Guwahati, 6 Nov: The three-day 14th Indian Social Work Conference 2026, organised at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Tapesia Campus, Guwahati, in collaboration with the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI), concluded today with a renewed call to reimagine social work education, research and practice towards building a more inclusive, equitable and humane society.
The event was organised from 2 to 4 November under the theme “From Welfare to Wellbeing: Reimagining Social Work Practice for Viksit Bharat @2047,” the national conference brought together academicians, researchers, social work professionals, policymakers, practitioners, civil society representatives and students from across the country for three days of scholarly deliberations and professional exchange.
The conference recorded 532 registrations, including 512 prior registrations and 20 on-the-spot registrations. It featured 335 paper presenters, comprising 250 offline and 85 online presenters, reflecting its wide academic reach and hybrid participation.
The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam. The inaugural programme featured addresses by Prof. Sanjai Bhatt, President, NAPSWI; Fr. Jose Palely, Vice Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University; and Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Assam and North East India. Dr. Jonathan spoke on “Connecting Academia and Communities: A Collaborative Approach to Reaching Every Child in Northeast India.”
A significant highlight of the inaugural session was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to eminent social work professionals in recognition of their contributions to the discipline. The Abstract Book and Souvenir were also released. Another important milestone was the release of the “Standards of Care for the Ethical Use of Technology in Social Work Education and Practice in India,” underscoring the need for responsible, ethical and accountable engagement with digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the profession.
The academic programme featured special lectures, plenary sessions, technical paper presentations and workshops. The 2nd P.R. Balgopal Annual Lecture on Social Justice was delivered by Prof. Venkat Pulla Rao, Director, Brisbane Institute of Strength Based Practice, Australia. Other notable academic contributions included a special lecture by Prof. Vishanthie Sewpaul, Emeritus Professor, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; a keynote address by Dr. Anish K.R., Associate Professor, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences; and a special lecture on “Spirituality and Social Work” by Yogi Srinivas Arka, Mysore.
The plenary deliberations addressed contemporary concerns in social work practice, the issues and challenges of Northeast India, and emerging perspectives on professional knowledge and practice. A dedicated session on “Social and Behaviour Change for Advancing Child Rights and Protection in Northeast India” brought attention to the role of families, communities and young people in creating protective environments for children.
The technical sessions witnessed presentations on a wide range of themes, including gender and women’s empowerment, child rights, inclusive education, mental health, public health, tribal communities and indigenous knowledge, ageing and care, livelihoods, social protection, climate resilience, governance, human rights, digitalisation and artificial intelligence in social work education. Workshops and student-focused forums further enriched the academic engagement.
The conference deliberations reinforced the need to strengthen the connection between social work education, research and field practice; promote locally grounded approaches responsive to the diverse realities of Northeast India; deepen collaboration across sectors; and equip social work professionals to engage responsibly with emerging technologies.
The conference concluded with a collective reflection that the movement from welfare to wellbeing must go beyond service delivery to emphasise social justice, human dignity, participation, empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable community development.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to NAPSWI, the university leadership, distinguished speakers, delegates, paper presenters, partner institutions, faculty members, staff, students and volunteers for their contributions to the successful organisation of the national conference.“From Welfare to Wellbeing: Together, Reimagining Social Work Practice for Viksit Bharat @2047.”
