JMI organized an International Webinar on ‘Post Pandemic Social Work: Regional Perspectives’

New Delhi: The Department of Social Work at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organized an International
Webinar on March 17, 2021 on the contours of post pandemic social work during this social
work month. It had speakers from south and south east Asian countries who deliberated over the
issues of social solidarity and global connectedness in the Covid-19 world and deliberated on
strategies to be adopted to make the social work profession more proactive and responsive.
The webinar was coordinated and conducted by Prof Archana Dassi, Head of the Department of
Social Work. She stressed on the role of human service professionals, and the need to re-examine
their role so that the profession can be more responsive in the face of similar pandemics.
The session was chaired by Dr. Sandra Joseph, Principal, Jesus and Mary College, University
of Delhi who emphasized on the necessity of social solidarity during the ongoing
pandemic. Prof Adi Fahruddin (Department of Social Welfare, Universitas Muhammadiyah
Jakarta, Indonesia) asked for national and international networking to restructure social
work. Prof. Surinder Jaiswal (Deputy Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences), advocated
“inclusiveness” in all aspects of life. Ms. Pradipta Kadambari (Principal, Kadambari
Memorial College, Nepal), talked about the significance of ‘self-advocacy’. Mr. Amarawansa
Ranaweera (President, Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers), spoke about the
necessity to develop sign language for children with hearing difficulties.
Prof. Zubair Meenai (Honorary Director, Centre for Early Childhood Development and
Research, JMI) talked about the importance of ‘community work’.
The webinar was streamed live on the Facebook page of Department of Social Work, Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi .The webinar was attended by people representing the Social Work
Educational Institutions, civil society organization, researchers and Scholars, and students from
all across the country.
The webinar ended with a vote of thanks to the Vice Chancellor and to all the speakers,
dignitaries and participants. The Webinar was a big success and was widely appreciated by all
for addressing such a significant issue during the ongoing pandemic.