Student Led Seminar

Student Led Seminar on The Legacy of Kuriakose Elias Chavara in Commemorating 220th Birth Anniversary
Date: 10 February 2025
On the occasion of the 220th Birth Anniversary of Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a student-led seminar was organized by the Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru on 10th of February 2025. The Seminar aimed to reflect on his invaluable contributions to education, healthcare, social development, and women empowerment. The event provided a platform for students to engage in discussions, present research findings, and propose innovative ideas inspired by the life and legacy of Chavara.

Students highlighted Chavara's pioneering role in establishing schools and promoting education for all, especially marginalized communities. Discussions revolved around the need to incorporate his educational principles into modern pedagogy, ensuring inclusivity, value-based learning, and holistic development. The session on healthcare focused on Chavara’s emphasis on compassionate medical care and the establishment of hospitals and dispensaries.

Presentations underscored the relevance of community healthcare models and affordable medical services in contemporary society. The importance of integrating spirituality with medical ethics was also emphasized. Students explored Chavara’s contributions towards eradicating social evils and fostering unity. Case studies on his initiatives in community welfare and charity work were discussed, with participants analysing ways to adapt his principles to address modern social challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. A significant portion of the seminar was dedicated to women empowerment, an area where Chavara played a transformative role by advocating for girls’ education and social upliftment. Participants shared research on contemporary women’s rights issues and how Chavara’s vision can serve as a guiding framework for gender equality and empowerment today. The student-led seminar was a resounding success, fostering deep discussions and innovative ideas. The legacy of Kuriakose Elias Chavara continues to inspire transformative change in education, healthcare, social development, and women empowerment. The event concluded with a call to action for students to actively contribute towards societal progress, carrying forward Chavara’s mission of service and compassion.

Student Led Seminar on Mental health of Students: Concerns & Solutions
Date: 27 January 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru organised a student led seminar on mental health of students: concerns and solutions. The seminar aimed to understand and address the mental health issues of the students and also to find out the possible solutions and through collaborative discussions and expert insights. The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness about mental health issues among students. To provide a platform for students to share their concerns and experiences. To explore practical solutions to enhance mental well-being. To encourage open dialogue on mental health and break stigma. The presenters are Mr. Daris Robin, Ms Badhria, Ms. Reetika, Ms. Rupa, Ms. Jessy, Ms Riya, Ms Kalpna, Ms. Greeshma, and Mr. Pratap, II MSW students.

The students presented topics on stress management techniques such as time management, exercise, and mindfulness practices. University Support system, strengthening counselling services and peer support groups. Breaking stigma and encouraging open conversation about mental health. Initiating healthy life style habits, importance of sleep, nutrition and physical activity. Experts from social work shared insights on common mental health concerns such as academic pressure, anxiety, and depression.

The seminar successfully created a safe space for students to discuss their mental health concerns. The active participation and engagement from students, faculty, and mental health professionals made it a valuable learning experience. Future initiatives will focus on implementing practical solutions and continuing mental health awareness programs.

Student-Led Seminar on Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now
Date: 10 December 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College Autonomous, Bengaluru, organized a Student-led Seminar based on this year’s theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”,, on the 10th of December, 2024 for the 2nd Year MSW students. The objective of organizing this student-led seminar was to commemorate the Human Rights Day, which is observed every year, on the 10th of December- the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year’s Human Rights Day theme was, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, which focused on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventive, protective and transformative force for good.

The moderator, Ms. Riya, started off with a small introduction on why they had all gathered together for this particular seminar. With that, the speakers began talking on their individual topics. Ms. Greeshma Maria Mathew, gave a brief context and background of this day, and pointed out the importance of commemorating this day. The next to go was, Ms. Sorormi Jessy Zimik, who highlighted the vitality and the need of promoting and protecting Human Rights in today’s scenario, who was followed by Mr. Sebastian Paul, who dealt with the philosophical reasoning behind the idea and concept of Human Rights. Next in line was, Ms. Riteeka Chourasiya, who pointed out the various roles that are played by social workers in the field of Human Rights. Ms. Riya, the moderator, gave a summarised conclusion of all of their speeches, and urged her fellow batch mates to become fighters of Human rights, who ensure that every other person out there in the world, finds their voice and their ability to stand up for themselves.

As the student-led seminar came to an end, the Vote of Thanks was extended by Ms. Anagha Sajan, to express the gratefulness of the students towards the Department for organizing such programs for their benefit.