A program was held to commemorate International Youth Day on August 12 th . The event was organized by the Department of Social Work and aimed with the objective of strengthening and empowering the youth within our society. The event, held at the college's Seminar Hall, brought together first-year BSW and MSW students to celebrate their potential and to foster a sense of responsibility as future leaders. The program was a blend of formal addresses and an insightful session designed to inspire and motivate the participants. The event began promptly at 2:00 PM with a prayer, setting a respectful tone for the proceedings. Ms. Stefeena Saji delivered the welcome speech, warmly greeting all dignitaries, faculty members, and students. Her address highlighted the importance of International Youth Day and the relevance of the chosen theme to the social work curriculum.
Following the welcome, Dr. Joseph T. Moolayil, the Principal of the college, delivered the inaugural speech. He spoke about the critical role young people play in national development and urged the students to be proactive of social change. He commended the Social Work Department for organizing an event on such a pressing and relevant issue.
Mrs. Soumya Mathew, the Head of the Department of Social Work, then delivered the keynote address . H er speech was a powerful and comprehensive address on the significance of International Youth Day. She began by highlighting the day’s origins and its global importance asa time to recognize young people’s contributions to peace, development, and social justice. Her address served as a call to action, inspiring the students to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge to empower their peers and strengthen communities.
The felicitation segment was led by Ms. Rekha Mariya Biju, Assistant Professor, who expressed her gratitude to the college management and the resource person for their support. She highlighted the importance of such awareness programs in supplementing academic knowledge with practical insights. Mr. Sam Kunjumon, the Class Representative, also spoke, representing the student body and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn from an expert on such a vital topic. The formal part of the program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abdul Samad V. Y. He extended his sincere appreciation to all the speakers, organizers, and participants for making the event a success.
Resource Person's Session
The highlight of the program was the session conducted by Mr. Krishna Kumar I. P., a Master Trainer from the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. His presentation focused on the critical issue of de-addiction and the pivotal role of social workers in this process. He provided an in-depth look into the causes and effects of substance abuse, as well as the objectives and strategies of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Mr. Krishna Kumar emphasized that de-addiction is not merely a medical process but a comprehensive approach that requires empathy, counseling, and long-term support. He highlighted how social workers are uniquely positioned to provide this holistic care, from community outreach and prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration. The session was highly interactive, with students asking thoughtful questions about practical challenges and the emotional aspects of working with individuals recovering from addiction.
The program was a great success. It not only raised awareness about a critical social issue but also motivated the students to take an active role in addressing it. The collaboration between the college administration, the Social Work Department, and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan provided a valuable learning experience. The event concluded at 4:00 PM, leaving the participants with a deeper understanding of their potential contributions to creating a drug-free society.
