Mangaluru: “Spandana”, responding to Realities 2018, an international conference themed “From Diversity Towards Inclusion: A Social Work Paradigm” was inaugurated here at Roshni Nilaya on February 15.
The august gathering was welcomed by student convener Susan George and Dean Dr. Rameela Shekar introduced the theme of the conference
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. B S Nagendra Prakash, Registrar, Mangalore University. In his inaugural address, Dr. Prakash congratulated the institute for selecting the theme which is the need of the hour. He saw Spandana as a bridge from diversity to inclusion and encouraged all social work students to be the ambassadors of change. He reminded the delegates that the Indian history, in spite of economic, social and religious diversity, has a culture that speaks of equality. Further, Dr. Prakash was excited to inform that Mangaluru ranked third on the environmental index and challenged the young delegates to make it number one next year. He concluded that Spandana and Roshni should be a launching ground for the change agents to make the place a better world.
Dr. Joseph Wronka, representative to the United Nations in Geneva for the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and Professor of Social Work, Springfield College, Massachusetts, delivered the keynote address on the theme: Human Rights, Social Justice, Diversity and Inclusion-Implications for the Advanced Generalist Practice Paradigm. Dr. Wronka spoke about his experience in working with his Inupiat colleagues, describing the difference in the said cultures, while simultaneously elaborating on how human rights is inclusive to social justice. He stressed on the importance of face-to-face interaction, while elaborating on how the advance of technology has decreased human intercommunication. He briefly touched upon the five core notions of Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Human Dignity, Non Discrimination, Civil and Political Rights, Economic, Social and Cultural rights and Solidarity Rights. Finally, he concluded by stressing on the importance of kindness and humility among humanity and encouraged the students of social work to strive for a more inclusive society.
During the presidential address Dr. Sophia Fernandes, Principal of the college, highlighted, “We are dealing with the two most significant deeply interrelated issues such as diversity and inclusion during this conference which are matters of serious concern. In the world of injustice and exclusion that dehumanises values, the emerging issues of diversity and inclusion are relevant in the field of social work profession.” Quoting Martin Luther King Junior who said injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and hence it becomes significant for the social work profession to respond to the challenges that are emerging from the issues of diversity and inclusion. She further emphasised the need for social work education and practice relevant to address the emerging challenges.
