DISHAA

1. DISHAA
En route to a better world…
Quarterly newsletter by ASWAS,
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
July-September
Volume 2, Issue 3
Content
Editorial
The fruitful activities of the Social
 Editorial
Work department during the past three
months are presented here. The “field
 Social Research @ work news” covers extensive reports on
Amrita the agencies where S3 MSW students
were posted for their block field work.
 Picasso MSW Winnie Johnson highlights the "Love can accomplish
sensitivity of “Kudamkulam” in anything and everything: cure
diseases, heal wounded hearts,
PICASSO MSW. Nisanth beautifully
 Fieldwork news transform human minds."
presents the salient findings of his -Amma
 My Experience as a research study on water shed
budding Social
worker management. Br. Vivek also discusses
his research on the impact of “Amala Bharatam campaign” initiated
 Agency news --- by MAM. Ms. Veena Suresh talks on her experience as a “budding
MHAT social worker”. “Educational Package for Kadar Children” is
 Activities of reviewed by Lekshmi Vimala. Other major activities that needs a
Department of special mentioning are the initiation of the “Leadership training
Social work
programme for CPS members” by the Social Work department in
 Book review association with Coconut Development Board, Government of India
 Upcoming and the street play workshop for the occasion of IDDRR by State
conference/ Disaster Management Agency, Government of Kerala.
workshops
-Chief Editor
Note: Views expressed by the students and other contributors are not necessarily the official view of the Department of Social Work, Amrita University or
Mata Amritanandamayi Math.

2. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 2
Social Work Research @ Amrita Picasso MSW
Winnie Johnson (S1 MSW)
A study on the extent of participation and benefits
derived by participant farmers of the watershed
development programme
Candidate: Nisanth M (2010-2012 batch)
Guide: Mr. VS Kochukrishna Kurup
ABSTRACT
The primary aim of the research
study was to study the participation and benefits
derived by the farmers of the watershed development
program in the Sooranad area. The study was limited
to a sample of 60 respondents.
Agricultural activities are important because Kudamkulam!!!
almost 70% of the people depend on agriculture for
their livelihood. By its very nature, watershed
Regarding the extent of participation of the farmers
management must integrate and address both water
in the watershed development programme, it was
and the related land resources. Watershed
found that majority of the respondents had medium
management is a specialized area which concentrates
participation. Majority of the respondents were
not only on soil and water conservation but also other middle aged, 53% of the respondents studied up to
land based activities associated with agriculture. primary school, 93% of the respondents belong to
There are essentially three significant areas of nuclear family, 67% of the respondents moderately
watershed management programme (a) To establish contacted Agricultural Assistants. Majority of the
accountable and transparent procedures for managing respondents (73%) expressed that benefit such as
land and water resources. (b) Enhanced service help to check soil and its erosion, assistance in
provision and(c) To give access of marginal land ground water recharge etc increase the infiltration
holding and landless farmers for better irrigational rate of water thus increasing the cropping intensity
and yield.
facilities.
Watershed management is an interactive Regarding the suggestions for better
process that integrates decision making regarding the implementation of the watershed development
uses and modifications of lands and water within a programme, majority of the respondents expressed
watershed. This process provides a chance for the their need of financial assistance for the
maintenance of the watershed practices. They also
agricultural farmers to balance the environmental
recommended the provision of bank loans at a
factors in a proper way. The actions may affect the
lesser interest rate. They also recommended that
long term sustainability of these resources. The more area should be covered under this programme
guiding principles of this process are partnerships, and that they need more technical information/
geographical focus and adequate uses of water guidance from the concerned department’s
resources within the natural boundaries. extension field functionaries.

3. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 3
A Case Study of the Impact of ABC (Amala Bharatham Campaign) organized by
Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)
By
Br.Vivek (Dept. Of Social Work, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham)
Amala Bharatham Campaign – ABC It is a
campaign aimed at cleaning India’s public places
and national highways. Through this cleanliness
drive, MAM hopes to raise social awareness of
humanity’s debt to our beautiful earth and nature.
Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) launched this
project on her 57th Birthday celebrations on 27th
Sep 2010. Amma said that the MAM is ready to take
up the responsibility of constructing toilets and
installing trash cans in government schools and This is a study conducted among the
along roads all over India if it has the support and Participants at Alappad Panchayat in Kollam
co-operation of State Governments and other district. It tries to follow three important
organizations. Amma asks that all of us take a vow research questions, firstly it attempt to assess
to clean our surroundings. Amma believes that if the the reach of ABC program in society.
people, Government and other organizations work Secondly it examines the hygiene of the
together, this sacred endeavour will certainly bear community after the program. Thirdly it tries
fruit. This study analyses the impact of ABC (Amala to examine the level of involvement of people
Bharatham Campaign) organized by Mata to the project. The study was conducted in a
Amritanandamayi Math in Alappad Community. thin ethnographic framework. The study
focused on the individual participants from
whom the researcher collected the data. The
researcher used both interview schedule and
observation checklist to collect the data from
20 participants.. Prior to their exposure to the
Amala Bharatham Campaign, the villagers in
the area had little awareness of the concept of
sorting rubbish and refraining from depositing
waste on the road-side and walkways.

4. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 4
Therefore, my conclusion is that the ABC is a
highly successful resource for communities
such as the Alappad Panchayat, and that it had
a profound positive effect on the participants
and the community as a whole.
ABC is a program in which the community
of Alappad Panchayat effectively took part, by
actively sorting waste as well as increasing
their awareness of the need of waste
management in a community. Waste is a
serious issue in the community because the
geographical area of Alappad is enclosed by
Participants in this study were educated in proper water on three sides and land area is limited,
procedures to sort through rubbish separating thus emphasising the need to keep rubbish
recyclable items from non-recyclable, organic etc to piles to a minimum. Waste management is of
create compost from food and organic waste, and to utmost importance to reduce public rubbish
properly dispose of the various categories of accumulation, promote cleanliness and to have
rubbish. Involvement in the ABC impacted the a clean environment.
entire community by raising awareness and (photos courtesy: http://www.amritapuri.org/)
enthusiasm in cleaning up their community. The
benefits of this involvement reach out to other areas
of the villagers’ lives, such as sanitation and
reducing the proliferation of disease-causing
microorganisms that spread through unhygienic
practices including spitting and urinating in public.

5. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3
DISHAA Page No. 3
En route to a better world…
Field work news
The field work news of this issue consists of the field placement reports of the S3 MSW students trainees,
Department of Social Work, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri
Content
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
 Editorial
By Anitha S, Dhanya.S.T, Lekshmi Vimala , Nandana .S & Seethu Arun
 Social Research @
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Amrita
Sciences (NIMHANS) is a multidisciplinary institute
for patient care and academics in the field of mental
 Picasso MSW
health and also neuro sciences. It is focused on
imparting knowledge and establishing training
 Fieldwork news
facilities in the field of mental health. The institute
The trainees were able to visit the Sakalwara
 a number of as a
has My Experiencedepartments functioning under it,
budding Social
including the department of psychiatric social work. centre and attend the medical camp conducted
worker at Anekkal and were also able to understand
The trainees were place for a period of 1 month (10th
September Study of the th October 2012) in the the importance of outreach programmes. The
 A Case 2012 to 10
institute, during which they were able to see the
Impact of ABC trainees were able to understand more about
workings of Bharathamdays for a unit) in detail. The
(Amala 6 units ( 5 the different techniques and approaches used
Campaign) by the professionals. The trainees participated
units were-Adult psychiatry unit 5, Community
organized by MAM
psychiatry, Family psychiatry, Child and Adolescent in the case discussions done by Mphil
 Agency news ---
services, Rehabilitation and De addiction. students. The trainees visited NCWB
MHAT (NIMHANS Centre for Well Being) and
The trainees could understand the functioning and
 Activities of
activities done at different units. The trainees were attended the World Mental Health Programme
Department of organized at NCWB.
ableSocial work learn how the cases were being
to see and
handled by the psychiatric social worker of the The trainees were able to inculcate a bit of the
 Book review essence of professionalism. The trainees could
different units at the OPD (Out Patient Department).

TheUpcoming
trainees visited the Social Service complex and see and learn how the scholars balanced their
conference/ the officials. The trainees could
interacted with professional and personal life. The trainees
workshops were also able to improve their
attend the different department programmes
conducted on every Thursday at 3.30 pm and was communication skills and confidence. The
able to understand how the theories were put into trainees could also understand more about
practice and the practical issues that are associated psychiatric settings and their functioning. The
with it. The trainees visited the in patients at the trainees were able to develop their observation
ward and were able to understand their conditions skills.
more clearly.

6. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 4
The trainees understood that a social worker was required to have adequate knowledge about the different
Government programmes for the welfare of the people. The trainees could also recognize the significant role
played by a psychiatric social worker in a mental health setting.
Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA)
By Arun B.R, & Vishnu Raj
Community Based Disaster Risk Management
(CBDRM) is a unique programme run by the Kerala
State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA)
under the Department of Revenue and Disaster transport facilities for the people residing at the
Management, Government of Kerala. This programme Periyar river banks were inadequate. There was
is been operated through 6 gram panchayats (Vandi a need to construct more bridges, improve the
Periyar, Upputhara, Ealapara, Kanchiyar, electrification process and increase the
Ayyappankovil and Kumili) in between the community consciousness. The fire and rescue
Mullaperiyar dam and Idukki dam at Idukki district. services need to be strengthened. The major
The programme is put into action through several issues observed included lack of proper
phases and presently it has entered into its fourth infrastructure, proper warning systems and
phase. Training programme is conducted with the improper implementation of the Government
joined collaboration of the Indian Institute of rules and regulations. There was also a lack of
Emergency Medical Services (IIEMS), Kottayam. The adequate number of sub centers and primary
programme is mainly divided into four task forces-(1) health centers. The capacity building
Alert/ Early Warning(2) Search and Rescue(3) programmes need to be strengthened. The
Evacuation and(4) First Aid. trainees observed that the public works done in
the area lacked coordination. The community
The major activities included-conducting a group members were unaware about the different
discussion of community members for collecting the programmes organised by the Government for
timeline of the disasters and its management activities, their benefit and there was an acute shortage of
organising disaster management class for the funds in order to facilitate the working of the
community members, participating in the training programmes. The trainees were able to
programme for community members about first- aid understand more about organising and
,community sensitization programmes, organising the coordinating programmes and also to increase
training sessions, interacting with the emergency their social interaction skills.
response team members and participating in the GP-
DMC (Grama Panchayath Disaster Management
Committee) meeting.
The trainees could observe that the rehabilitation and

7. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 5
Keystone Foundation
By Aswathy Ashok, Prageesh E.P, Sandhya .S
The social work trainees did their one
month block placement at Keystone foundation in
Kothagiri, Ooty. The organization is working in
the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve area and has been organization. This study or report is
working with indigenous people in the field of expected to benefit the Keystone Foundation
conservation, livelihoods, people and culture, in all its working spheres and for the better
environmental governance and enterprise over the functioning of the organization. All these
last decades. Keystone has put forward various eco will in turn benefit the tribal people, as they
development initiatives. It helps to build the local are the final beneficiaries of the innovative
markets for the items produced by the tribal ideas put forward by Keystone Foundation.
people. It also provides sustainable livelihood It was a great opportunity for the social work
options for the people. Interventions in the field of trainee to interact closely with the tribal
apiculture, non-timber forest products, water people especially the Irula community. The
resources and enterprise development are being social work trainee could get a clear picture
implemented through village institutions. Keystone about the farming practices and socio
believes in local indigenous knowledge, it is a economic status of the Pillur people. The
natural zone of ideas, people, creativity and livelihood of the people depended on
renewable energy. agriculture. Traditionally they were hunters
The social work trainees were placed in the Pillur and gatherers but now they had adapted to
region, one of the important field stations of the agricultural practices. In the past, they
organization. The social work trainees were cultivated millets but now they have turned
assigned with two tasks:- to the cultivation of bananas. Their
1. To study the socio economic status of the livelihood also depends on the collection of
people in the Pillur region. Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) like
2. To study the farming practices followed by honey, spices, amla etc. They didn’t have
the farmers in the Pillur region. primary education and also human animal
conflict was a major threat to the farmers. It
The social work trainee had to visit 19 villages in was actually a good experience to stay with
the Pillur region in order to collect the details the tribal people and to understand their life
regarding the socio economic status and farming and culture.
practices of the people through a survey. After
collecting the data, the data was entered in Excel
sheets and after tabbing and coding, the data was
analysed and it was represented in the bar and pie
diagrams in the final presentation at the

8. Butterflies
By Arathy Aravind, Fathima H & Shilpa VR
“Butterflies” is an organization which focuses on the vulnerable children. Butterflies believe in non-
institutionalized approach for the protection and rehabilitation of the street and working children.
The trainees did their field work at different places (Nissamudeen darga and INA market) and
Content
attended the adobe youth programme.The trainees visited the mobile health van and also attended
health corporative as a volunteer. The other activities included slum visits, night out programmes,
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substance abuse awareness campaign and cultural programmes. The trainees were also able to
or your point of
volunteer in the sports day programme and could visit the child line and interact with the children.
interest here.
The trainees could also attend the activities of a balsabha, understand the functioning of the children
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development khasana and also visit the MERC (Mobile Education Research Centre).The trainees
or your point of
interest here.
were also able to present reviews on topics related to children and current affairs.
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Theyour point of
or trainees got a clear understanding about the problems and challenges that are experienced in the
interest here.
field. The trainees could visit the slums and observe the people’s life style and understand the value
of education for children and what were the difficulties faced by the implementing agencies. Though
the climate and the lack of knowledge of the native tongue proved to be a hindrance, the trainees
were able to make a positive use of the situation. The trainees were also able to know the actual
meaning of observation and effective communication. The trainees were also able to build on the
Individual
professional skills that are required by a social worker.
Highlights:
Inside Story 2
Inside Story 3
Inside Story 4
Inside Story 5
Building and Enabling Disaster Resilience of Coastal Community (BEDROC)
Last Story 6
By Ammu Asok , Mekha .M.S & Reeba Lincoln
BEDROC is the successor to the NGO Coordination and Resource
Centre (NCRC), for post-tsunami response in Nagapattanam district,
Tamil Nadu. BEDROC has a broader mandate of building up long-
term resilience of the vulnerable coastal communities and ensuring
equitable and sustainable post-tsunami rehabilitation. BEDROC
mainly focuses on strengthening traditional livelihoods as means to
reducing vulnerability. Activities of the Social Work trainees aimed
to understand the different social security mechanisms that are
provided by the Tamil Nadu Government.

9. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 7
A project named “Knowledge Management Networking and Co-ordination as a tool to enhancing disaster
resilience” is implemented through the VRCs. The Government mainly provided this scheme for
strengthening the livelihood opportunities of the people who are vulnerable. The schemes include 1)Indira
Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAP)for old age persons of 60years or more belonging to
the BPL category, in spite of having a male legal heir above 18yrs of age 2) Indira Gandhi National
Disability Pension Scheme(IGN-DPS) for persons between 18 to 59yearsof age belonging to BPL category
having at least 80% of severe or multiple disabilities 3) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
(IGN-WPS) for women between 40 to 59 years belonging to the BPL category. The Social Work trainees
visited different panchayats for collecting the data regarding the level of awareness about the programmes,
main issues affecting the community and the coping capacities of the victims of tsunami. Nagapattanam is a
theatre of Disasters (tsunami, drought, cyclone, and flood). The people of the region are highly vulnerable
and most of them were the victims of tsunami. The main problems faced by Nagapattanam includes lack of
adequate medical facilities, illiteracy, difficulties of transportation, lack of drinking water etc. Another
problem is the scarcity of pure drinking water. Through the survey it was understood that people who were
eligible did not get the services while those who did not satisfy the criteria received them. The lack of
awareness about the pension schemes was a problem faced by all panchayats.
The Shola Trust
By Nisha Lijesh & Deepak S
The social work trainees were placed at The Shola Trust,Gudalur Taluk of Tamil Nadu for their one
month block placement. The key goal of the Shola Trust is to ensure that the vital wildernesses of the
community survive the onslaught of monocultures and expanding cities. The Shola Trust’s bio char and
lantana projects are other excellent examples of community conservation that could easily be replicated
around the country. The trainee conducted 20 field visits, 2 surveys and 2 focus group discussions during
this period.
The social work trainees conducted a study on the topic of ‘The reasons for failure of the lantana unit at
Chembakkolli and success of the lantana furniture unit at Moyar’.
The objective of the study included the assessment of the socio economic background of the workers at
the lantana unit, main source of income and suggestions of the individuals for the improvement of their
work conditions.

10. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 8
The social work trainees identified some major reasons which were responsible for the difference in the
functioning of the lantana furniture making program in the villages of Moyar and Chempankolli. The climate
in the region has a pivotal role in the fate of the program as low rain fall and less humidity is good to
preserve the lantana sticks. In Chempakolli, the content of humidity is very high, limited infrastructure such
as a cement floor and a shed etc fastened the decline of the unit. Agriculture in the region is negatively
affected after less rainfall and this made many dependants on other livelihood options such as lantana
furniture making for earning their daily bread.
In Chembakolli, the forest land is more suitable for cultivation and since the economy in the region is not at
all dependant on the tourism market, the banning of the field in the area caused no harm to their economy.
The geographical features of Moyar is much influential as the plain terrain makes the collection of lantana an
easy task.Availability of water from the line pipe for the boiling process and good transportation facilities for
collecting raw materials etc are major factors behind the success. The villagers in Chempankolli has lots of
difficulties in collecting the lantana and the water, as they have to cross the trenches and the difficult terrain
for it. Compared to Chembakolli the people in Moyar are less educated and in need of more training courses.
VRC Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre
By Amrutha A, Preethy & Vishnu S
Social work trainees completed the one month block members were organised during the World
field work from 10th September, 2012 to 10th October, Alzheimer’s Day(21st September) and the World
2012 at V.R.C. Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Mental Health Day(10th October).A class was given
Vettom in Malappuram as part of the curriculum. The on the importance of family support to the family
hospital was set up in the year 2002 under The Mental members of the people with mental illnesses. The
Health act as psychiatric hospital to provide good trainee also started a study on the prevalence of
quality treatment to the mentally ill. The 200 bedded problems among children. A magazine named
psychiatric institution is situated in a serene “Mayilpeeli” which was an anthology of works by
environment with more than 18000 registered individuals with mental illnesses was released. A
patients,an average of 75 out patients per day and booklet on alcohol consumption was prepared and
specialties like General Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry, distributed among the outpatients and their relatives.
Geriatric Psychiatry, De-addiction Psychiatry, Field visits were organised to understand more about
Community Psychiatry, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, the patient’s illness condition and medication. Case
Clinical Psychology, Department of Social Work, studies, group works, group activities, group
Occupational therapy, OCD Clinic, Sex Clinic and discussions and psycho-education were organized for
Family Clinic. the people with mental illness.
The social worker trainees were placed in each wards The trainees could understand the importance of
for a period of 5 to 6 days and several activities were psycho-education. Most of the problems are mainly
conducted in the agency. Special programmes due to the lack of awareness. Both the patients as well
including chart presentations, brochure distribution, as family members should be educated on the
awareness classes to the out patients and their family importance of taking medications. Without knowing
the internal problems of an individual, it is difficult to
solve the problem.

11. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 9
So, conducting MSE and taking Case history is essential.
Different departments are providing various services to the
out patients. Family support is a type of non-
pharmacotherapy and is very effective. Team work is very
important. A multidisciplinary team is present to tackle the
mental health conditions. Individual counseling sessions are
done by psychiatric social workers to address the issues of
the patients. The patients are also given occupational
therapies on a daily basis. It was understood that a
psychiatric social worker should be a good listener and
motivator. The importance of developing observation skills
was also recognized by the trainees.
PEEJAYS
By Sukanya & Anoop P Joseph
As a part of the curriculum, the Department of Social work, Amritapuri campus placed the trainees at
Peejays, Cochin. Peejays is a pioneer in the field of health and provides unique care for outpatients for
both psychiatry and neurology under one roof. It works as a team consisting of senior neurologists,
senior psychiatrists, general physician and a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatric social
workers, special educators, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and other
rehabilitation professionals. It emphasise on adult and adolescent services, developmental disorders in
children, ASD and school mental health. Through this one month field work trainees got the
opportunity to observe how the intake sessions are taken for the parents of a child with learning
disabilities. Trainees also got knowledge as to how counseling is provided to the parents regarding how
to handle the child, strategies to follow while teaching them, the limitations of the child etc.
Occupational therapy sessions were also helpful to the autistic child to tackle their obstacles. The
exposure got from the speech and language therapy sessions were also informative. Trainees also got
the opportunity to diagnose some cases of mood disorders.
The trainees were able to understand the aspects to be kept in mind while giving awareness to the
teachers and parents in order to better handle children in class room and home. This field work also
helped to increase the confidence of the trainees and also generated more interest to work in the field.

12. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 10
UNNATI-Organization for Development Education
By Karthika Baburaj & Ruby
Unnati-Organization for Development
Education is a voluntary organization registered
under the Societies Registration Act (1860) in
1990. Unnati has completed 21 years of
providing educational support in Gujarat and 12
years in Rajasthan. “Unnati work on a mission
to promote social inclusion and democratic
governance so that the vulnerable section of our
society, particularly the dalits, tribal, women and
person with disabilities are empowered to affected area. The activities conducted were based
effectively and decisively participate in on the theme of disaster risk reduction. The activities
mainstream development and the decision included role play, posture presentation, drawing
making process.” This aim is accomplished competition, essay competition, elocution, foot
through providing strategic issue based support march etc. The trainees also had interactive sessions
to development initiatives by undertaking with school authorities, sarpanch and the
collaborative research, public education, stakeholders and also was involved in the
advocacy, direct field level mobilization and documentation work of the campaign. The trainees
implementation with multiple stakeholder could also assist in the pre-campaign preparation
participation. Unnati works at the grassroots guidelines, need assessment school safety parameters
level to policy level environment for ensuring and the school safety quiz.
the basic rights of the citizens. Presently all the The trainees took advantage of the
activities are organized around three thematic opportunity to explore more in the field to expand
areas: 1) Social Inclusion and Empowerment, 2) perspectives, visit many villages and observe the pre
Civic Leadership, Social Accountability and and post conditions of the earthquake affected area,
Governance, 3) Social Determinants of Disaster to meet more people and to improve the professional
Risk Reduction. skills. The trainees were also able to gain more
Social work trainees were assigned the knowledge on housing and school safety, how to
project “Campaign on Housing Safety and conduct a campaign (its different phases), how to
School Safety regarding DRR(Disaster Risk identify the structural and non-structural
Reducation) in Bhachau, Kutch district”. The vulnerabilities of both schools and houses and how
trainees visited around twenty villages and many to cope up or build their capacity against various
schools and observed the pre and post conditions hazards and safety measures which will help to
of the earthquake minimize the risk of a disaster.

13. Coorg Organization in Rural Development(CORD)
By Vishnu K Santhosh & Rashmi PC
CORD is a secular and a political voluntary the Panchayath President and Vice President .The
organization that works for the poor and social work trainees could also visit Soolebhavi and
underprivileged of the society for their Sajjalli panchayats and the social welfare office at
emancipation and empowerment, for a holistic Madikkery.The trainees also went to the District
development of people irrespective of caste, Commissioner Office and met the I.T.D.P (P.C.O)
creed, colour or gender consideration. Started in The trainees saw that the people were mostly
a small area comprising only five villages, alcoholic.The cultural programmes organized by
CORD today caters to the developmental them has shifted focus from entertainment to just an
requirements of over 80 villages in 3 taluks in occasion to drink.They have ration cards and voters
two districts. The target groups are- the ID cards and also get proper ration. The
indigenous/tribal population of these districts Government provides nutritious food to the
who are extremely displaced and alienated. dalits, janukuruba tribes. There are no proper housing
women and children who are experiencing facilities or sanitation. There is also a scarcity of
ongoing severe socio-economic and socio- fresh water. The Tribes collect number of medicinal
cultural oppression and discrimination. plants .The Government also provide free education
The social work trainees visited Banawara and accommodation to the tribes. The school
Panchayath to see the Jenukuruba tribe.The functions accordingly but there were a number of
trainee also visited Malambi and Aloor children who did not go to school.
Siddapura. At Malambi the trainees visited the The trainees were able to understand the lifestyle of
Ashram School.The trainee stayed at the tribal the tribes. The trainees also came to know about the
haadi in Avarugundha . The trainees visited the workings of Government offices and were also able
Siddapura panchayath office and interacted with to organize cultural programmes for the tribals.
Dubai Civil Defence (DCD)
By Geethu M Lal
Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) is functioning under Ministry of Interior, Government of Dubai, UAE.
DCD has a vital role in Dubai, especially in the field of industrial and commercial safety and security
and assists in rescue missions, restoring life in disastrous situations to normal. Social work trainee was
assigned to work in “Emergency Crisis Management and Major Incident Planning Project” structured
by Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As part of the block placement, the trainee got the opportunity to visit the various departments such as
Operation, Risk Assessment, Hazardous Material, Safety & Prevention, and Smart Systems. DCD
implanted the methods of vehicle tracking system, one of the important initiatives to promote safe and
secure transportation and helps to act immediately in the crisis. Thousands of buildings can be
electronically monitored simultaneously through the network called “The Direct Alarm System”. Safety
monitoring initiatives by developing technology ,that can detect the onset of fires at its early stage is
applied to all the buildings across Dubai. The Direct Alarm System enables to address all four phases
(Prevention-Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery) of Disaster Emergency Management
Research was done on the topic “Recommendation of Early Warning System for Earthquakes in
Dubai”.

14. According to the United Nations, sea level changes can result in devastating tsunami in the Middle East if
a severe earthquake occurs. Promoting appropriate measures will equip the community and reduce the
impact of the various disasters. The DCD felicitates for the co-ordination of the emergency services, local
authorities and gives support during emergency. The detailed plans for appropriate measures and actions
in advance will reduce the likelihood of errors resulting from decisions being taken in the course of crisis.
The DCD construct guidelines, awareness, policies and activities to protect and save the lives and
properties of the residents.
My Experience as a budding Social Worker
Content
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or your point of
By Veena Suresh (2010-2012 batch(Amrita Ettimadi campus))
interest here.
• Add a highlight
The profession of social work will create
or your point of When others think of how to make money we
different here.
experience in different individuals. In my
interest think about how to make the poor people self
case I can tell you that I joined for MSW without
• Add a
sufficient. When they read news about social
having highlight about it. I did not know about the
any idea
or your point of injustice we think of the solutions to stop such
scope ofhere.
interest social work, the area of work and the
issues. When others see a disabled person and
subjects that are involved in the curriculum. I had feel sad about their condition we think of
associated the course with social service. It was different ways to provide support to him. We
only after joining that I came to know that social will visit forests, stay with tribal people, and
work is completely different from social service. study about their culture and be one among
Social work is helping the person to help
Individual them but others will enjoy the beauty of the
themselves- in other words “Better to Teach Fishing
Highlights: forest and leave the place. A social work
than Give Fish”.
Inside Story 2 student improves his/her skills in
Since I did my under graduation in BCA, I communication, listening, problem solving,
had to face a lot3of criticism when I chose MSW, as
Inside Story
decision making etc during the two years of the
everyone expected me to join for the Masters in
Inside Story 4
course. This course helps to change our
Computer Applications (MCA). But now I can feel
Inside Story 5
perception of the world and how we see things
the difference 6 that MSW has made in my
Last Story for the better. We will thus be able to lead a
personality and behavior. Let me share some full life by practicing the qualities of empathy,
difference between a social work student and a love, humanity, compassion and patience. As
student of any other stream. When others deal with
our beloved Amma says “We cannot change
computers, machines and accounts we deal with situations in life but we can change the attitude
human hearts. When others show sympathy towards towards them “. I am sure that the social work
a beggar in the street we social workers will have curriculum will change your attitude and this
empathy towards him. When we are aware about will help you to lead a good life that is of
the prevalence of HIV, Cancer, Diabetes etc others benefit to the society and the nation as a whole.
might not even know the basics of these diseases.
When they go for pleasure trips in metro cities we
will find pleasure in visiting the slums and finding
out the situation of the people living in that area.

15. Agency news
Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT)
By Parvathy V and Prasanth P (S3 MSW)
MHAT (Mental Heath Action Trust) is a
registered Charitable Trust with its headquarters
at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Medical
College at Calicut, Kerala. The major aim is to
provide free community based mental health
Content
care to economically backward people and to
• Add a all the
support highlight activities connected with this Each case is taken up by a volunteer who then
or your point of has to assure proper rehabilitation and review of
endeavor. The institute has been functioning
interest here.
under the clinical leadership of Dr. Manoj the patient that is assigned to them. They are
• Add a
Kumar highlight Malappuram, Wayanad and
at each given a checklist of the symptoms of their
or your point of
Kozhikode districts of Kerala for the past three
interest here. allotted patient so that they can keep track of
years. This programme had been initially under the patient and consult the doctor in case of any
• Add a highlight
the aegis of of Mehac Foundation but it was
or your point the
symptoms of relapse. Volunteers form the back
taken over by the Mental Health Action Trust on
interest here. bone of the agency.
1st of January 2011. MHAT is a non- profit MHAT has its own blog and an e-newsletter to
organization that provides free, comprehensive, spread information about its working. At
community-based, volunteer-led and cost- present, MHAT is hosting the Post Graduate
effective mental health care to the poor people of Programme for M. A. Social Work in Mental
the locality that is served, including the Health under Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Individual
homeless
Highlights:and wandering mentally ill. MHAT (TISS) and the Banyan Academy of Leadership
aims to provide long term management facilities in Mental Health (BALM) along with some of
Inside Story 2
for chronic mental disorders through a system of the leading national and international experts in
Inside Story 3 the field of mental health.
community-owned and managed care. It also
aims to Story
Inside promote the monitoring and consultation
4
Inside Story 5
activities to avoid relapses. Mental Health Action Trust
The agency collaborates with over 30 pain and
Last Story 6 Institute of Palliative Medicine
palliative care clinics in Calicut, Wayanad and Medical College,Calicut
Malappuram. Each clinic has identified their Kerala,india,673008
own list of patients from their locality and the Phone:+91 9745111005;+91 8089997007
patients are screened by the MHAT team to
identify their economic background. General enquiries: info@mhatkerala.org
Dr Manoj Kumar: manoj@mhatkerala.org
(Reference: www.mhatkerala.org/)

16. Book review
'Educational package for Pre-Primary Kadar
children'
By Lekshmi Vimala (S3 MSW)
Western Ghats hornbill foundation is an organization that concerns itself
with the protection and conservation of the natural resources and
'Educational package rainforests and also the preservation of the land rights of the Kadar tribe
for Pre-Primary Kadar living in and around the area of Western Ghats. Kadars are the inhabitants
children' of the rainforests of the Western Ghats. At present, only a limited number
of them remain due to the building of dams leading to their frequent
Authors: evacuation and displacement.
Amitha Bachan,
Shajan M. P, Educating the tribes about their rights and duties is one of the aspects that
Fasila P. K and the organization is concerned with. It was observed that the number of
Anitha K. T dropouts among the children of the tribe was high and this negatively
contributed to the efforts that were initiated with a view of educating them.
Illustrations:
The Kadar tribe has their own dialect and they are brought up in harmony
Ali Akbar,
Vishnu P. V. and with nature and its constituents. When they are introduced to the outside
Individual C. S.
Anish world, they find it difficult to mesh.
Highlights:
Year: 2011 2
Inside Story It was in this regard that the organization in collaboration with the
Inside Story 3 Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) of the Athirappilly
Publication: panchayat has introduced an educational package for the use in the
Inside Story 4
Paschimakhatta anganwadis in the area, that integrates the regular teaching methods with
vezhambal foundation,
Inside Story 5
the tribal language and customs. The project was conceptualized in
LastAranyak, 6
Story
Mathilakam-680685,
2011.The pack consists of two theme based books (‘Ente veedu’ and
Thrissur,Kerala,India ‘Kaadu ente naadu’) with a work book called ‘Nammude prakrithiyil
ninulla padanam’. The pack also make use of cards and floor puzzles to
impart knowledge to the kadar children.

17. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 17
The book ‘Ente veedu’ is a guide to the common items and activities in a household while ‘Kaadu ente
veedu’ integrates the names of the common flora and fauna of the region. The puzzle that is included tries to
generate awareness about hornbill which are an endangered species found in the tropical areas of Africa and
Asia. The educational pack was developed by Mr.Amitha Bachan, Mr.Shajan M. P, Ms.Fasila P. K and
Ms.Anitha K T of the Hornbill foundation. At present, the pack has been introduced to 22 Anganwadis of the
panchayat and 300 of these kits have already been distributed.
The books consist of illustrations that are in keeping with the social and cultural background of the tribal
children and also words in Kadar language with their Malayalam and English translations.
The initiative while addressing the issue of dropouts and facilitation of education among the Kadar children
also focuses on the rights of the minorities. Kadar tribe is fast disappearing and the need to protect their
language, culture and ethnic uniqueness is crucial at the moment.
(courtesy: The Hindu July 19,2012)
Activities of Department of Social Work
(July – September, 2012)
 9th Aug, 2012
Observed International Day of World’s Indigenous People
The Department of Social Work observed the World Indigenous Day
on August 9, 2012. As part of this, the students organized various
presentations and short movies related to the culture and protection of
the indigenous communities in the country. The students were divided
into five groups and presentations were made on “The international
Day of Worlds Indigenous People,” “Indigenous people of India- a
sociological profile’, “Indigenous communities of Kerala”, “The
Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Rights) Act”, “Introduction of an NGO – Survival International”.
Discussions were conducted on the presented topics.

18.  13th Aug, 2012
Induction programme and Essentials in Professional Social
Work session to 2012-2014 batch
The Department of Social work organized a workshop for the
new MSW batch to highlight the primary aims & objectives of
Social Work profession through games, activities, charts and
discussions. The objective of the programme was to emphasize
and highlight the importance of team work, effective
communication, healthy study habits & time management. The
other topics of discussions were the concept of social
responsibility, effective stress management, the relevance of
social support in stressful situations and concept of empathy.

14th Aug, 2012
Invited talk by Adv. Kaloor Kailas Nath and Mr Sreekanthlal
(alumni, school counselor)
The Department of Social Work and ASWAS organized an
invited talk on 14th August, 2012 at Amritapuri Campus.
Advocate Kaloor Kailas Nath, leading lawyer in Kollam and
Kottarakkara Bar was the chief guest of the occasion. Having
more than 9 years of experience in the legal field, he had
specialized in criminal and family issue cases. He discussed
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005 and DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE ACT, 2005 followed by interaction session with
MSW students.
Mr. Sreekanth lal, alumni of Dept. of Social Work currently
working as School Counsellor, Mes Indian School, Doha shared
his experience with the first and second year MSW students of
14th August, 2012.
 5th Sept, 2012
Teachers’ day and Freshers’ day Celebrations
Warm welcome was given by the seniors to the newcomers.
Teacher’s day was observed on the same occasion.

19. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 19
 6-8th Sept, 2012
Inauguration of Leadership Training Programme for
Coconut Producers Society (CPSs)
The Department of Social Work and Coconut Development
Board (Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India) organized
Leadership Training Programme for Coconut Producers Society
(CPSs) and the programme got inaugurated at Amrita Vishwa
Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam. The function was
inaugurated by Dr. C O Hemalatha, Principle Agricultural
Officer, Kollam by lighting the lamp. Br. Bijukumar,
Chairperson, CIR, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mr. Jayanath
R, Technical Officer, Coconut Development Board, Cochin, Dr
Renjith R Pillai, Head of the Department of Social Work,
Amritapuri Sri. Rajeev M M, Vice chairperson, Department of
Social Work Amritapuri, were present on the occasion and
addressed the gathering. There were about 25 farmers attending
the programme on the very first day.
 16th Sept, 2012
ASWAS Annual report 2011 – 2012
The Department of Social work and ASWAS together presented
the “ASWAS Annual report 2011 – 2012” followed by the
selection of New Governing General Body member.
 22nd Sept, 2012
Participation in Rendezvous
Social work trainees of first year MSW participated in
“Rendezvous” at Vimala College, Thrissur- and participated in
several programs including exhibition, poster presentation, street
play, extempore.
 27th Sept, 2012
.
Stall on Sustainable development
Department of Social Work organized a stall as a part of the 59th
birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (AMMA) at
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus. The main
attractions were exhibits on sustainable development, glimpses on
Koodamkulam issue and interventions taken up during the
Tsunami of Dec 2004.

20. Dishaa Vol 2, issue 3 Page No. 20
Upcoming Conferences / Workshops
December 2012
10th : Governance and Sustainable Development:
Building Commerce and Communities Coimbatore,
India
12th : Multi National Enterprises and Sustainable
Development (MESD) 2012 New Delhi, India

12th: Social protection perspectives and policies Sept 28-30th
Kuttikkanam, India Training workshop on street play as a part
of IDDR programme of Kerala State
15th: 3rd International conference on public policy Disaster Management department
and social sciences (icops2012) Bandar Melaka,
Malaysia
Selected Social work trainees of first and
th
15 : The 2012 Conference on Anthropology and second year MSW participated in the training
Sustainability in Asia Bangkok, Thailand session on street play for awareness
generation on disaster risk reduction by Kerala
22nd: 2012 International Conference on Sociality and State Disaster Management Department. The
Humanities - ICOSH 2012 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia programme was conducted as a part of
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
29th: 2012 International Conference on Humanity,
Culture and Society - ICHCS 2012 Hong Kong, China
Dr. Renjith R. Pillai
Assistant Professor & Chief Editor
Staff Editors:
Mr. Rajeev MM
Mr. V S Kochukrishna Kurup
Mr. Ranjith Kavumkara
Student Editors:
Ms. Parvathy V
Ms. Lekshmi Vimala
Ms. Jasmin Pereira
Design and Layout:
Ms. Parvathy V
Printed and published by: Chair person, Department of Social Work. (For private circulation only)
Feel free to mail your suggestions and ideas to the editor’s desk:
aswasatamrita@gmail.com, dishaaspeaks@gmail.com
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