delegates that Indian history despite of economic, social and religious diversity has a culture that speaks of equality. Further Dr. Prakash was excited to inform that Mangalore ranks third on the environmental index and challenged the young delegates to make it number one next year. He concluded that Spandana and Roshni be a launching ground for change agents to make the place a better world.
Dr. Joseph Wronka, Representative to the United Nations in Geneva for the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and Professor of Social Work, Springfield College, Massachusetts, delivered the keynote address on the theme: Human Rights, Social Justice, Diversity and Inclusion- Implications for the Advanced Generalist Practice Paradigm. Dr. Wronka spoke about his experience of working with his Inupiat colleagues, describing the difference in the said cultures, while simultaneously elaborating on how human rights are inclusive to social justice. He discussed the problem of alcoholism and suicidal tendencies among indigenous people, from the perspective of an advanced generalist with quantitative and qualitative approaches, categorizing them into levels of Meta-Macro, Macro and Mezzo. He deliberated on the various presentations and conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, along with their respective declarations and guiding principles. He stressed the importance of face-to-face interaction while elaborating on how the advance of technology has decreased human intercommunication. He briefly touched upon the five core notions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Human Dignity, Non-discrimination, Civil and Political Rights, Economic Social and cultural rights, and Solidarity Rights. He summarized with preliminary assessments on the comparisons between the Constitution of India and the UDHR. Finally, he concluded by stressing the importance of kindness and humility among humanity and encouraged the students of social work to strive for a more inclusive society.
During the presidential address Dr. Sophia Fernandes, Principal of the college highlighted that we are dealing with the two most significant deeply interrelated issues such as diversity and inclusion during this conference which is a matter of serious concern. In the world of injustice and exclusion that dehumanizes values, the emerging issues of diversity and inclusion are relevant in the field of the social work profession. Quoting Martin Luther King Junior who said Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and hence it becomes significant for the social work profession to respond to the challenges that are emerging from the issues of diversity and inclusion. She further emphasized the need for Social work education and practice relevant to address the emerging challenges.
“Spandana 2018: Responding to Realities”, an international conference organized by School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya was concluded on a grand note on the evening of February 16, 2018, at the College Auditorium. The Valedictory Ceremony began with Mr. Collin Braggs welcoming the dignitaries on the dais, followed by the invocation of the Lord’s blessings with a hymn. Thereafter, Ms. Sushmitha Shetty, Student Secretary, read the report of the two-day conference.
The delegates then provided feedback on the two-day conference, where they thanked and applauded Roshni Nilaya for putting up such an amazing opportunity. They admired the students of the institution for their passion and commitment in making the external participants feel at home with their extraordinary warmth and generosity.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Linda Benoit, Clinical Social Worker, Behavioural health hospital, USA spoke on how choosing a career in psychiatric health helps to develop one’s capability of approaching different people. Ms. Benoit said, “Put yourself first; be healthy selfish. Take good care of yourself, because you cannot pour from an empty cup.” She spoke about the general personal issues, prejudices and challenges faced when working in the field of mental health, while stressing about nurturing one’s mind, body and overall health by balancing between work and life.
Dr. Olinda Pereira, Founder Principal, Roshni Nilaya, expressed her gratitude to the Lord, the loyalty of the staff and students and the generosity of the associated friends. “Let us continue in this closeness, and may it last till Roshni Nilaya lasts” she said while thanking each and every one gathered for the conference.
Dr. Jenis Mary, who presided over the valedictory program, spoke about the rich beauty in the diverse aspects of society, culture, human traits and various dimensions. Speaking on the theme of Spandana, she said that diversity towards inclusion is celebrated by moving towards oneness, by generous acceptance and by respecting the value and dignity of human persons. She deliberated on exclusions such as minorities, refugees and backward tribes, and urged to embrace it all into inclusion to explore and respond to reality. “We need to work passionately to work towards inclusion, and the courage needed for it, lies in you all” she said in conclusion.
A very befitting vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rameela Shekhar, Dean, and P.G Department. Dr. Shekhar thanked the guests of the Conference for sharing their experience and expertise. The conference witnessed the participation of students from twenty-five colleges. Dr. Shekhar concluded on a sweet note, by crediting the grand success of Spandana to each and every person involved in it. The program concluded with the rendition of the national anthem, followed by approbations, infusing a feeling of accomplishment in everyone.
Also read:
https://www.mangalorean.com/roshni-nilaya-hold-spandana-2018-international-level-conference/
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