LG delivers valedictory address at 8th Indian Social Work Congress at Visva-Bharati University
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered his valedictory address through a Video message at 8th Indian Social Work Congress jointly organized by National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI), International Consortium for Social Development-AsiaPacific (ICSDAP) & Department of Social Work, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that deliberations held during 8th India Social Work Congress on the theme “Social Cohesion, Collective Responsibility and Social Work Profession” will prove to be important for society and administration.
The global health crisis that we are going through today has brought families, people, groups and countries together to fight this pandemic and created a new chapter of social cohesion and collective responsibility, he added.
The concept of social cohesion and collective responsibility is the soul of our country; it is this creative movement that sowed the seeds of reformism in our country. Social work and the spirit of selfless service have been in our traditions and culture since ancient times, the Lt Governor maintained.
Terming social service as a part of life, the Lt Governor observed that through service to others, we can transform the life and society around us. Be it cleaning in Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan, becoming voice of the weak, caring for patients or supporting the marginalized groups, it all happens with the sense of service and social responsibility towards others”, the Lt Governor maintained.
Congratulating the Vice Chancellor of Visva Bharati University, and President NAPSWI, for organizing the three day-long event, the Lt Governor said that Vishwa Bharati’s motto, ‘The whole world is a house’, inspires us to understand and live the philosophy of life expounded by venerable Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore for which he performed rigorous penance and hardwork throughout his life. The tapobhoomi on which this program is being held is known for the works done for Village improvement, rural development, and the rise of our villages.
The Lt Governor called upon the professionals of all social works, to work together on literacy, health, sanitation, poverty, malnutrition, population, child labour, t women empowerment, corruption, and drug abuse and wherever policy intervention is needed.
Social service is the real prayer and worship. The more you get absorbed in serving others, the closer you come to yourself. Strive with a goal-oriented approach for balanced, inclusive and sustainable development in every corner of the country along with socio-economic progress of all individuals, said the Lt Governor while addressing the young students.
Speaking on the contribution of great social reformers, Sinha said there have been many great social reformers in our country who influenced the philosophy of welfare and development in this country. Who can forget Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s reforms, including women’s education and widow marriage. Even today, there are problems in our society, which can be faced with social cohesion and collective responsibility, added the Lt Governor.
Throwing light on the great works of Rabindranath Tagore, Lt Governor said that the way Gurudev has taught for consciousness of the new generation and their deeds. “Gurudev had shown the way for moral and spiritual philosophy, social problems, and necessary reforms in the society. His contribution to the rich cultural wealth of the country and with it enlightened consciousness and community development work can never be forgotten. He also did unprecedented work to solve the problems of farmers”.
