Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SK)

Mangaluru, Mar 9: The undergraduate department of social work, St Aloysius College (Autonomous) organised a national level seminar ‘Metanoia’23' on manual scavenging 'Hands that do the Unthinkable' on Thursday, March 9.

Addressing the gathering MLA, U T Khader said, “I would like to call civic workers as social doctors. These are the doctors who prevent sickness before they reach humans. People are worried about their family, house and their compound, they are least bothered about the society. Social concern is very less these days. This should come in students' minds at a young age. Scavengers should be trained and given awareness about the safety measures to be taken. It is also the duty of the government to take the responsibility of the civic workers.”

Corporator, Mangaluru City Corporation, A C Vinayaraj said, “We as the civil society are pushing the SC/ST community for scavenging work, they are living in the society with humility and hide their nature of work from their families. Each and every individual has the responsibility towards the society. What is our responsibility as a civil society? Do not ask the leaders what they have done for the development of the community. Think what your responsibility is and what can be done for the betterment of the society.”

Principal St Aloysius College, Dr Praveen Martis SJ, in his presidential remark said, “We as a civil society have to bring changes. Even the civic workers have to get human dignity. Students as the youth should step forward to bring changes in the community.”

Registrar Dr Allwyn DSa, Student coordinator Joshan John, resource persons Dr Sylvia Karpagam, Dr Siddarth Joshi, Maitreyi and Shanmugam V were present.

HOD of social work, Dr Deena D'Souza welcomed the gathering, staff convenor Kavya M proposed the vote of thanks, and Neha Menon compered the event.