ACTIVITIES – SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT

22nd SAMANWAYA International Conference and Social Work Students’ Meet

 The 22nd SAMNAWAYA International Conference and Social Work Students’ Meet 2025 was held on 3rd,4th and 5th February 2025 at BCM College, Kottayam, bringing together students, academicians, and professionals from the field of social work. Themed “Rights of Children and Social Inclusion”. The conference aimed to foster discussions on child rights, inclusive practices, and student initiatives in social work. The two-day event featured expert sessions, panel discussions, academic paper presentations, competitions, and cultural programs, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and awareness on key social issues.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri V. N. Vasavan, Devaswom and Port Minister of Kerala, who officially inaugurated the conference, Rev. Fr. Abraham Parambettu, Manager of BCM College, Rev. Fr. Michael Vettickat, Vicar General, Archeparchy of Kottayam, Dr. K. V. Thomas, Principal of BCM College, Rev. Fr. Philmon Kalathra, Secretary, Corporate Educational Agency of Colleges, Arch Diocese of Kottayam, Dr. Virgil D. Sami, Executive Director of Arunodhaya Centre for Street and Working Children, Ms. Pradipta Kadambari, Principal of Kadambari College, and Zaviarkutty Francis, General Secretary, KAPS and Dr. Ipe Varughese, Head, Department of Social Work, BCM College.

Following the inauguration, an input session was delivered by Dr. Virgil D. Sami, Executive Director of Arunodhaya Centre for Street and Working Children, on the topic “Rights of Children and Social Inclusion.” The session provided valuable insights into child rights, policies, and the importance of inclusive development.  

After the lunch break, a panel session was done, on the theme “Social Inclusion Initiatives”. The session was moderated by Dr. Virjil D Sami, Executive Director, Arunodhaya centre for street and working children. The moderator outlined the objectives of the panel discussion and provided a brief overview of the theme. The panelists were Prof. Abraham Francis, Professor of social work department, University of Notre Dame, Australia, Ms. Rupa K C, Youth social worker, Kadambari Memorial College, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mr. Anson P D Alexander, Director of Kanal Organization, Trivandrum, Kerala. The panellists shared their perspectives, experiences, and research findings.

The second Panel Session of International Conference commenced with a discussion by Dr. Baburaj, P T Director of Inter University Centre for Disability Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University on 4 Feb 25 on the theme Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Barriers for Children, offering valuable insights into the societal responsibilities in promoting child rights and inclusion. The session proceeded with presentations from distinguished panelists – Dr. Pradipta Kadambari, Principal, Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal, Dr. Fr. P. S. Lenin Antony SJ, Director, AADI, Attapadi, Ms. Anila C. Eapen, Asst. Professor, Caritas Nursing College, Kottayam and Ms. Dona Jose, Faculty, St. Anne’s HSS, Kottayam.

The online segment of the Samanwaya International Conference was held on February 5, 2025, via Zoom. The input session featured two distinguished speakers. Dr. Varoshini Nadeshan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Community Development, University of Johannesburg, South Africa shared her insights on social work and community engagement. Ms. Rincy Joseph, from UAE, Director, Alan T21 Welfare Trust, delivered an inspiring talk titled “A Mother’s Journey: Overcoming Stigma for Social Inclusion of Children with Trisomy 21.” Her session highlighted the challenges faced by mothers of children with Down syndrome and the importance of inclusive social environments.

The 22nd SAMANWAYA International Conference and Social Work Students Meet brought together over 450 social work students and practitioners from eight countries, representing 60 social work institutions, and featured more than 100 academic paper presentations. Dr. Virgil D Sami, Executive Director, Arunodhaya Centre for Street and Working Children, Ms. Pradipta Kadambari, Principal, Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal, Dr. Reni K Jacob, HR Coordinator, KAPS, Prof. Zaviarkutty Francis, General Secretary, KAPS, Ms. Neesha Shakya, Faculty, Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal, Ms. Rupa K C, Youth Social Worker, Kadambari Memorial College, Nepal, Dr. Lims Thomas, Vimala College, Thrissur,  Sr. Hanna Evangeline, Loyola College, Chennai, Dr. Sibi George, Project Consultant moderated the sessions.

The 22nd Social Work Students Meet highlighted competitions based on the main theme and sub themes like Street Play, Debate, Extempore Speech Competition, Best Social Work Student Competition, Academic Poster Presentation, Community based programme and Reels Competition. Over 32 colleges participated in the students meet. The overall championship trophy was won by St. Albert’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, St. Gregorios College, Parumala, won the first runner-up position, and Lissah College, Kozhikode, won the second runner-up position.

The cultural infotainment program, ‘SAMANWAYA SANDHYA’, was inaugurated by Mr. Sidhartha Siva, film actor and director. The 100 minute long drama event was a single story based on the Wayanad land slide, featured performances by children from various special schools and children’s homes in Kottayam, showcasing their talents and reinforcing the theme of inclusivity. More than 80 children performed in the event.