Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Feb 22: “Corruption is a curse for our country. Do not consider it as a moral issue. People who do not fight against corruption are equally dangerous for the country,” said Dr Devanand Gaokar, joint director-collegiate education, Mangalore region.
He addressed the gathering after inaugurating ‘Spandana – 2013’, a two-day national level symposium for student social workers held at Roshni Nilaya, school of social work on Thursday February 21. The theme of the conference was ‘Convergence of Social work methods for social transformation’.
Speaking on the occasion, he termed social workers as scientist, architects of the nation as they play a major role in bringing about changes for a prosperous India. He also gave a brief synopsis on the four weaknesses of Indians – We are hesitant to tell the truth, we do not want any change even after we fight for development, no person has faith in secularism and weak law which treats a person as accused and yet no punishment is given.
He urged the students to work for eradicating these weaknesses and called upon them to start working immediately. “Power tends to corruption, but an absolute/complete power is followed by devastation/destruction,” said Dr Gaokar.
Quoting on the words said by late Rajiv Gandhi in 1996, he said corruption has grown to such a worst extent that out of Rs 100 cr allotted by the government for people, only Rs 15 cr reaches hands of the people.
It is important that social workers create awareness regarding this. Our country is the youngest country in the world – out of the total population, 66 cr people are between the age group of 15-35 years which is a positive aspect for the country, adding he said that these can bring transformation.
Another fact which Dr Devanand put forth was, black money of Rs 160 billion cr belonging to India is deposited in Swiss bank. If this money is brought back then for 30 years government can run without collecting tax from people. In this regard, collective effort is needed to bring the money back, he added.
He urged the students to develop positive attitude. He also lauded the organizers of the programme.
Prior to the stage programme, the students put a mime show depicting the role of social workers in curbing various problems faced by the society.
Dr Sushan becker, full bright visiting lecture, US Health & Human service, Global HIV; Dr Sophia N Fernandes, principal; Dr Rumila Shekar, dean; Sr Celine, student convener; Meena Monteiro, staff co-coordinator among others were present.
On day one, a general session on ‘Social work methods – an overview’ by Dr Dorathy Rekha, department of psychiatric social work, Nimhans Bangalore will be held which will followed by panel discussion on ‘Use of primary methods in various settings’.
The second day will have a general session on ‘Current trends in social work research’ by Dr John Johnson, HOD of social work, Marian college, Kerala which will be followed by panel discussion on ‘evidence based social work’.