DISHAA..the quarterly newsletter from the Department of Social Work, Amrita University, Amritapuri Campus

1. DISHAA
En route to a better world…
Oct-Dec, 2011
Volume 1 Issue 2
Quarterly newsletter by ASWAS,
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Contents
 Chancellor’s message
Editorial
 Editorial
We are obliged with the overwhelming
 ASWAS support and encouragement received from
 Your kind attention
the professional Social Work community
plz! for the first issue of DISHAA. The
dedication and hard work of the students
 Social Work Research
@ Amrita of Social Work, Amrita University,
Amritapuri campus is once again proved
 Introduction to
Policies/Acts
here, in the timely release of the second
issue of ASWAS News letter- DISHAA.
 My experience as a
budding Social
Worker The current issue covers special reports,
articles on various topics and pertinent
 Picasso. MSW

events during the period such as ASWAS
Chancellor’s message
Interview with a inauguration, tribal sensitisation camp,
Professional Social concurrent field work placement,
Worker
Mullapperiyar issue and other items. The
 Agency news: RASTA editorial board expresses its gratitude to
"Your third eye will never open if, in the
 Kabani: the other all the contributors of the current issue.
name of spirituality, you close your eyes
direction Special thanks to Dr. Johny Augustine, to the world."
 Fieldwork news
Assistant Professor, St. Ambrose
University, USA for cooperating with us “Use your freedom in a manner that
 Field Work in Social in this endeavor. benefits society."
Work : Partnership
with Government
Organisations -Chief Editor — Amma
 Book review
 Activities of
Department of Social
work
 AMC news
 Upcoming
conference/workshops
 Principal’s desk

2. 2 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
ASWAS -Amrita Social Worker’s Association
Key distribution of bicycles for fieldwork
It was a dream coming true for the Department of Social work Upon the request from the student community out of
when the inauguration of Amrita Social Workers Association the recognition that bicycles stand as a symbol of
(ASWAS) took place. ASWAS is concerned with promoting mobility, freedom and sustainability, the Department
social and environmental responsibility among the public, of Social Work took a novel and unprecedented
creating awareness against social evils and facilitation of decision to provide bicycles to its students for
events to prevent them. The programs and interventions undertaking field work. The distribution of the keys of
organized were for uplifting the socially and educationally bicycles was performed by Dr.Sivasudan. Dr.
marginalized groups and in turn contributing towards skill Sivasudan, (District Programme Manager – National
development and professional enrichment of social work Rural Health Mission, Kollam) delivered a talk on
students. ASWAS encompasses the group which works with “NRHM”, its significance on public health aspects of
unity amid all differences for the liberation of one‟s internal rural India and the role of social workers in the field.
strength to make the world a better place, thereby reaching the
ultimate goal of eternal happiness. Talk by Haritamitra Awardee
Before the informal session began, Mr. Sooranad Ravi
The much awaited event of ASWAS inauguration and (renowned farmer in Kerala & recipient of
AMRITIANS first Alumni meet started with the prayer at “Haritamitra” award from Government of Kerala)
Amritapuri campus by 10.00 am. Ms Nayana (President, shared his views on the present state of agriculture and
ASWAS), officially welcomed the guests. The informal the activities of students of Department of Social Work
session began with keynote address by the Principal of at Sooranad Panchayat, Kollam. Further, Mr. P K
Department of Social work, Br. Anand Shenoy. Anandji, with Anand, Lecturer of the Department elaborated on the
his inspiring words acknowledged and admired the efforts and team effort put by the Department of Social Work to
the venture of the students and faculty of Department of promote “Kitchen gardening” in all households of the
Social work, Amritapuri campus.Mrs. M.C.Jaysree, District Sooranad Panchayat
Welfare officer, Kollam, the chief guest of the day, officially Distribution of mementoes to achievers of
inaugurated “ASWAS” by lighting the lamp and also the pass out batch was also done by the chief guest of
delivered the presidential address. Mrs. Jayasree explained the the day. Dr.Renjith R.Pillai, Academic Head,
welfare schemes of the government and the role of social Department of Social Work, felicitated and expressed
workers in this area. She also deliberated the possibility of his joy on the successful rendering of team effort by
collaborating with the Social Work department, Amritapuri the Department. Mr. Prageesh E P, Secretary of
campus in implementing various schemes /programmes of the ASWAS, delivered the vote of thanks, thus winding up
government. She proceeded with the release of the logo of the formal session of the day.The informal session
“ASWAS”. involved sharing of experience by the alumni. The
Inauguration of AMC (ASWAS Movie Club) session was a mixture of experiences, memories and
Dr. Balakrishnan Shankar, Associate Dean, Amritapuri inspiration worth sharing.
campus, felicitated the event by pointing out the importance
of Social Work in Amritapuri campus, being in close
proximity to the International NGO Mata Amritanandamayi
Math. He also mentioned the possibility of Social Work
students in participating in the activities of the same. Dr.
Balakrishnan Shankar inaugurated ASWAS Movie Club and
released the logo.
Release of first issue of ASWAS newsletter: ’Dishaa’
Br. Anand Shenoy, Principal, Department of Social Work
released the first issue of ASWAS newsletter – “Dishaa”. The
newsletter aims at providing a platform to social work
students, teachers and practising social workers to put in their
perception on varied social issues.

3. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2 3
AMRITIANS- Alumni meet (Dept of Social Work)
Mr. Nitheesh, coordinator of Amrita Alumni Association (AMRITIANS) elaborated on the various activities of
“AMRITIANS” and welcomed the alumni of Department of Social Work to join the venture. An alumni team with two
representatives from each batch was elected for ensuring and encouraging alumni participation in the events to come in the
future. The selected alumni in consultation with the Department would later evolve a framework and modus operandi
towards organizing the Alumni meet and allied programmes in the future. This is bound to provide support to the
Department as well as the student fraternity for exploring new avenues of professional Social Work.
Mr. Anoop and Mr. Shine Vayala from the first batch, Ms. Sarika and Ms. Poornima from the second and Mr. Aswin and
Ms. Saranya from third batch were the team of representatives who voluntarily came forward. The programme concluded
by 5.45pm, after the display of a few rich cultural events performed by the present batch of MSW students as well as by
the alumni of the Department.
Your kind attention plz !
The issue on Mullaperiyar dam (Lekshmi Vimala, S2MSW)
substantially from the agreement, Travancore got little
Recently no discussion, debate or news report is complete
more than a negligible lease-rent for the land leased to
without the mention of „Mullaperiyar Dam‟. At the time of
Madras. In 1970, an increase in the lease rent was
writing this report, the issue has resulted in numerous strikes
negotiated by Kerala but there was no radical revision of
and agitations by the different political as well as other
the totality of the agreement.
parties.
Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar
But the controversy that has stemmed up now is due to
River in Kerala. It is located 881 m (2,890 ft) above mean
safety concerns regarding the dam. The dam is now 116
sea level on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in
years old, and even with all the strengthening measures, it
Thekkady, Idukki District. It was constructed between 1887
is not possible to be wholly confident about its safety
and 1895 by the British Government to divert water
under all circumstances. The recent tremors in the area
eastwards to Madras Presidency area (the present-day Tamil
might have been minor but no one can guarantee that a
Nadu). It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation
stronger earthquake will not occur, or that if there is an
and length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft). The Periyar National Park
exceptionally heavy flood the dam will be safe. These are
in Thekkady is located around the dam's reservoir. Though
extreme and perhaps improbable situations but the point is
the dam is located in Kerala, it is controlled and operated
that there can be no absolute unqualified guarantee of
under a period lease by Tamil Nadu. The control and safety
safety under all circumstances. That is true of all dams and
of the dam and the validity and fairness of the lease
particularly so of ageing dams and of dams in seismically
agreement have been points of dispute between Kerala and
active areas.For Tamil Nadu, the Mullaperiyar dam and
Tamil Nadu states. Mullaperiyar dam has been declared an
the diverted Periyar waters act as a lifeline for Theni,
'endangered' scheduled dam by the Kerala Government under
Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramnad districts, providing water
the disputed Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation
for irrigation and drinking, and also for generation of
(Amendment) Act, 2006.
power in Lower Periyar Power Station. Tamil Nadu has
Under the 1886 agreement between the former Madras insisted on exercising its unfettered rights to control the
Presidency and the princely state of Travancore, Travancore dam and its waters, based on the 1866 lease agreement.
agreed to the diversion of Periyar waters to Madras The Kerala government wants to replace the old dam by a
Presidency, and to lease a piece of land (8000 acres) in its new one to be constructed 300 meters downstream in the
territory to Madras Presidency for building and operating the light of the recent earthquakes that occurred in the area
project designed for this purpose. The curious fact is that the and do not support the reports produced by different
lease was for 999 years. In Kerala, there is an almost agencies claiming that the dam is safe and sound. The
universal feeling that the 1886 agreement was an unfair one construction of the new dam has been strongly opposed by
imposed on a reluctant Travancore by a more powerful Tamil Nadu as they are not sure whether this will enable
Madras Presidency with the prestige and power of the British the continuance of flows to Tamil Nadu.
government behind it; and that while Madras benefited

4. 4 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
Thus there are two vulnerabilities in this case: the life -
The problem of Mullaperiyar is not a single faceted one and
security concerns of people in Kerala and the livelihood-
cannot be solved by any cut and dried solution. Different
security concerns of the people of Tamil Nadu. Both the
aspects need to be given due consideration before any
sections need due consideration. But even with the
serious decision regarding the subject is taken.
strengthening of the dam, it has to be realized that the
dam will not last forever and it is necessary to plan for its
In addition to their benefits, water projects (such as dams) in
gradual phasing out over a period of time. Alternative
many countries have been the source of significant
ways of meeting the legitimate water needs of the affected
environmental change, unexpected diseases, the
population has to be explored and their dependence on the
impoverishment of aquatic fauna and decrease of water
Mullaperiyar dam has to be minimized through better
quality. Local people have been seriously affected by
water management practices and also the recent spirit of
resettlement. Therefore the feasibility and the consequences
hatred among the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu has to
of constructing a new dam need to be assessed. The Kerala
be curbed in order to solve the crisis.
government will have to think deep regarding the matter.
One hopes that the policy of "Water for Tamil Nadu,
In the case of the Tamil Nadu government, they need to
Safety for Kerala" will be properly implemented and that
consider the concerns expressed by the people of Kerala
everyone inculcates within themselves the feeling of
more seriously and take measures to address it. On Dec 15,
harmony and cooperation that is much required.
the Tamil Nadu assembly had passed a unanimous resolution
that it would not relinquish its rights over the Mullaperiyar
dam under any circumstances.
Social Work Research @ Amrita resource management. There are some factors like state,
policy; market and technology that always affect the
“Culture and Natural Resource Management: a study farming practices.
among the farming community at Anicadu Grama
The findings of the study help to understand that there are
Panchayathu”, Dissertation submitted to Amrita Vishwa
some existing farming practices which affect the Natural
Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus for partial fulfillment
Resource Management. All these practices and strategies
of the requirement for the award of Master of Social Work
are always linked with some cultural components. These
(2009-2011).
cultural components are related to local knowledge
Candidate: Ms. Surya Krishna
system. This study also helps to understand some factors
Guide: Dr Sunil D S
which affect the farming practices and the conservation of
Abstract
natural resources also.
This study analyzes the role of culture in natural resource The existing practices of farming like soil conservation
management. This is a study conducted among the farming measures, pest management, crop management, water
community at Anicadu Gramapanchayath. It tries to pursue conservation measures and seed management always try to
three important research questions, firstly it attempt to conserve the natural resources. All these human actions
study the existing farming practices in that Panchayath like are determined by a set of norms which already exist.
the farming practices related to soil conservation, water There are some cultural components like values, beliefs,
conservation, seed management, crop management etc. norms, customs and traditions which determine the
Secondly it examines the role of cultural components in existing farming practices. . There are also some
natural resource management- that means how the culture contextual factors like state/ policy, market, human capital
is related with the farming practices. Thirdly it tries to and technology which affect the conservation of natural
examine the factors which affect the sustainable natural resources
resource management. There are some factors like state,

5. technology which affect the conservation of natural The researcher used both interview schedule and
resources. observation checklist to collect the data .The data was
Natural Resource Management can be studied based collected from 25 farmers. The existing farming practices
on four things - nurturing, conservation, allocation and can be understood on the basis of nurturing, conservation,
distribution. The existing pattern of farming can be analyzed allocation and distribution of natural resources. The factors
based on these four factors. There are also some contextual like culture, market, state and technology influence farming
factors like culture, market, state and technology which affect practices and strategies. The study also helps to understand
the Natural Resource Management practices. the relation between the existing pattern of farming and the
The study was conducted in a thin ethnographic role of contextual factors.
framework. The study focused on the individual farmers and
Volume 1 Issue 2
from them the researcher collected the data.
ISHAA
En route to a better world… Introduction to Policies/Acts:
Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) - [Deepak Suresh, S2MSW]
The Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) is an Act of the (PIO).Any person may submit a request to the PIO for
Parliament of India "to provide for setting out the practical information in writing. It is the PIO's obligation to provide
regime of right to information for citizens." The Act information to citizens of India who request information
applies to all States and Union Territories of India. Under under the Act. If the request pertains to another public
the provisions of the Act, any citizen may request authority (in whole or part), it is the PIO's responsibility to
information from a "public authority" (a body of transfer/forward the concerned portions of the request to a
Government or "instrumentality of State") which is PIO of the other within 5 working days. In addition, every
required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days. The public authority is required to designate Assistant Public
Act also requires every public authority to computerize Information Officers (APIOs) to receive RTI requests and
their records for wide dissemination and to pro-actively appeals for forwarding to the PIOs of their public authority.
publish certain categories of information so that the The applicant is not required to disclose any information or
citizens need minimum recourse to request for information reasons other than his name and contact particulars to seek
formally. This law was passed by Parliament on 15 June the information. "ApplyRTI" and "Rtination" are the online
2005 and came fully into force on 13 October 2005.The system which facilitates the filing of RTI (Right To
Act is applicable to all constitutional authorities, including Information Act, India) applications online. It aims primarily
the executive, legislature and judiciary; any institution or at minimizing the time taken and effort required in filing an
body established or constituted by an act of Parliament or a application. The Act specifies time limits for replying to the
state legislature. It is also defined in the Act that bodies or request.If the request has been made to the PIO, the reply is to
authorities established or constituted by order or be given within 30 days of receipt,if the request has been
notification of appropriate government, including bodies made to an APIO, the reply is to be given within 35 days of
"owned, controlled or substantially financed" by receipt.If the PIO transfers the request to another public
government, or non-government organizations authority (better concerned with the information requested),
"substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds" the time allowed to reply is 30 days but computed from the
provided by the government are also covered in it. Private day after it is received by the PIO of the transferee authority.
bodies are not within the Act's ambit directly. However, Information concerning corruption and Human Rights
information that can be accessed under any other law in violations by scheduled security agencies (those listed in the
force by a public authority can also be requested. In a Second Schedule to the Act) is to be provided within 45 days
landmark decision of 30-Nov-2006 ('Sarbajit Roy versus but with the prior approval of the Central Information
DERC') the Central Information Commission also Commission, however, if life or liberty of any person is
reaffirmed that privatized public utility companies continue involved, the PIO is expected to reply within 48 hours.
to be within the RTI Act- their privatization Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of
notwithstanding. The Act empowers every citizen to:ask Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence
any questions from the Government or seek any Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Central Intelligence
information, take copies of any governmental documents,
and Security agencies specified in the Second Schedule
inspect any governmental documents, inspect any
like IB, Directorate General of Income tax
governmental works or take samples of materials of any
governmental work. Under the Act, all authorities covered (Investigation), RAW etc. are some organizations which
must appoint their Public Information Officer. are excluded from this act.

6. 6 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
In the first year of National RTI, 42,876 applications for information were filed to Central (i.e. Federal) public authorities.
Of these 878 were disputed at the final appellate stage - the Central Information Commission at New Delhi. A few of these
decisions have thereafter been mired in further legal controversy in the various High Courts of India. The first stay order
against a final appellate decision of the Central Information Commission was granted on 3.May.2006 by the High Court of
Delhi.
My experience as a budding Social Worker
Sooraj P.S (Batch 2009-2011)
During my fourth semester, my friend and I were placed in
the Psychiatry unit of a Kollam hospital. The Chief member. Her mother was perpetually sick and her father
had left the family years back. Her husband was an
Psychiatrist of the hospital was so kind that he allowed us to
alcoholic person who used to burn her with cigarettes and
sit with him for his routine outpatient consultations. After
each case, he would turn back and ask us what our diagnosis beat her up every now and then. The only son she had, a
„chhotta‟ goon of the village grabbed much of her hard
was. Some of them turned out really well, thanks to
earned money quite often. Besides all these, she was
Dr.Renjith‟s exceptional lectures on Clinical Psychiatry.
Furthermore I could play the part of a counselor pretty well sexually assaulted several times by her neighbor and he
at the mock counseling sessions in the class too. All of these used to threaten her that he would kill her, if she ever
made me think that I would turn out as an outstanding attempts to speak a word about it to anyone. I still recall
how she kept herself unruffled and composed while
clinical practitioner after my course.
narrating the most distressing events of her lifetime.
I joined the Dept. of Psychiatric Social Work, National
Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), I sat still for the next two minutes. I hunted for the most
Bangalore for my one month block field work placement appropriate words to relieve her and found myself nose-
soon after the final exams. It was a life-altering experience to dived. She asked me to teach some ways to regulate her
be in NIMHANS, though the field work trainees were not emotional flare-ups. She was so certain about what she
allowed to meet or talk directly to individual patients. wanted actually, but I couldn‟t help her. I was so
Postings at the Department of Child Psychiatry and Family emotionally surged and finally the lady began to console
Psychiatry went well. During the third week, I was posted at me. My ego was tarnished, realizing how theory turns
the Dept. of Community Psychiatry. The posting was at the immaterial when it comes to practice. Somehow I tried my
Community Extension Centre of NIMHANS at Sakalawara, part and then sought the help of an MPhil trainee who was
a far-flung village at the outskirts of Bangalore city. The sitting next to me. She managed the situation well and
villagers stood in long queues to meet the Psychiatrist and I taught the JPMR techniques to the lady skillfully. It still
sat behind him not knowing what to do. Almost all of the lingers in my mind the way the lady offered me a kind and
villagers were partially or fully illiterate. The only language empathetic smile while she was leaving.
they spoke was Kannada in which I was totally illiterate.
Watching my clueless guises, the doctor told me he would Piccaso.MSW
send any of the patients who knew little bit of English or Anees Ashraf (S4 MSW)
Hindi to me, so that I could help them with some sort of
“psycho-social interventions”.
I sat for the 1 hour that followed with certainly no patients
turning my side. Finally a thin lady came to me, who have
been undergoing the treatment for Schizophrenia for the past
so many years. Her symptoms had subsided, but she
complained of occasional emotional outbursts and temper
tantrums. I began to take the detailed case history and she
instantly shared her life events one after the other. As she
narrated, I grew fragile and pale. She belonged to a very
option less family, with herself being the only earning
member of it. Her mother was perpetually sick and her

7. Interview with a Professional Social Worker
Dr. Johny Augustine
1. Your inspiration towards choosing this field.
This is a very frequent question I encounter from my social
work colleagues and students when they realize that I have an
undergraduate degree in Physics. My intention was not to study
social work when I graduated with a degree in Physics but
pursue a higher degree in either Astrophysics or computer
science. An array of issues including the death of my mother, Johny Augustine, MSW, MPhil, Ph.D.
financial concerns, and a decision made by my family to
relocate to the northern part of Kerala significantly influenced
Assistant Professor of Social Work
my decision to choose a career in social work. However, once I St Ambrose University, Davenport. Iowa
entered the field, I embraced the profession in every respect. Email: AugustineJohny@sau.edu
2. Your philosophy of Social Work
4. Any unexpected/stressful situation in your life as a
What guides my social work teaching, practice, and research is professional Social Worker and your mode of handling
the firm belief that every individual, family, or community has the situation
strengths and capabilities. This is true for any group-an
individual suffering the debilitating effects of mental illness or a One major life situation I experienced which has left
family living in poverty or a community totally devastated by a significant marks on my life and career was the moment
disaster. My role as a social worker is to help such individuals, I became aware that one of my best friends was
families, and communities identify and enhance those strengths diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Neither the family
and capabilities and live their life to the fullest potential. nor doctors could do much other than relieving the pain
as the cancer has spread to other parts of the body when
3. Your current area of focus. it was first diagnosed. I am very glad that I was
available and supportive to my friend in the remaining
One of the major challenges that we face in the present world is part of her life until she passed away couple years later.
the ever increasing income inequality between the rich and the What amazed me was the fact that, despite such a
poor. It is very sad to notice that, in the United States, the top debilitating illness and the effects of treatment, my
1% controls 40% of the nation‟s total wealth and 25% of the friend was able to make others around her happy until
nation‟s total income. At the global level, we see the western her death.
industrialized world (16% of the world‟s population)
controlling 81% of the world‟s income and the developing 5. The specific goals that you have established for your
world (84% of the world‟s population) is left with the career and your plans to make these things happen.
remaining 19% of world‟s income. In other words, what we see
is a highly divided world economically; on one side there are I wish everything happens the way we plan. That being
over 2 billion people working for less than a dollar a day, said, I love teaching and would like to be a social work
women and children starving and dying without food and water educator as long as I continue enjoying my role as a
and, on the other side, you see the rich becoming richer and teacher and mentor. In terms of practice and research, I
richer through unfair economic and political practices. I feel would like to continue work in the areas of self-help,
that those unfair economic and political practices that lead to grass root social work and community development, and
this huge income disparity between the rich and the poor should influence policy making. The collaborative project with
be the target of professional social work interventions. Amrita University to build self-help among poor women
Currently, my effort focuses on economic, political, and affected by the tsunami is a starting point in this regard.
personal organizing grass root level self-help groups and
promoting sustainable employment practices among them.

8. 8 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
welfare programs, civil rights), or both to better
6. The effect of your Social Work practices in your
conditions of people who are in distress.
personal as well as professional life.
In the U.S., National Association of Social Workers
My social work education, practice, teaching, and
(NASW) is a very powerful licensing body and has
research have had tremendous impact on my personal
set high standards for social work practitioners to
and professional life. At the personal level, I would say
be able to practice in their substantive areas. With
that 6 years of my psychiatric social work experience
over 500,000 members, NASW has also established
have shaped and influenced my understanding of human
its strong presence in the policy advocacy arena. In
behavior, the sources of human sufferings, and possible
addition, social work education in the U.S. is
solutions to ameliorate those sufferings. I have
regulated by Council on Social Work Education
witnessed instances where a crisis or a major trauma can
(CSWE), the only one accrediting agency for social
be a source for personal, economic, and political
work in the country.
empowerment: during my clinical practice, I have seen
families setting aside their differences and conflicts and In contrast, professional social work education in
rally around an ailing family member; in my community India has been steadily growing in terms of
practice, I have seen poverty stricken families and increasing number of MSW graduates that pass out
communities pulling together whatever resources they of social work schools as well as substantive areas
have to support and benefit each other during major taught and practiced within the profession. It is a
crisis; and, I have witnessed adults, primarily women, positive trend that, finally, professional social work
taking up new job opportunities and engaging in social in India has been weaning off of its ties with its
action subsequent to natural disasters. At the western counterparts and has been trying to
professional level, these experiences propelled my establish its own definitive knowledge content and
interest in pursuing a higher education in social work practice arenas. These changes can be increasingly
and continue working with people who live in poverty seen in the syllabi taught in social work schools,
and/or are affected by major crisis. social work student placements, and growing
number of research publications that emphasize the
7. Your opinion on Social Work profession and the
significance of indigenous practice methods that
concept of professional Social Work in India and
are grounded in collective values and grass root
in US.
organizing. One of the major challenges for social
work profession in India is the ongoing battle for
Social work profession, with its roots in the 19th century
professional status including having a professional
Charity Organization Society and Settlement House
licensing body and an umbrella national
movements in the U.S. and U. K., has established and
organization that brings in all professional social
asserted its role as one of the finest helping professions
workers under it.
in the world. Having said that, the history of social work
in the U.S. is fraught with ideological battles, the
8. The difficulties associated with policy making in
primary one being the battle over whether individual or
the field of Social Work in India as compared to
social structure is the root cause of social problems.
that of US.
Social work practitioners, depending on their ideological
background, worked on changing the individual (such as I guess I have answered this in the previous section.
teaching them coping skills to adapt to a changing One of the major challenges is to rally all
environment), the social structures (for instance professional social workers under one national
advocating for social policies aimed at improving umbrella organization and then engaging in social
wages, working conditions, and political advocacy.

9. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2 9
9. Your message for the budding Social Workers.
My message to my young colleagues is that you got to believe in your ability as well as your clients‟
ability to bring about individual and social change. Given the increasing economic and social inequality
that affects the people we serve, it is important that we engage in political and social advocacy to
transform individuals and the society. One of the successful tools that we possess as social workers is our
ability to involve the clients in such change processes. This is the same tool that makes our service distinct
from other helping professions.
Agency News
Rural Agency for Social and Technological Advancement
(RASTA)
„RASTA‟ began working in Kerala in 1984 as a The campus is situated at Kambalakkad in Wayanad district
replication of the parent organization SWRC (Social Work of Kerala. It spreads over 5000 sq feet area consisting of an
and Research Center) Tilonia, Rajasthan. Founding administrative block, training and meeting halls, 6 twin
members brought the experience gained through years of sharing guest rooms, dining room, mushroom spawn
working with SWRC and returned to Kerala to devote production laboratory, bio-control laboratory, a community
themselves to empowering rural communities in their seed bank, a village telecentre, a skill training work center,
home state. In 1987 RASTA was established after it found an audio visual unit and two dormitories of 20 beds each
its own legal entity and the district Wayanad was selected (separate for men and women). The campus is fully
as the intervention area due to it having the higher electrified and has a 70000 litter capacity rainwater
percentage (17%) of tribals and because it was judged to harvesting system. RASTA serves a population of over 1,
be the most backward from a social and developmental 50,000 in Wayanad and other districts of the state.
standpoint.
The vision of the agency is “creating a value based society Major objectives are empowerment and enablement of the
which is self reliant, ensuring sustainable resource marginalized people of Wayanad district- to make them
management, where people would be able to think and act self-reliant, promotion and development of ecologically and
above sectarian priorities with due recognition, and dignity socially appropriate technologies to improve the quality of
at their levels.” The mission is “To accomplish the vision life of the women and farmers, to complement and
and facilitating to empower the community through synergize governmental efforts for rural change, to enable
building democratic, sustainable, people based institutions, local communities to attain improved livelihood through
mobilizing local and external resources, collaborating with sustainable use of natural resources, to enable local
like-minded institutions, individuals and government.” communities to tackle emerging health concerns and to
RASTA activities in the beginning was of welfare in attract educated youth into the field of rural development.
nature but later on in 90's, its activities became more
decentralized and planning exercise - PRA was adopted in The major activities of the organization are done in the
its working. RASTA is committed to the protection of the following areas:
environment, the conservation of natural resources, the  Agriculture and Animal husbandry: This involves
efficient use of human resources and the reduction of all formation of farmers groups at village level, soil
forms of non-sustainable use of resources. Smt. Omana T. and water conservation, promotion of mixed
K (Director of RASTA) and Sri Dhaneesh Kumar cropping , training and extension, familiarization of
(Manager) are the working hands of RASTA campus. participatory
.

10. eco-friendly farming, participatory planning on
agriculture ,construction of checkdams for irrigation,  Entrepreneurship Development Programme
improved cattle shed ,fodder development and involving orientation training, training on rexin
compost making. bag, garments making and decentralized mushroom
cultivation.
 Housing and Sanitation: Involves construction of low
cost houses, construction of twin pit latrines and  Studies, Research & Development : Batch fed
construction of wells. biogas system and alternative feedstock, solar
photovoltaic systems Oct-Dec, 2011power,
for decentralized
 Environment/Ecology is concerned with awareness research on composting techniques of 2
Volume 1 Issue different
generating seminars, conservation of traditional biomass, action research on traditional farming
seeds & medicinal plants and collaboration with practices, PTD on bio pest repellents study on
District Paryavaran Vahini. impact of unsustainable practices on the ecosystem
 Women's Development: This done via promotion of  Institutional Development: This includes
savings/thrift & credit management programme, Participatory Interaction for Development (PID),
income and employment generation, training on Promotion of Participatory Tools and
tailoring, embroidery and on gender perspectives. Methodologies (PRA, PME), Participatory
Organizational Analysis (POA), Institutional
Development &Organization Strengthening
 Technology Dissemination through providing training
(IDOS).
to the youth in making NADEP compost,
RASTA (Rural Agency for Social and
dissemination of Micro Nutrient Fortified Compost,
Technological Advancement)
conservation of traditional technologies and batch
Kambalakad. P.O
fed biogas technology using unutilized biomass.
Wayanad District.
Kerala. - 673 121
Phone: 0493-686725.
Fax: 0493-602094 attn 686-725
Email: rasta_k@satyam.net.in
(Reference: RASTA at a Glance (2008)
KABANI - “the other direction”: Tribal sensitisation camp 2011
KABANI, the only east flowing river of Kerala represents in the 7 day camp at Wayanad. Wayanad was apt as the camp
uniqueness in its “other direction” of flow. Originating site due to its diverse and rich tribal culture (17% of its
from Wayanad, it assumes a massive form to exist as river population being tribes) and its pristine beauty. With a
Kavery and merges into the Bay of Bengal. number of tribal rehabilitation and welfare activities going on,
it was certain that Wayanad will offer a unique and once in a
This uniqueness made us choose the name KABANI for life time learning experience.
the departmental venture of a tribal sensitization camp for
The journey started on the 13thof December and terminated
the first year trainees of Social Work, as it is an attempt to
on 20th December. The camping site was RASTA (an NGO
traverse along the less trodden paths in order to make a
with its office in Kambalakkad). Some of the leading
difference, to strive for a just world and also towards
organizations in the field of tribal development were visited
creating a peaceful existence where all can live together by
which included Uravu, MSSRF (M.S. Swaminathan Research
accepting all form of differences.
Foundation),Vivekananda Medical Mission hospital, Amrita
The tribal sensitisation camp was organized by Department
Kripa Charitable hospital, Priyadarshini tea plantation etc.
of Social Work, Amritapuri as part of the curriculum for
Every day started with rejuvenating yoga sessions followed
getting the first year social work trainees acquainted with
by wonderful cuisines prepared by the trainees themselves.
the traditions, culture and way of life of the tribals and also
Observation visits and hamlet visits occupied majority of the
to delve deep into the possibilities of positive intervention
activities of the day but not without setting aside ample time
in the field. About 32 trainees and 6 faculties participated
for evaluation sessions every night.
in the 7 day camp at Wayanad. Wayanad was apt as the

11. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
Trainees attempted to study the standard of living of rehabilitated tribals at
Priyadarshini tea Estate through a preliminary observation study as per the directions of
the Managing Director of the same, Mr. Harikishore IAS.
During hamlet visits alcoholism was observed as an issue among the tribals .The
trainees conducted an observation study on the same and presented the results to the
representatives of several organizations working for the cause. Recommendations were
given on the basis of observations.
Through the camp the trainees understood the standard of living of the tribes and also
pondered upon the methods which can be implemented to improve their present
condition. A scope for positive interventions by the trainees was also looked upon.
Several new learnings were procured during the camp and many insights illuminated
the minds of the Social Work trainees. Several queries also aroused such as the real
motive behind the tribal development programmes, the method of carrying it out, the
difference in the needs of tribal and our assumptions, the dilemma faced while
implementing tribal development projects etc.
Camp fire was conducted on 19th Dec, giving an enjoyable closure to the camp.
Wayanad darshan conducted on 20th provided an opportunity to visit some of the tourist
spots renowned for its pristine beauty.
Field Work News
Kitchen Gardening at Sooranad
(Gladson M .E, S4MSW) and line departments by designing and implementation of a
People of Sooranad has a great tradition of farming (paddy community development model was the aim of the project.
and vegetables) which is now facing the low, owing to This may help in establishing a sustainable system that
commercialization of agriculture and advent of cash crops. provides a platform for the people, their representatives and
Also the employment pattern has seen a shift from agriculture line departments of government to work in tandem for
to service oriented jobs, which is a general trend observed in achieving the project goal and maintaining / evolving over a
Kerala. Hence in a community which has a legacy in period of time.
agriculture, household level kitchen gardening is found to be A pilot project was done by the Social Work trainees
the most feasible and cost effective way to ensure food and involving 30 families. Door to door campaigning was done
nutrition security. Kitchen gardening was identified as a to make them more aware about kitchen gardening and its
method after deliberations and consultations with farming advantages. Seeds were mobilized from the community
community. itself and were distributed in the community meeting in
Thus an intervention plan was taken up to make Sooranad Sooranad.
Panchayat self reliant in toxic free vegetable production Based on the pilot project, a plan was created by the team of
through sustenance kitchen gardening that contribute to food social work trainees targeting the above said aims and after
and nutrition security. Implementation and sustenance of the a detailed study on the farming community of Sooranad
concept of kitchen gardening through people‟s active panchayat. According to the plan, 50 families are to be
participation and involvement of Local Self Governing Bodies selected, given awareness through the formation of

12. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2 12
ward level and panchayat level committees. Effective collection, distribution
and propagation of seeds along with crisis identification and management
under various committees (involving Krishi Bhavan, Social Work trainees
and other resource persons)
A farm calendar suiting to the project requirements that will contain the list
of vegetables / fruits to be cultivated was made and submitted by the team of
Social Work trainees in consultation with eminent farmers in the area like
Mr. Sooranad Ravi (renowned farmer in Kerala & recipient of “Haritamitra”
award from the Govt. of Kerala).
Field Work in Social Work: Partnership with Government
Organisations.
(Mr.V.S. Kochukrishna Kurup)
Field work in Social Work refers to simultaneous
training and education. Training is repetitive and skill oriented
and Education is imparted with broad perspective. Field work is
considered to be a process of learning through doing. It provides
an opportunity to students to apply their theoretical knowledge
taught in class room appropriately in different practical
situations. A successful training method requires specific
content which is suited for varied nature of settings. Field Work
in Social work education generally follows a pattern that
provides training in different social organizations in the earlier
semesters and it focus on the specialized areas in the later
semesters.
Unlike in the earlier years, the Department of Social
direction of the District Social Welfare department.
Work at Amritapuri, has currently identified a few
Almost six Anganwadi Centers in the nearby area
Governmental Agencies for partnership in Social Work field
were selected for partnership in the last semester, in
work practicum besides the existing community field projects.
which fourteen students were placed for concurrent
The ICDS project, PHC, SACS, Government High Schools
field wok training and six students were placed in two
and Social Welfare Agencies viz. Children home , Observation
Primary Health Centers under public health
home, Juvenile home, After Care home, Mahila Mandiram, Old
department.
age home - under Department of Social Welfare are some areas
identified for the partnership and providing training to social
Students placed in the AWC have got the
work students in their earlier semesters.
opportunity to practice the various methods of Social
The ICDS project, a major area of service programme
Work along with improving their interpersonal skills
introduced by Government of India, has a wide opportunity for
and organising capacity. They have got opportunity to
Social Work students to participate and involve meaningfully
work with children and „adolescent girls group‟ in
during their field work training. This scheme has been
practicing case work and fine tuning their Social Work
implemented through a dedicated team of people in the
skills. They have organized adolescent girls meet and
Anganwadi centers. Anganwadi centers are functioning as a
identified girls with varied problems through home visit
center for the delivery of all services to children and women
and counseling sessions. The trainees organised
under the ICDS programme. The team in an AWC, comprising
community based programmes in association with
one Anganwadi worker, a helper , a supervisor and child
SHG‟s under Kudumbasree and Primary health centers.
development project officer, functions under the administrative
direction of the District social welfare department.

13. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
The trainees organized various programmes in association with the agency like observance of independence day by
conducting children‟s Rally, sport competitions, mothers meet etc., which attract public attention in the functioning of
AWC‟s. Similar activities were also conducted by trainees placed in the Primary Health Centers, like organising
awareness campaign, house visits, and calendar preparation and poster exhibition beside their curriculum requirements.
The Field Work partnership between the Department of Social Work and these governmental agencies were proved
to be mutually beneficial, not only in terms of creating opportunities for students to practice the theory they have learned
but also provide platform for professional support and contribution to improve the quality of services of these agencies.
The research studies, reports and documentation by the students are also beneficial for the agencies to initiate innovative
programmes and follow up. A long term continuous partnership will certainly ensure better results in meeting the
challenges of future of social service in general and social work in particular.
*V.S. Kochukrishna Kurup, Lecturer, Dept: of Social Work , Amritapuri Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Kollam
Book Review
(Sandhya S Mani, S2MSW)
It also mentions about the
“Disaster Management and
TITLE OF THE BOOK-DISASTER Mitigation Policy” which is under
MANAGEMENT discussion in the Loksabha. It
YEAR OF PUBLICATION-2007 paves the way for setting up the
EDITOR-D.B.N.MURTHY “National Disaster Management
PUBLISHED BY-DEEP & DEEP Authority”.
PUBLICATIONS PVT.LTD, Disaster Prevention/Mitigation of
F-159, RAJOURI chapter 3 deals with the
GARDEN, “Yokohama Strategy” which
NEW DELHI-110 027 emphasizes the need for prevention
activities rather than concentrating
This book is written by D.B.N. Murthy in the on post-disaster work. There has
memory of all those who have perished in disasters. to be a shift from relief-centric
The book „Disaster Management‟ is an attempt to activities to a holistic multi-
include all the known facts about disasters, their disciplinary approach towards
types and possible mitigation. This book serves as disaster management. Creating
a reference and a study book for students who awareness among the people and
would be introduced to the topic of disaster and those dealing with disaster
its mitigation. management is another important
Chapter 1 “Introduction” discusses issues topic that is discussed in this
pertaining to disaster management. It is designed chapter.
to make students, NGO‟s, non-specialists and the Chapter 4 discusses “National
general public aware of the nuances of disaster Disaster Management Framework”
management. A disaster is defined as a sudden that has assumed importance after
calamitous event bringing great damage, loss or the passage of the landmark bill
destruction. The first chapter also mentions about on National Disaster Management.
the Tsunami and Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Disaster It details institutional structure at
Management is defined as tackling any emergency the Centre/State/District level to
professionally. “Disaster Management” is the deal with disaster management and
topic in chapter 2. Here a bird‟s eye view of the mitigation. Human Resource
concept of disaster management is given for a Development is another topic that is
clear understanding of the topic. discussed.

14. Chapter 5 “Natural Disasters and Management” describes the Chapter 11 deals with “Awareness and Motivation”. One
various types of disasters due to natural causes. Sometimes a might have all the safety aspects in place but if they
natural disaster could be a man‟s intervention. For example, a are ignored, a disaster is likely to happen. Awareness
flood in a river could be caused by encroachment of the and motivation is the key for better disaster management.
banks of the river. The need of the day is training and motivation of
Chapter 6 “Coping with Tsunami and Floods” and chapter 7 people. Cooperation between countries as well as
“Earthquake Mitigation” deal with the types of natural people to people exchange of ideas and strategies could
disasters that have occurred in recent times. It is heartening be useful in tackling disasters.
to note that the people affected by the tsunami and “Training in Disaster Management” is chapter 12 that
Oct-Dec, 2011
earthquakes are slowly regaining confidence to start afresh as
Volume 1 Issue 2
deals with the training of people at all levels. The
they try to forget those terrible moments that ruined their ability of any system to respond is determined by the
lives and killed many of their beloved. How they are being training and motivation of those involved. Modules for
rehabilitated is another matter that is given some training of cadres have been detailed that could lead to
importance. better understanding and appreciation of the issues
Chapter 8 “Climate Change and disasters” is a discussion involved in disaster management.
on how climate change over the years is creating problems. The final chapter 13, “Conclusions” sums up the
Some of these are due to manmade causes like global discussions of the previous chapters. Experts have
warming due to industrial activities. already expressed their fear that we are in for more
“Man made Disasters and Management” is the topic discussed in severe natural disasters, because of the climate changes
chapter 9. Accidents, road, rail, air are caused mostly due to that are taking place. Manmade disasters could be too
the human element rather than mechanical failure. Of late, horrendous considering the fact that we are going in
terrorist attacks are taking place with frightening consequences. for bigger and faster vehicles and complicated
Another important topic is the handling of toxic and technology. We have to think and act to save
hazardous waste, which if not properly done could lead to ourselves from future shocks. Human intervention
major disasters. cannot be avoided but should be kept minimum while
Chapter 10 “Coping with manmade disasters” is a topic that dealing with critical processes and technology.
is assuming greater importance. The subject of human error
is detailed that need greater study so that effective measures
could be found to minimize these to save disasters.
Activities of Department of Social Work
(October – December, 2011)
 World Mental Health Day
(Oct 10th 2011)
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri Campus organized a
poster exhibition/awareness programme at Primary Health Centre,
Vallikkavu, and Karuangapally on 10th OCTOBER, 2011 on the
occasion of WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY.
The first year MSW students of the Amritapuri Campus, Amrita
University undertook a community based campaign on various aspects
of mental health and mental illness. The exercise was fruitful both to the
community and the budding social workers. MSW students and faculty
distributed pamphlets at the Primary Health Center in Vallikavu,
Karunagapally.

15. 15 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
 Survey Research Initiative
Dr.Renjith R Pillai, Chairperson,Department of
(Oct 21st and 22nd, 2011) Social Work, conducted a session on „Essential
Skills for a Social Worker‟. Mr.Rajeev MM , Senior
The Department of Social Work, Amritapuri campus with the Lecturer, explained the possibilities of „Social
collaboration of HelpAge India (an INGO); Institute of Palliative Work‟ as a profession. Mr.VS KochuKrishna
Medicine, Kozhikode and Four x 4 Consulting Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi Kurup, Ms Soorya Krishna, Mr.PK Anand and
conducted a “Survey Research Initiative” and a two day preparatory Mr.Sooraj PS (Lecturers, Department of Social
workshop on “Research Methodology and Strategy” Work) discussed about the fieldwork opportunities
for the Field Investigators and Research Supervisors (students and available in the field of Social Work. The students
faculty of Department of Social Work) at Amritapuri campus on were introduced to the recycling unit and compost
21st and 22nd of October, 2011 making unit at Mata Amritanandamayi Math for
creating awareness on Sustainable Waste
This research is being carried out to evaluate the interventions done Management.
by HelpAge India in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Vedharanya in
Tamilnadu and in Kollam District, Kerala. The Department of
Social Work, Amritapuri campus collaborated with the survey
 Bicycles for field work
research to be carried out at Kollam district. This study is mainly
(Nov 12th, 2011)
done to succinctly capture the results and showcase the community-
led, managed and owned processes of providing palliative care. The Department of Social work has taken a novel
survey research relies on “World Health Organization Quality of approach towards providing bicycles for field visits
Life” (WHOQOL) - an international cross-culturally comparable of Social work trainees as symbol of promoting
quality of life assessment instrument developed by World Health environmental friendly and healthy living. Social
Organisation. (WHOQOL assesses the individual‟s perceptions Work trainees have started using this facility for
about their culture and value systems, personal goals, standards and their fieldwork in nearby village areas.
concerns).
 Amala Bharatham Campaign (ABC) at Sabarimala
(Nov 6th, 7th 2011)  Awareness program on ‘Social Stigma
Social Work trainees and faculties participated in „Amala towards Psychiatry’
Bharatham Sanitation Programme‟ that was organized with the aim
(Nov 17th, 2011)
of keeping the premises of the Sabarimala temple clean. The
cleaning campaign was organized by Mata Amritanandamayi Math Social work trainees Manu Mohan, Nayana
as a part of Amala Bharatham Campaign (ABC) spreading the Prakash, Archana R.S together conducted an
message on the necessity of a clean environment.
awareness program on „Social stigma towards
Psychiatry‟ at Holycross hospital as part of
 ‘Orientation to the field of Social Work’ to the students
their fieldwork practice. Dr. Alfred Samuel
of Govt. Fisheries Higher Secondary School, Kuzhithura; at
(psychiatrist), Mr.Sony(Clinical psychologist),
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri
Mrs.Vijayamma (psychologist), Mr. Sooraj
(Nov 10th, 2011) (Faculty, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham,
Social work trainees Ammu Asok, Megha MS and Vishnu K Kollam) were the guests present. A role play
Santhosh organized „Orientation to the field of Social Work‟ to the was performed to create awareness on the
students of Govt. Fisheries Higher Secondary School, Kuzhithura at same.
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri, as a part of their field
work practice.

16. DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2 16
Personality development classes at Andganawady
(ICDS)
(Nov 17th, 2011)
Social Work trainees Anoop P Joseph and Aswathy.R,
conducted an awareness class for mothers and
adolescent girls at Anganawady no.53,
Karunagapally.Junior Health nurse and 35 mothers  World AIDS Day
participated in the event. The class involved discussion
of topics like time management, relationship building, (Dec 1st, 2011)
home management and parenting.
Department of Social Work observed World AIDS day by
Health calendar for PHC creating awareness of the day through distribution of notice
describing the relevance of the day. The red ribbon, the
(Nov 24th, 2011) universal symbol of awareness and support for those living
with HIV was distributed in the campus
The Department of Social Work has contributed a
health calendar for the year 2012 to Public Health
 Training Program Held In V.V. Giri National
centre at Allappad panchayat. Social Work trainees
Deepak S, Deva Deepthi, Aswathy Ashok and Geethu Labor Institute, Noida, Delhi
M Lal prepared the health calendar with the support of
faculties of Department of Social Work. (Dec 12th-15th, 2011)
Social work trainees of Department of Social work (Gladson
M.E, Nisanth M and Vivek S) participated in the training
program held at V.V. Giri National Labor Institute, Noida, and
U.P on December 12-15, 2011 on the topic “Enhancing
competence of youth in dealing with child labour”. The
session involved discussions on combating child labor, the role
of youth in implementing the Juvenile Justice Act, Policies
and Programmes of Government of India for Eradication of
Child Labour, Gender and Child labour, Convergence issues in
combating child labour, Child Labour: Eradication and
Community mobilization for elimination of child labour. A
training session on leadership and communication skill was
also conducted for the trainees.

17. AMC news
AMC (ASWAS Movie club) was initiated with an objective of making the students and faculty of the Department of Social Work get
acquainted with the role of media in bringing about positive changes through exhibiting classics and other thought provoking initiatives.
‘Reclaimed outlets’
MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Wayanad
Reclaimed outlets is a documentary on the sustainable lifestyle Oct-Dec, 2011
and traditions of Kattunayka tribe.Sustainabiltiy is a key Volume 1 Issue 2
factor observed in the lives of tribals. This is observed in their
beliefs as well as in their lifestyles.
The Kattunaykars follow sustainable use of resources while
collecting honey as they never cut down trees in order to
collect honey combs at the topmost branches unlike the
modern man who would do absolutely anything to get what he
wants. They either try to smoke the honeybees out of the hives
or apply any other method that is viable to the situation.
Women collect cheruthean, while men collect kombuthen.
They still use seeds of bamboo called ‘mulayari’ to make
Upcoming events
food. They also collect gooseberries which go for sale though
UPCOMING SOCIAL WORK CONFERENCES
it was once part of their diet. Wild lemon was another item of
interest among them in the past. More than 80 species of FEBRUARY 17-Platinum Jubilee Conference on
edible mushrooms are used by them and have their own ―Globalization and Social Transform :the Indian
experimental methods to test its edibleness. Experiment- TISS, Mumbai
But these traditional knowledge and skills are vanishing from
their midst due to the advent of different methods of MARCH 10 – International conference on Social
development. The new generations are actually ambassadors Science and Humanity ICSSH 2012- Chennai India
of food biodiversity.
The tribals have this wonderful philosophy of life where they MARCH 20- Interdisciplinary International
live in the present and not worry about what the future might conference on ―Humanism,Democracy and Culture;
postcolonial discourse in India‖.-Kaithal Haryana
bring. They believe in sharing the resources and have at most
respect towards nature and its inhabitants. They are an
MARCH 29-International Conference on HRM-
innocent lot and everyone is considered as part of the family. Hyderabad,Andhrapradesh
There are no orphans as the clan takes care of all the
individuals in it, much like our traditional joint family system. MARCH 23- 35th- All India Criminology Conference
This makes one wonder about the effectiveness of the so of the Indian Society of Criminology—TISS
called tribal welfare programmes.It is true that the tribals must Mumbai
be knowledgeable about the happenings around the world and
should be acquainted with the latest technologies but whether April 8 -IRNet-International Conference on Human
these objectives are to be achieved at the expense of their Resource Management NCHRM 2012,New delhi
traditional way of living should be pondered on.
April 10 - International Confernce on Resettlement
and RehabilitationICRAR-Bhuvaneswar,Orissa
APRIL 17- International Conflict Roundtable
Conference, TISS MUMBAI

18. 18 DISHAA-Vol -1, issue- 2
Principal’s Desk ASWAS executive committee
Volume 1 Issue 2
Volume 1 Issue 2
2011- 2012
I wish to offer my felicitations and greetings to ASWAS Volume 1 Issue 2
on the occasion of the launching of the second issue of the
quarterly news letter, DISHAA. I am really fascinated by
the variety, depth and diversity of the articles. I President Secretary
understand that DISHAA represents a confluence of the Nayana PS, S4 MSW Prageesh EP, S2 MSW
creative urge, academic accomplishment and intellectual
robustness of the students and faculty of the department
Treasurer
Kala Raj, S4 MSW
of Social Work. It is hoped that the news letter will be
instrumental in generating original ideas, nurturing Coordinator- Programmes Coordinator-Planning
imagination and also in shaping the sensibility of the Geethu M Lal, S2 MSW Vishnu K Santhosh, S2 MSW
prospective social workers who are indispensable for
social harmony and progress. I am sure the publication Coordinator- Logistics Coordinator-Funding
Eldho Chacko, S4 MSW Nisanth M, S4 MSW
can disseminate the lofty ideals of social service,
philanthropy and altruism and re-sensitize the younger Coordinator- Public Relations Coordinator-Publications
minds and keep them attuned to “the still sad music of Anitha S, S2 MSW Parvathy V, S2 MSW
humanity”. Such endeavours, it is hoped, would infuse a
sense of professionalism, sincerity and commitment in the
Faculty coordinators
students and help them evolve into social workers with
Mr.VS Kochukrishna Kurup,
the right attitude. Mr. PK Anand Achari
Dr C Gopinathan Pillai Ex-Officio member of ASWAS
Dr.Renjith R Pillai
Principal
1 Issue 2
Dr. Renjith R. Pillai
Assistant Professor & Chief Editor
Staff Editors:
Mr. Rajeev MM
Mr. V S Kochukrishna Kurup
Mr. P K Anand Achari
Student Editors:
Ms.Parvathy V
Ms. Lekshmi Vimala
Design and Layout:
Mr. Sijo Mathew Jacob
Printed and published by: Chair person, Department of Social Work.
(For private circulation only)
Please mail your suggestions and ideas to editor’s desk: aswasatamrita@gmail.com