Governor inaugurates 14th Indian Social Work Conference
Guwahati, Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today inaugurated the 14th Indian Social Work Conference (ISWC) 2026 at the Assam Don Bosco University’s Tapesia Campus, Sonapur, Guwahati. The three-day conference is being held from November 2 to 4.
The conference is organised by the Department of Social Work, Assam Don Bosco University, in collaboration with the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI).
Centred on the theme “From Welfare to Wellbeing: Reimagining Social Work Practice for Viksit Bharat @2047,” the national conference brings together over 300 academicians, researchers, policymakers, social work professionals and students from India and abroad to deliberate on emerging social challenges, innovative practices and the future of social work.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Shri Acharya said that the true measure of a nation’s progress lies in ensuring dignity, equal opportunities and self-reliance for its most vulnerable citizens. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, he called for a shift from welfare-based assistance to empowerment and self-reliance, stressing that development must reach the last person.
Referring to Assam’s diverse social and cultural fabric, the Governor highlighted key areas requiring focused social intervention, including the empowerment of tribal and remote communities, education and healthcare in tea garden areas, women’s and children’s safety, prevention of drug abuse, mental health awareness, environmental protection and rehabilitation of disaster-affected families. He also called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, research organisations and social workers to translate knowledge and research into meaningful community action.
The Governor further stressed the importance of connecting education with skills related to employment and economic opportunities. Encouraging young social workers and students, he urged them to uphold compassion, integrity and a spirit of service, while recognising every individual’s right to dignity and equal opportunities.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to six distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to social work.
The awardees are Prof. M. N. Parmar, Dean, Parul University, Vadodara, Prof. Sonia P. Deuri, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, Prof. Supriya Pattanaik, Vice-Chancellor, CUTM, Bhubaneswar, Prof. Vishanthie Sewpaul, South Africa, Dr. Reshma Dixit, Founder and Executive Director, The Catalyst, Bhopal, Ms. Liinai Margaret, Founder and Executive Director, MOSONiE Socio-Economic Foundation, Meghalaya.
The inaugural programme also witnessed the release of the Conference Abstract Book and Souvenir, along with Standards of Care for the Ethical Use of Technology in Social Work Education and Practice in India highlighting the growing importance of ethical technology integration in social work education and professional practice.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Vice-Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University Fr. Jose Palely, NAPSWI President Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, Vice-President and Conference Convener Prof. Suresh Pathare, Secretary Prof. Anoop Kumar Bharti, Executive Committee Member Prof. C. P. Anto, Organising Secretary Dr. Bibharani Swargiary, Head of UNICEF Assam and North-East India Regional Office Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, besides eminent scholars, experts, students along with a host of other dignitaries.