Department of Social Work of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK), organized a special lecture on ‘Public Action for Social Security and Economic Democracy’ on November 12, 2025 at the university campus.

Prof. Jean Drèze, an eminent development economist, social thinker and activist was the resource person.

The event witnessed a participation of around 250 students, scholars, academicians, development practitioners, and activists from in and around Kolkata, along with members of the management and faculty of SXUK.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK felicitated Prof. Drèze in the august presence of dignitaries. Father Felix Raj said, “Prof. Drèze is one of the most eminent development economists and social thinkers of our time. His pioneering contributions to India’s public policy, particularly in the areas of food security, employment guarantee, and welfare rights, have deeply influenced academic thought, social policies and practice.”

Prof. Drèze narrated the dynamic relationship between social action, social security and economic democracy. He laid a special emphasis on economic democracy and defined it as ‘an extension of democratic values to economic life,’ which can be achieved when citizens actively participate in shaping economic and social decisions.

Prof. Drèze discussed how ‘community participation and collective responsibility strengthen social security and democratic governance.’ He stressed that public action plays crucial role in transforming welfare programmes into effective tools of empowerment. He further emphasised that success of development policies depends on people’s awareness, participation, and ability to hold institutions accountable. The lecture was followed by an interactive session and a high tea.

Dr. Jacob Islary

Head, Dept of Social Work