Vazhayur, Malappuram: Ensuring social justice and human dignity for every individual, while safeguarding the rights of socially disadvantaged communities, must remain a national priority, said Prof. Ramesh B., Vice-Chancellor of Manmohan Singh City University, Bengaluru. He stressed the need to empower marginalised sections of society through access to education, employment and equal opportunities, enabling them to become self-reliant.

He was inaugurating the 11th OPSTA Kerala Social Work Students’ Congress organised at SAFI Institute of Advanced Study. Emphasising the importance of strengthening professional social work, he called for greater attention to quality education, research and professional networks at the national level.

The two-day congress, held on November 6 and 7 under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Social Work for Minority Rights, Inclusion and Human Dignity’, was jointly organised by the Department of Master of Social Work, SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, and the Students’ Forum of the Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS).

The event witnessed the participation of 313 students representing 41 colleges from various districts within and outside Kerala, along with 50 faculty members and 100 KAPS office-bearers. Exhibition stalls representing seven organisations working in the social development sector and the participation of two business teams were also among the highlights. The organisations that set up stalls included Thanal, People’s Foundation, iLab, Akkara Foundation Kasaragod, CG, Armonia Institute Kozhikode and Book Plus.

KAPS Students’ Forum President Muhsina Mustafa presided over the inaugural session, while OPSTA General Convener Mohammed Shalik N. delivered the welcome address. SAFI Institute Principal and CEO Prof. E.P. Imbichikoya presented the institution’s social vision. Prof. G. Mohan Gopal, a noted legal expert and authority on judicial reforms, delivered the keynote address.

Dr. Nitish Kumar, Administrator of Aralam Farm and the first person from an Adivasi community in Kerala to earn a doctorate in Social Work, was honoured at the function.

Dr. Zubair Hudavi, a national-level educationist and social activist, observed that genuine social empowerment should go beyond charitable interventions. He emphasised that the ultimate objective of social work must be to secure the rights and dignity of disadvantaged communities and enable them to achieve self-reliance. Dr. Nitish Kumar highlighted the importance of education, employment and sustained social engagement in ensuring the comprehensive development of Adivasi communities.

The congress featured nine competitive events, including 50 paper presentations, essay writing, public speaking, NGO Quest, street play, collage making, reel creation and presentation, quiz and banner designing. Participants from various campuses also took part in panel discussions and a cultural evening.

In the overall championship, Loyola College, Thiruvananthapuram, secured first place, followed by BCM College, Kottayam, in second place and Holy Cross College, Kozhikode, in third place.

At the valedictory session, prizes were distributed to the winners by P.M. Fazal, Deputy District Education and Media Officer, Wayanad District Medical Office; M.T. Babu, District Probation Officer, Palakkad; Dr. M.P. Antony, KAPS State President; Dr. Joseph Charuplacal, General Secretary; Dr. Safeer Athikkadan, Working President; Dr. Mohammed Shafi, President of the KAPS Malappuram Chapter; Mohammed Fazil, Chapter Secretary; and Mohammed Kamil T.P., Vice-Principal of SAFI Institute.

A folk performance titled ‘Thudi Thaalam’ by the Mundakassery Minority Kala Sangham, representing SAFI’s adopted village, added cultural colour to the event. Student Coordinator Bahsha Sherin P. proposed the vote of thanks.