Panel Discussion on Eco Justice
The Department of Social Work organized a Panel Discussion on Eco Justice on 14th, November 2017. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, nationality or any other consideration. The students from Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota, USA, Visthar and the students of Social work department, Kristu Jayanti College participated in the program.

The program commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Jonas Richard A, Head of the Department of Social Work, and briefed the participants about Environmental justice and also about the socio-economic and environmental sustainability. It was followed by the presidential address by Dr. Gopakumar A.V., Dean of Humanities. The Panel Discussion was moderated by Dr. David Selvaraj, Founder, Visthar and Development Consultant. The three Panelists were Dr. Cindy Johnson, Professor, Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota, USA, Dr. Christopher J Paradise, Professor, Davidson College, North Carolina, USA and Dr. S.P Udayakumar, Anti-Nuclear Activist, India.

Dr. Cindy Johnson spoke about environmental inequity i.e. the unequal distribution of environmental risks, burdens or benefits among the groups and individuals. Dr. Cindy also highlighted the importance of meaningful involvement and fair treatment. The next session was handled by Dr. S.P. Udayakumar wherein Sir drew attention to a few terminologies of eco justice mainly emphasizing on Environmental Fascism and Environmental Racism and urged the audience to be “possibilistic” individuals. Dr. Christopher J Paradise spoke about the notion of Green Ethics where the animals are to be preserved and given equal importance same as human kind and also emphasized on the moral and ethical obligation of human beings towards animals.

Dr. Selvaraj concluded the session by highlighting the need to move away from anthropocentric to cosmocentric worldview. It was followed by an interaction round. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. I. Jerry Richards, faculty member, Department of Social Work and mementos were presented to the moderator and the panelists by Dr. Jonas Richard A

Panel Discussion on Multiperspectvity in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Department of Social Work organized a Panel Discussion on Multiperspectvity in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on 29th August, 2017. The conference was organized with the specific objective of analyzing and understanding the divergent perspectives affecting the planning and implementation of CSR programs. Around 160 participants comprising CSR professionals, Corporate Executives, Development professionals and the students attend the discussion.

The panel discussion commenced with a visual media illustration on the Corporate Social Responsibility. This was followed by welcome address by Dr. Jonas Richard A., Head, Department of Social Work. Rev. Fr. Josekutty P. D., Principal, in his presidential address appreciated the Department of Social Work for organizing the panel discussion and further emphasized about the need of the society to collaborate in order to grow and enhance knowledge. Fr. Josekutty P. D., highlighted the significance of three P’s in CSR which are Planet, People and Profit.

The Panel Discussion was moderated by Shri. Selvam George (Director, 5E Serpraise, Bangalore). The panelists for the discussion were Shri. Jc. R. Venkatasubhramaniam (Senior Manager, CSR, Ashok Leyland, Hosur), Shri. P. M. Philip (Executive Director, Functional Vocational Training and Research Society, Bangalore), Ms. Smitha B. S. (Chair Person, Internal Complaint Committee, Quess Corp Ltd., Bangalore) and Shri. Dominic Thomas (Associate Manager-CSR-Employability, Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd.).

Shri. Jc. R. Venkatasubhramaniam spoke on the various efforts undertaken by his organization in order to render their service to the community focusing on education and health. He elaborated on the projects initiated by his company such as ‘Road to school project’, ‘Career guidance and Counseling program’ and ‘Arogya Health Center’. Shri P.M. Philip elaborated on the concept of ‘Development’ and further addressed the gathering on the various functions and programs conducted by FVTRS which includes capacity building, entrepreneurship, skill training and life skills. Eventually, Ms. Smitha B.S. elucidated about the process followed by Quess Corp Ltd. in implementing their various CSR activities. Shri. Dominic Thomas highlighted the participants on the diverse strategies implemented by Tech Mahindra Pvt Ltd in executing Skill development programs for youths and empowering children through providing education. He further elaborated on the concept of mobilizing people. The sessions were followed by a time of interaction wherein various questions were put forward by the participants and were discussed by the panelists. The Panel Discussion on Multiperspectivity in Corporate Social Responsibility drew to a close with an oration of appreciation by Dr. I. Jerry Richards,Faculty member, Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College. The participants had an enriching panel discussion as they were guided through the various activities that the corporate sector is involved in, so as to render their help to the communities and groups that are adopted by them.

Surrogacy Bill 2016: Socio- Legal Challenges Ahead
The Department of Social Work organized a panel discussion on Surrogacy Bill 2016: Socio- Legal Challenges Ahead, on 23rd January 2017. The panel discussion was organized primarily to discuss the Psychosocial and legal challenges pertaining to the Surrogacy Bill 2016.

The lists of panelists included Dr. Janet Parameshwara, Social welfare officer, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru; Hari G. Subramanian, Chief Consultant, Indian Surrogacy Law Centre, Chennai; Ms. Gita Aravamudan, Freelancer, Journalist & Author; Dr. A. Thirumoorthi, Professor, Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru and Dr. Rubina K. Nadeem, Chief Medical Officer, Regal Hospital, Bengaluru.

Ms. Rubina K. Nadeem enlightened the students on the terms infertility & surrogacy and its types. Dr. A. Thirumoorthi highlighted various other issues faced by the surrogate mother like prejudice, lack of emotional and economic support from family, Psychosis and attachment syndrome. Mr. Hari shed light on a summary of the surrogacy bill 2016. The criteria for age of surrogate mother, intended couple, essentiality of surrogacy were mentioned by the speaker. He also highlighted that there is presently no law regarding surrogacy in India. Ms. Gita Aravamudan gave a comprehensive view of surrogacy in India. Ms. Gita referred to Assisted Reproductive Technology otherwise known as surrogacy as being a new need for childless couples.

The discussion helped the students to witness among the audience the acceptance of the bill in the Indian society. The participants were able to clarify their doubts about the bill and the concept of Surrogacy and its significance.

Disaster Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
The Department of Social Work organized a panel discussion on Disaster Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach, on the 3rd September 2016. The panel discussion was organized primarily to educate the students and other participating professionals about the role played by members of multi-disciplinary team in a disaster scenario and the preventive measures initiated by the government locally and nationally.

The lists of panelists included eminent personalities such as Dr. K. Sekar, Registrar & Head of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS; Dr. Fr. George Kannamthanam, Director, Project Vision; Dr. C.N. Prabhu, Senior Scientist, Karnataka State National Disaster Managing Centre; Dr. Pretesh Kiran, Community Health Convenor, Disaster Management Cell, St. Johns Medical College Hospital and Mr. Bansy Kallappa, Senior Correspondent, News 9 Channel, Bengaluru.

Dr. K. Sekar highlighted the significant role of social workers in providing psychosocial support to the disaster survivors. Mr. Bansy Kallappa contributed to the discussion by enlightening the participants on the role of media in disaster management. Fr. George Kannamthanam emphasized on how response to disasters is a civilian responsibility and not solely the responsibility of the government. He shed light on the role of a social worker in disaster management and on expecting the unexpected that being disasters.

Dr. C.N. Prabhu imparted knowledge on the role of government in Disaster management. He introduced the term creeping hazards that are those disasters that build up over a period of time. Dr. Pretesh Kiran threw light on assessing the need for dispatching medical relief team to a disaster struck area, preparing statistics on injury, illness & death, educating disaster survivors on outbreaks of diseases, teaching preventive measures (in case of diseases), provision of basic amenities & disease surveillance .

NATIONAL LEVEL SOCIAL WORK EUCATOR’S MEET
The Department of Social Work organised National Level Educators Meet on 03rd March 2016. The aim of the meet was to provide a platform for Social Work Educator’s to network, discuss about the changes that can be brought in Social Work education and to share the best practices in each college.

Fr. Josekutty P.D, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College presided the meeting. Dr. Jonas Richard A welcomed the faculty members from various colleges in South India to the Meet.

NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR CUM WORKSHOP ON QUALITATIVE RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
Two day National Level seminar Cum workshop on Qualitative research techniques in Social Sciences was organised by the Department of social work on 3rd and 4th March 2016. Dr. G.K. Karanth, Professor of Sociology and Director of Research institutions National Fellow ICSSR was the chief guest of the occason. Dr. G.K. Karanth spoke on a few key issues and concerns in Social Sciences especially that unfortunate separation of qualitative and quantitative research.

The two day seminar focused on various topics Perspective Building & Philosophy Of Qualitative Research, Observation and In-depth interview, Focus Group Discussion and different other research techniques. Dr C.M.J. Bosco, Principal, Holy Cross Arts and Science College for Women, Tirupattur; Dr.Nalini; Dr. F.X. Lovelina Little Flower, Professor & Head, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University; Dr. M. Selvam were the resource persons.

The workshop gave detailed insight about various methodology used in qualitative researches in Social Sciences. It instilled thoughts on the growing need for qualitative research in community to understand the social issues.

NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR CUM WORKSHOP ON QUALITATIVE RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
Two day National Level seminar Cum workshop on Qualitative research techniques in Social Sciences was organised by the Department of social work on 3rd and 4th March 2016. Dr. G.K. Karanth, Professor of Sociology and Director of Research institutions National Fellow ICSSR was the chief guest of the occason. Dr. G.K. Karanth spoke on a few key issues and concerns in Social Sciences especially that unfortunate separation of qualitative and quantitative research.

The two day seminar focused on various topics Perspective Building & Philosophy Of Qualitative Research, Observation and In-depth interview, Focus Group Discussion and different other research techniques. Dr C.M.J. Bosco, Principal, Holy Cross Arts and Science College for Women, Tirupattur; Dr.Nalini; Dr. F.X. Lovelina Little Flower, Professor & Head, Department of Social Work, Bharathiar University; Dr. M. Selvam were the resource persons.

The workshop gave detailed insight about various methodology used in qualitative researches in Social Sciences. It instilled thoughts on the growing need for qualitative research in community to understand the social issues.

Gerontology -A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Social Work Department organized a panel discussion on Gerontology -A Multidisciplinary Approach on 28th September 2015. Dr. Mohan Sunil Kumar, Director and Psychiatrist, COACH; Mr. Premkumar Raja, Nightingale Medical Trust; Dr. Janet Parameshwara , Social Welfare Officer, KIDWAI institute of Oncology; Dr. Lalitha, Head, Department of Nursing, NIMHANS; Dr. Suriraj.V , CEO & Urologist, Regal Hospital; and Mr. Shaji Philip, CEO, Advantage of India were the members in the panel. Dr. Mohan Sunil Kumar was the moderator for the session.

Dr. Janet Parameshwara who spoke on ‘Aging and Cancer’. She mentioned that there were 18000 patients annually who suffered from cancer in the old age. Dr. Lalitha (enlightened the audience on the difference between Geriatrics and Gerontology. She mainly focused on the physical problems and changes faced by the elderly such as posture differences, changes in central nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, etc. Mr. Prem Kumar Raja concentrated on the challenges and concerns regarding provision of healthcare services to the elderly.

The session on the physical illnesses that the elderly face related to the excretory system was by Dr. Suriraj while Mr. Shaji Philip focused on how the elderly population is neglected regarding health issues and provision of healthcare services. The various issues and challenges faced by the caregivers and the professionals in the field were recognized and realized during this panel discussion.

Panel Discussion on Strategies for Combating Suicidal Thoughts among Youth – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
The Department of Social Work and Department of Psychology of Kristu Jayanti College in collaborated with the Medico Pastoral Association organised a panel discussion on Strategies For Combating Suicidal Thoughts Among Youth on September 10, 2014.

Rev Father Josekutty P D, the Principal addressed the importance of preserving the emotional well-being of young students. The keynote address was given by our esteemed guests Mrs Lata M. Jacob, Clinical Manager of Medico Pastoral Association who highlighted us about the SAHAI helpline which has their dedicated team that operates to provide counselling services for the emotionally distressed callers.

The panellists for the session were Dr Molly Joy, Head of Department of Psychology, Prof Gopakumar AV, Dean Faculty of Humanities, Mrs Lata Jacob, Clinical Manager, Medico Pastoral Association, Dr Jonas Richard A, head of Department of Social Work and Dr Ajit Bhide, Vice President, Medico Pastoral Association. Various aspects like symptoms of suicidal thoughts, media portrayal of suicide and the intervention of the government in preventing suicide were discussed. The day lived up to its expectation of spreading awareness on preventing suicide.