MSW students go outing…Have ‘A Ton of Fun’

The students (Sem I & III) of Social Work, SXUK planned and organised a fun filled, happy and memorable outing today,23 November 2025 (Sunday) at Eco Park, New Town, Kolkata. The day began with convergence of the students and faculty members at Gate -3 from across Kolkata and other places including Bandel at 11.30 am; procurement of tickets and entry into the Park. An army of young Social Workers together with their professors marched in to Eco Park.

The day was about stepping out of classroom, closing the textbooks, shutting the ears from classroom lectures, forgetting the assignments, not writing fieldwork reports, resetting the clock, refreshing the mind, laughing and creating memories for a day to remember in life of the company of friends and faculty. In short it was a much needed break from hectic Social Work education in the classrooms and fieldwork settings.

The group spent time walking in the serene beauty and calmness of the park, boating, cycling, footballing, badmintoning, frisbeeing and catch-catching. The day was a reminder that emerging young Social Workers know how to enjoy a balanced life despite hectic classroom lectures, fieldwork, assignments, report writing and upcoming end-semester examinations. The day ended at 4.00 pm with students and faculty heading towards home resolving to return to campus the next day (24 November 2025), the last class day before the end-semester examinations, which begins on 5 December 2025.

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Social Work Department Celebrates Children’s Day

The Faculty members of the Department of Social Work, SXUK organised a deferred Children’s Day (14 November) Celebration today 17 Nov., 2025. The celebration, organised at the Students’ Canteen, SXUK, brought together faculty members and students of Social Work for an informal get together filled with laughter, happiness, conversations and togetherness. The celebration included sipping of tea and sharing of chicken rolls, paneer rolls and sweets … sharing of light moments and stories that created memories to remember. The informal gathering helped everyone unwind from their academic routine to share moments of togetherness with one another.

The gathering was humble and simple, yet heartwarming. It reflected the Department’s care, concern and commitment to nurturing a supportive, joyful, and stimulating academic environment within the classroom, in fieldwork and in other spaces.

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Jean Dreze speaks on “Economic Democracy” at SXUK

The Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK), organized a special lecture on ‘Public Action for Social Security and Economic Democracy’ by Prof. Jean Drèze, an eminent development economist and social thinker, on 12 November 2025 at SXUK.

The programme commenced with words of welcome and felicitation by Rev. (Dr.) John Felix Raj, S.J., Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SXUK, to Prof. Drèze and all the participants of the lecture. Rev. (Dr.) Felix Raj described Prof. Drèze as ‘one of the most eminent development economists and social thinkers of our time’ … whose ‘pioneering contributions to India’s public policy, particularly in the areas of food security, employment guarantee, and welfare rights, have profoundly influenced academic thought, social policies and practice.’

Speaking during the lecture Prof. Drèze highlighted the relationship between social action, social security and economic democracy. He laid a special emphasis on economic democracy and crisply defined it as an ‘an extension of democratic values to economic life’ which is achievable despite challenges if ‘supportive eco-system is provided.’ According to him economic democracy would promote ‘liberty, equality and solidarity’ and not just ‘efficiency and prosperity’ and address the concerns of workplace ‘subordination and oppression.’

The session saw a presence of about 250 tightly packed participants from a diverse community – students, scholars, academicians, development practitioners and activists from in and around Kolkata besides the members of management and administration from SXUK. The lecture was followed by an engaging and enriching Q&A session which extended outside the lecture hall into the tea time.

Prof. Drèze is known for his work on MGNREGA, RTI, Food Security Act and has written extensively on issues of poverty, hunger, deprivation, food security, employment guarantee, public action, social security, social opportunity, education, displacement and India’s development to mention a few. He has co-authored several books with the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Amartya Sen. A part of his extensive experience of intense fieldwork across India is reflected in his book titled ‘Sense and Solidarity – Jholawala Economics for Everyone.’

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Prof. Jean Drèze interacting with students and faculty of Social Work and Economics, SXUK

Prof. Jean Drèze, an eminent and renowned development economist, social thinker and social activist interacted with students and faculty of Social Work and Economics, SXUK here today ,11 November 2025. During the interaction Prof. Drèze spoke about the importance of social security schemes/acts in India highlighting especially on MGNREGA, PDS (food security), nutrition, pension (elderly, widows etc.), and maternity entitlements.

During the interaction students posed several questions to Prof Drèze ranging from development, social work, economics, policies, laws, legislations, schemes and electoral politics. The students were so immersed and involved in the discussion that the interactive session which was planned for 40 minutes lasted for 110 minutes.

Prof. Drèze encouraged the young students to be ‘courageous’, have ‘sincerity of efforts’, understand the importance of ‘political will and resourcefulness’ to bring about social policies, social security schemes and social change. He also spoke of a need for ‘participatory and anti-corruption methods for efficient and effective functioning of systems of public services.’

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Social Work Students and Faculty from BHC Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu visited

New Town/Kolkata (7. Nov. 2025): A group of 58 MSW students accompanied by four faculty members from the Department of Social Work, Bishop Heber College (BHC), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu visited the Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) today, 7 November 2025 as a part of their Social Work educational tour. A prticipatory, spontaneous and lively interactive session was organized between the students of the two Institutions – covering various dimensions – especially academic, fieldwork and placement. Welcoming the students and faculty members of BHC, Dr. Jacob Islary, HoD, Social Work, SXUK, encouraged the students to learn from each other and grow as professional social workers.

The interactive session was also attended by Rev. (Dr.) Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar, SXUK, who is also a Professional Social Worker. Speaking to the young students, Dr. Jeyaraj, S.J. encouraged them to take Social Work as a profesison with passion and sincerity, and exhorted them to take the profession ahead. Also present in the interaction session were all the faculty members of Social Work, SXUK. Dr. Carter, HoD, Social Work, BHC also shared about their department and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Jeyaraj, S.J and the depatment of Social Work, SXUK for their warm hospitality.

The interation session was organised in the Staff Canteen, SXUK over tea where students and faculty members from both the Institutes engaged in active, warm and engaging exchange of ideas and expereinces. The visitors were taken for a tour of the SXUK campus by their MSW student friends from SXUK, making the visit memorable, enriching and educative experience for all.

By Mr. SB, Edt. by Dr. JI

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The Social Work Students and Faculty of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong and SXUK with Rev. (Dr.) Felix Raj, S.J. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SXUK at SXUK……

The Department of Social Work, SXUK, hosted a visit by the students and Faculty of the Department Social Work, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong on 4 Nov. 2025. The group of 38 MSW students accompanied by two faculty were on their study tour in Kolkata, the City of Joy.

The group interacted with the students and faculty of Social Work, SXUK and engaged in mutual sharing of their Social Work education and experiences – theory and practice. The interaction session was actively participated by all – drawing insights and learning from each other. Besides serious sharing and discussion on Social Work education and fieldwork, there were also lighter moments of action song, dance and quizzes.The students after the interacton session were taken for a campus tour by their MSW, SXUK friends. They were also able to meet Rev. (Dr.) Felix Raj, S.J. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SXUK and Rev. (Dr.) Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar, SXUK.

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A Session on the Role of CSR for Community and Community Development

The Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, organized a special lecture-cum-discussion on the Role of Corporate Social Responsibilty for Community and Social Development from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 pm on 29 October 2025 for the students of Master of Social Work (MSW) programme, SXUK. The session was conducted by Mr. Debayan Dutta, Executive (Land Acquisition/ Rehabilitation and Resettlement/ CSR) at NTPC Mining Limited.

Mr. Dutta delivered an engaging and interactive session on the concept, policy framework, and legal mandate of CSR in India, explaining how Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 made India the first country to mandate CSR, requiring eligible companies to spend 2% of their average net profits on social development. He elaborated on eligibility criteria, CSR committee composition, and applicability to various company types using industry examples. Drawing from NTPC’s initiatives, he showcased how CSR projects such as the “Saksham Livelihood Mission,” “Tarang” NEET/JEE coaching, computer and AI-based training, eco-friendly farming, assistive device distribution, and maternal health programmes play a significant role in community development. The session concluded with a group photograph, capturing the spirit of collaboration and learning among the students.

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Session on Field Placement & Job Readiness for Social Work Students

The Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, organized a special lecture-cum-interactive session on “Field Placement & Job Readiness for Social Work Students” from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm on 27 Oct, 2025 for the students of the Department. The session aimed to connect academic learning with practical field experience and professional preparedness.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Jacob Islary, Head of the Department, followed by sessions conducted by Mrs. Sukannya Roy (Senior Manager – Programmes) and Mr. Atanu Acharya (Manager – Training, M&E, and Documentation) from Youth Invest Foundation.

The resource persons led several interactive and group activities, including sharing fieldwork experiences, a “Statement Clarification or Verification” exercise, and discussions on fieldwork challenges, coping strategies, and organizational support. Students also engaged in creative presentations that encouraged teamwork, reflection, and problem-solving.Throughout the session, Mrs. Roy emphasized active field involvement, effective communication, and digital competence, while both speakers shared practical insights and guidance for professional growth.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sucheta Paul, Assistant Professor, acknowledging the speakers’ contributions and students’ enthusiastic participation. The workshop ended successfully, leaving students with greater confidence, practical awareness, and readiness for future field placements and careers

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Singing and dancing to the tune of music

A one day Workshop on the Techniques and Skills of Counselling was organised for the MSW Sem-I students on 13 Sep. 2025 as a part of Social Work skills enhancement programme. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Jhilli Tiwari, Head, Department of Psychology, and Dr. Soma Pramanik, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, SXUK. The programme started at 10:00 a.m. with words of welcome to all participants and resource persons, and an introduction by Dr. Sucheta Paul, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, SXUK who highlighted the importance of counselling skills in Social Work education and practice.

The workshop began with a theoretical input that provided students with key insights into counselling techniques and skills. This was followed by interactive activities, including group activities, role plays, and demonstrations which gave participants the opportunity to experiment theory in practice and develop a deeper understanding of counselling processes.The post-lunch session continued with more experiential exercises, focusing on essential skills such as empathy, listening, and effective communication. The trainers ensured that the workshop remained lively, engaging, and participatory throughout. Students actively contributed and reflected on their learning, making the day both meaningful and enjoyable.

Dr. Jacob Islary, Head, Department of Social Work, thanked all participants especially the resource persons, appreciating their valuable inputs and engaging sessions. The workshop concluded at 4.30 pm with a faculty-student tea party, fostering informal interaction and reflection.

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Singing and dancing to the tune of music

The students of Social Work surprised the Department faculty with music, dance and songs on Teachers’ Day (belated) celebrated on 8 Sep. 2025. Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5th September. As 5th September. was a fieldwork day for the students , it was observed on 8th September 2025.The programme was filled with gaiety, happiness, smiles, laughter and refreshments. ‘It was not merely an event where the talents of the students were showcased but expressed with happiness, pomp and joy’ according to Dr. Soma Pramanik, Asst. Professor, SXUK.According to Dr. Sucheta Paul, Asst. Professor of the Department of Social Work ‘it was a lovely programme where so much love, care and bond was shared. It is a day worth remembering, and it made me sing a song during the programme.

The programme ended with cutting and sharing of CAKE by students and faculty.

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A Few of the Posters prepared as part of National Social Work Week, 2025

The Department of Social Work, SXUK observed and celebrated the National Social Work Week, 2025 with a poster presentation by students,on 27 August 2025. The event provided a platform for students to creatively showcase their understanding of significant social issues while raising awareness among peers and faculty within an academic and practice ambiance. The National Social Work Week, India is observed between 15 to 21 August. This year the theme was ‘Social Work in Health Setting: Bridging Care and Compassion.

The posters highlighted a wide range of contemporary themes, including World Breastfeeding Week, International Youth Day, Women’s Equality Day, International Day for Older Persons, and other socially relevant observances. Each poster reflected thoughtful research, artistic presentation, and a strong commitment to social work values. Students effectively linked global observances with local community relevance, thereby emphasizing the role of social workers in advocacy, education, and social change.

Faculty members appreciated the originality, clarity, and social consciousness demonstrated in the posters. The interactive format allowed participants to discuss the significance of these themes, explore policy implications, and reflect on practical strategies for community engagement. The presentation not only enriched the students’ academic learning but also reinforced their responsibility as future social workers to promote inclusivity, justice, and well-being in society. The event concluded with encouraging remarks from faculty, appreciating the efforts of the students for their creativity and awareness-building initiatives.

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Department of Social Work organize Virtual Fieldwork Mentoring Session

The senior students of Master of Social Work (MSW) who are in their one month Continuous/Block Fieldwork and the faculty of Social Work, SXUK, met virtually for a mid-month common mentoring session between 10.00 am to 12.00 noon on 24 August 2025.

The objective of the virtual meet was to bring together the students who are away from campus and their faculty for meaningful sharing, discussion, clarification of doubts, and address concerns of the students if any. The session would strengthen fieldwork guidance and mentoring system of the Department so that young students evolve into competent Social Work professionals.

The students are placed in different organisations located in Kolkata (West Bengal), Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand). A few of the students have received invitations to join the Organisation/Agency/Industry where they are doing their Fieldwork after completion of their MSW programme in May 2026.

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Semester I students of MSW begin Fieldwork

The Semester I students of Master of Social Work, SXUK, began their Concurrent Fieldwork on 14th August 2025 across various development organisations in the City of Kolkata,West Bengal..The student before embarking into their fieldwork, were lead through a series of orientation sessions, workshops and lectures about fieldwork both by the faculty and the senior students of Social Work.

The students of Master of Social Work undertake two types of fieldwork – Concurrent Fieldwork (2 days a week) in their Semester I & II and Continuous Fieldwork (30 days) in Semester III & IV. They also carry out Organisational visits, Rural Practicum, Winter and Summer Internships. They need to collect anywhere around 1000-1100 hours of fieldwork to be eligible to get a Master of Social Work degree from SXUK.

This year the students are placed with Udayani Social Action Forum; Child In Need Institute (CINI); Development Action Society; Seva Kendra Calcutta; Samaritan Help Mission; SPAN; Development Research, Communication & Services Centre; Help Us Help Them; Reach India Trust; and Udayan Care Kolkata Chapter.

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Mode of Travel by Students (the Department encourages cheapest, safe and convenient mode of travel for its students)

The senior students of Master of Social Work, Sem-III ,started their Continuous Fieldwork across various parts of the country on 11th August 2025. It is a requirement for the degree of Master of Social Work education programme at SXUK.Continuous fieldwork is for a period of one month (11 Aug. – 10 Sep. 2025). The students are placed with organisations, agencies, institutions and industries related to the areas of their specialisation. The placement aims at giving the students flexibility to explore, experiment and apply their knowledge and skills of Social Work over an extended period. Each of them is guided by an external supervisor from the fieldwork organisation as well as a faculty from the Department of Social Work, SXUK.

The list of organisations of placement include Shoppers Stop, RP Sanjeev, Goenka, Berger Paints, Om Trax, MSTC, Macro Resources, Help Age India, Tomorrow’s Foundation, Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, District Child Protection Unit (Birbhum) in West Bengal, Youth Invest and ISDG Research Foundation (Jharkhand), Nidhi Foundation (Noida), and Amtron and Centre for Development Initiatives (Guwahati, Assam). During the period of placement the students are required to maintain daily fieldwork diary and worksheet,write daily reports and on conclusion write a summary report. The students will also make a presentation to the faculty and their juniors about their fieldwork on 11 September 2025 in the campus on the first day of their return from Fieldwork.

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MSW, SXUK students making Organisational Visits

The MSW Sem-I students of the Department of Social Work, SXUK carried out Organisational visits to two development organisations namely Development Action Society (DAS) and Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC) located in the City of Joy, India. The visit aimed at giving a first-hand experience on the ‘What Development Organisations are and do’ from Social Work perspective. The visits offered students a deeper understanding, knowledge and experience into grassroots development work and community engagements carried out by NGOs.

At DAS, the students learned about the initiatives of empowering women and promoting child rights in and around urban slums of Kolkata, and at DRCSC, the students were exposed to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and livelihood generation activities in the context of rural communities. The interactions with the organisations aimed at deepening the understanding of students regarding participatory approaches to development, innovative eco-friendly practices, projects, and the diverse roles of social workers in bringing about social change.This hands-on learning experience not only connected classroom theory to real-world practice but also aimed at exposing the students to engage meaningfully with communities in their future professional journey.

Prior to the organisational visits, faculty and senior students (MSW, Sem-3) also oriented the juniors about fieldwork. The senior students spoke about navigating fieldwork challenges, expectations, need for skills development, and professional growth. They also emphasised on social work values, principles and ethics, especially sincerity, honesty and need for respect for dignity of all while doing fieldwork. The students were accompanied by Mr. Sudipto and Dr. Srenwantee during the visits.

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Students, Faculty and Resource Persons

The Department of Social Work, SXUK, organised a series of interdepartmental lectures for its Post Graduate students on 7th August 2025. In all there were three lectures – the first was on Economic Structure – with Reference to India by Dr. Subhanil Chowdhury, Assoc. Professor, Economics, SXUK. The second was on Analysis of Media – MainStream, New Forms and Influence of Technology on Media by Dr. Somak Sen, Asst. Professor, Mass Communication, SXUK. The third lecture was on Legal & Judicial System and Procedures in India by Dr. Gitu Singh, Assoc. Professor, Xavier Law School, SXUK. The lectures was scheduled between 10.00 am to 2.40 pm. The students and faculty of the Departments of Social Work and Economics participated in the lectures.

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Celebrating New Friendships and Bonding between Seniors and Juniors

The semester III students of Social Work, SXUK, interacted and welcomed the fresher students of Master of Social Work in the University on 30th July 2025. Welcoming the freshers into the community of the Department of Social Work, SXUK, Ms. Nandini Sharma, a senior student spoke of the need for ‘hard work, sincerity, dedication and commitment to grow, develop and be effective even as students of Social Work.’ The senior students danced and sang to welcome the freshers.

Speaking of his feelings about the programme Roton Boidya from Bangladesh said ‘such rhyme-rhythmic gesture and frank interaction with my seniors was unexpected and will echo in my hearts for days … it has brought us closer to each other.

For Nayanika Dasgupta ‘the freshers’ programme organized by the seniors was wonderful and engaging … it was filled with warmth. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy as they danced, sang, and put in a lot of effort to make us feel welcomed … it has made us feel connected to our new environment – Department of Social Work, SXUK. It was great to see everyone come together and enjoy the moment.

According to Gunjan Bora from Assam, ‘the interaction between the freshers and the seniors was a really nice experience. It felt great to meet our seniors and talk with them. They were very friendly and made us feel comfortable…

Speaking in the beginning of the programme Dr. Jacob Islary, HoD, Social Work encouraged the students to interact, develop bonds and work together as a team of Social Work students and excel as professional Social Workers.The session ended with a cutting of a CAKE and refreshment.

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Happy Faces after the Workshop!

The Department of Social Work organized a workshop on Techniques and Skills of Counselling for the senior students of Social Work, on 26 Jul. 2025. The workshop aimed at enhancing the capabilities to identify the techniques and apply the skills of counselling of the participants in their professional life as Social Work Counsellors. The workshop had both theoretical as well as practical components and were spread over four sessions that included – Counselling (concept, purpose, types), Skills, Techniques, Approaches, Ethics and Exercises on Counselling Skills. The resource persons for the workshop were Dr. Jhilli Tewari, HoD Psychology, SXUK and Dr. Soma Pramanik, Asst. Prof. Psychology, SXUK. The Workshop ended with a tea party in the Faculty Canteen, SXUK sponsored by the faculty members of Social Work.

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Congratulating and Celebrating the Success of Our Students

The Department of Social Work, SXUK faculty and students, CONGRATULATE and CELEBRATE ,the success of Prantika Barik and Anjana Biswas in clearing the UGC-NET exam held in Jun 2025. UCG-NET exam currently listed as one of the top ten toughest exams in India. It is a standard test for eligibility for Assistant Professorship, pursuing PhD Programmes and Grant of Junior Research Fellowship for pursuing PhD degree in India. UGC-NET exam covers 85 subjects. The subject code of Social Work is 10.

In the previous year’s several other students of the Department of Social Work, SXUK had cleared the Exam. A few are also pursuing PhD in Universities across India.

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Resource person-Fr. Xavier Jairaj SJ Registrar,St Xavier’s University,Kolkata

The Department of Social Work,SXUK, organised a special lecture-cum orientation session on ‘Revisiting Social Work Education, Approach and Practice for Professional Growth‘ on 10 July 2025 in the premises of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK).All senior students and faculty and staff of the Department of Social Work attended the session. The resource person Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. Registrar, SXUK spoke of the importance of knowledge, approach and practice to be effective Social Workers. Rev. Dr. Jeyaraj is himself a qualified and professional Social Worker with an MSW degree from Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai and PhD in Social Work from Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati. Besides others, according to Rev. Dr. Jeyaraj, Social Work profession is a vocation which calls for commitment and dedication.

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Faculty and students of Social Work, SXUK – thanking the outgoing HoD, Dr. Rupa Biswas

A two days orientation programme was organised by the Department of Social Work,SXUK, for the senior students of Master of Social Work programme on 7-8 July 2025. The programme started with an introduction and words of welcome by Dr. Jacob Islary, HoD, Social Work, SXUK to all the participants. He also laid out the framework of the 2 days orientation programme which included sharing by students of their internship experience facilitated by the faculty, and discussion on other interests of the Department related to -academics, fieldwork, dissertations, workshops, special lectures etc. Speaking to the students the faculty emphasised on the importance of acquiring not only knowledge but also developing positive attitude and acquiring skills to be competent in the field of Social Work. Dr. Islary the current HoD also thanked the outgoing HoD, Dr. Rupa Biswas for her work and contribution to the Department during her tenure of Headship.

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Dept of Social Work holds rural camp

Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) held a week-long rural camp at Choupahari village in Birbhum district, from February 21 to 28, 2025 in collaboration with Swayambhar Nari and Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, two Birbhum-based nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

The camp focused on sustainable rural livelihood policies and the role of government and NGOs in empowering rural communities to meet sustainable development goals.

Students made field visits, conducted interactive sessions with local entrepreneurs and villagers, and gathered experience on community-based activities in different villages in the week-long programme. Dr. Rupa Biswas, Head, Department of Social Work and Sudipto Bhattacharya, Fieldwork and Internship Coordinator, SXUK accompanied the students.

Besides learning about sustainable livelihoods, students visited a saal plate-making unit run by a self-help group (SHG) member and interacted with other SHG members. They also conducted Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRS), household surveys and resource mapping.

Students identified water scarcity and child marriage as threats to rural development. They also visited Amkhoi village, Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, Nimbuni village, Washi Paper making unit, Sonajhuri market, and gained knowledge on nutrition gardens, animal husbandry, and fisheries.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

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Dept of Social Work hosts special lecture

Department of Social Work conducted a special lecture on Qualitative research and its tools on January 14, 2025 at the university campus. Dr. S. C Andrew Michael, Department of Sociology, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Trivandrum was the guest speaker.

Dr. Michael gave a clear understanding of the basics of qualitative research, its components, and significance. He explained the concepts in a simple and engaging manner, making it relatable through real-life examples.

He also highlighted that research helps to understand society better, improves decision-making, and addresses real-world challenges. He also advised to be systematic and logical while doing research and stressed on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Students found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the fifth National Social Work Week 2024 on August 20, 2024 at the university campus. The theme was ‘School Social Work: Opportunities and Challenges.’

The programme started with a discussion on the film namely ‘Tare Zameen Par’ and role of Aamir Khan, the lead actor in that film as an empathetic teacher who was found trying to help a student, his parents, and the school management in understanding the needs of the special child.

The event also witnessed the discussion on the importance of school social workers, its concept and beginning, importance of school social work services, challenges faced, and the effects of the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP).

Students also presented a skit entitled ‘Thank You Ma'am’ showcasing the necessity of social workers in schools.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

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Dept of Social work organises rural camp

Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a rural camp from January 15 to 24, 2024 in collaboration with the Child in Need Institute (CINI) at Baikunthapur village.

The camp was organised to make students understand various dimensions of rural life and role of NGOs in riverine villages of the Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

A total of 55 students along with faculty members participated in the camp. An orientation programme was organized by CINI at Pailan for the students. They visited panchayat, health centres and anganwadi centres. Interactive sessions were organized for the students in Chetna Resource Centre on the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Rural Public Health Structure.

Students also met Upa-Pradhan, Officer-in-Charge, and Block Development Officer in Baikunthapur and learnt about the village administration and Panchayat governance. As a part of their course curriculum, students also visited multipurpose cyclone shelter (flood centre) and interacted with tiger widows.

Faculty members helped the students to conduct community survey and generate awareness about the drowning project started by CINI, and social resource mapping. They also visited an NGO to understand their role and responsibilities.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

Dept of Social Work organises orientation programme

Department of Social Work of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the orientation programme for its seventh (7th) batch of Master of Social Work programme for the new academic session (2023-2025) on August 2, 2023.

Dr. Rupa Biswas, Head of the Department greeted the freshers and introduced the faculty members of the department. She also shared the history of the University, its motto, mission, vision and value framework to the students. She said, “SXUK is committed to deliver quality education to its students always.” She also narrated the administrative structure of the university to help the students understand its functioning system.

Dr. Srenwantee Bhattacharjee, another faculty member of the department enlightened the students on Jesuit legacy and education in the second session. She discussed the contributions of the Jesuits in the field of education throughout the country.

The third session was conducted by Dr. Jacob Islary on the facilities and services provided by the university. He discussed the administrative structure and working procedure of different administrative offices in the university. He also narrated various amenities available in the academic building, utility building and hostels, etc.

The fourth session was taken by Dr. Sucheta Paul. She explained the rules and regulations to be followed by the students. She discussed the policy making bodies of the University, ongoing academic programmes, semester system of education, admission and registration procedure, different committees and their functions, feedback and attendance system, etc. Dr. Paul also explained the examination pattern in detail. She put forth the importance of specialisations, field work and its relevance.

The fifth session was held by Mr. Sukhendu Bank, Social Work Coordinator of the department. He defined the importance of field visits and its relevance in Social Work course. He gave a proper analysis on summer internship, block field work and rural camp. He also emphasised on regularity and punctuality as essential qualities to be a professional social worker.

The orientation programme came to its conclusion through a motivational speech delivered by Dr. Achyut Chetan, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

Campus Placement for MSW 4th Semester Students

Action Aid Kolkata conducted an On-Campus interview of Social Work students to hire interns for their West Bengal office. The Department readily arranged for the session on 24.5.23 in the University campus. Mr. Surajit Neogi, State Head for West Bengal and Ms. Reshmi Ganguly, Programme Manager conducted a written test and interview of the students. Reported by Dr. Rupa Biswas

Dept of MSW celebrates Earth Day

In an attempt to keep its students aware of sustainable development, the Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the Earth Day on April 25, 2023.

Faculty members of the department directed the students to explore avenues to contribute to the well-being of Mother Earth. Students came up with innovative ideas and discussed. They also participated in poster preparation and made slogans related to sustainable development.

At the end of the session, students took pledge to reduce the wastage of energy, food and water; refrain from using electronic gadgets like smart phones, tabs, television, etc. for an hour every day, recycle electronic waste and clothes, use water and other natural resources judiciously, etc.

They were also taught to use dustbins, segregate wet and dry waste, reduce the use of plastic and were advised to acknowledge others on the same in their surroundings.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

Dept of Social Work organises special lecture session

In a bid to make the students aware of women empowerment, Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a special lecture session on April 3, 2023. The topic was ‘Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005’. Dr. Utpal Raha, a faculty member of Xavier Law School was the resource person.

Dr. Utpal Raha said that domestic violence is a social malady which leads to fatal consequences. The Government has empowered women sect by implementing the Act. Victims should address their issues to the judiciary without hiding, he added.

Dr. Raha discussed salient features of the Act and said that the implementation of the law is a first step to address the problems arisen. He urged every victim and their well-wishers to bring the incidents of domestic violence to the notice of the judiciary.

He further said that students and professionals of social work should play significant role in making people aware of the Act and take steps to eradicate the social evil. The lecture was followed by an interactive session. Students found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

Dept of Social Work organizes special lecture

In a bid to make its students aware of sustainable development, the Department of Social Work, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on March 22, 2023. The topic was ‘Forest, Livelihoods and Development: Bengal Experience’.

The resource person was Michael Islary, a Senior Programme Officer, Centre for People’s Forestry, Hyderabad. He discussed the lifestyle of tribal population living in forests and their rights to the natural resources for their sustenance.

While highlighting their ways of livelihood in Bankura, Sundarbans and Sandeshkhali, Mr. Islary spoke about the issues and challenges faced by the tribal inhabitants regularly. He cited their dependency on non-timber forest products in sustaining their livelihoods.

Mr. Islary stressed on forming capacity development, advocacy and policies by both the government and non-government organisations for providing quality life to the tribal people in these areas. He also encouraged students to work as social workers in ecological domain.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

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