The document is an interview with Mr. Vivek C.K, a professional social worker with over 14 years of experience working internationally in disaster management. In the interview, he discusses his path to choosing social work, his philosophy that social work should empower and protect human dignity, and his current work in Afghanistan. He also shares an unexpected experience where he was caught in gunfire during a relief operation, but was able to safely evacuate. Mr. Vivek finds motivation in helping thousands of poor people worldwide and believes social work can influence policies that impact the lives of the vulnerable. His message to students is to gain experience working with communities to deepen their skills and not get discouraged by early challenges in finding jobs.

1. Dishaa
Volume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
Principal's desk
Tribal camp “Nibodhitha”
«Interview with PSW
«Social Work and Positive
«
«
Mental Health, Juna,B,
Jobin Tom Mandappuram,
Dr. R Sekar .
«Agency News
«Activities of Department of
Social Work- January 2014-
May 2014
«Information Education &
Communication
«Tips for Freshers
«Major Placements from
Department of social Work
«Photo Page
Department of Social Work
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
Amritapuri
Kollam
Editorial Page
With the blessings of Amma and with the tireless efforts of the students and members of the
faculty of the Department of Social Work, Amritapuri Campus, we have come up with the
'Dishaa' (issue 1 volume-3), the newsletter and the voice of ASWAS. ' Dishaa' is a mirror to
the world, a mirror that reflects the critical and creative prowess of the Department of Social
work. A work of this magnitude cannot bloom in a day or two. Dishaa came out of its cocoon of
hope after months of strenuous and enthusiastic work of both the students and teachers. It is
an ideal platform for the professional and budding social workers to ventilate their ideas and
expertise in the field of Social Work and to get inspired by the myriad success stories of the
masters in the field. It is also an arena to catalogue the activities and the research aspirations of
our Department. As we peruse through the pages of Dishaa, we get a sense of direction as to the
road we need to take to reach the goal and standards set by stalwarts of social work and also our
department. Being the Editor, my responsibility was to convince my editorial team to include
articles that touched the various aspects of Social Work so that one day our newsletter would
be transformed into a widely acclaimed research journal.
I would like to place on record my immense gratitude to our Principal for sharing with us his
thoughts and also for his support in bringing out 'Dishaa'. The success story of
Mr.Vivek.C.K, in the world of Professional Work is worthy to be emulated and it is indeed a
pleasure to include his experience in International Social Work in our newsletter. I would
like to thank every contributor who converted their thoughts and ideas into relevant pieces
of information to be disseminated to the entire Social Work fraternity. The several
social issues highlighted in this issue should be the seeds for further research activities
that can strengthen the research capabilities of our department. On this note I would
like to thank everyone and appreciate the hard work and dedicated effort of the entire
Editorial Board in bringing out 'Dishaa'.
“The best way to find
yourself is to lose
yourself in the service of
others.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Newsletter
"Look carefully at what is of value in
others and respect that." —Amma
Content
Dr. Rajeev M.M
Chief Editor

2. Principal’s Desk
Youth Special.....
reetings and best wishes on the occasion of the launching of the new
issue of the DISHAA. Congratulations to all those who G put in their best efforts to make it so beautiful. The variety, depth and range of the
articles included in the issue reflect on the diversified activities and programmes
conceived and executed by the department of Social Work.
When I write this note the world is celebrating the youth week. On this occasion it
is impossible not to be assailed by thoughts about the Indian youth. Having
belonged to a lost generation, an angry generation, the Indian youth has been
drifting about aimlessly in a dreamless world. Unable to cope with the hard blows
of a desensitized world, they find themselves “wandering between two worlds,
one dead and the other powerless to be born”. They are, it seems, out of tune with
the past and yet to discover the infinite possibilities of the present, which is
characterised by the mind – boggling developments in Science and technology.
India is said to have a great demographic advantage. It is a young nation, as the
majority of the population belongs to the age group 15 – 25 years. The destiny of the
nation depends on the way in which the rich human resource is developed. The
new and powerful ideas spawned in the young minds would be instrumental in
moulding the future of the country. The educational system needs to be revamped
to make its suit the emotional, moral, intellectual and aesthetic requirements of the
emerging youth.
DISHAA, it is hoped, would continue to offer the much needed sense of direction
and inspiration to the young readers. They might be inspired to come out of the
windowless prison houses of their selfishness and try to transform themselves and
the society by turning the acquired knowledge into wisdom, and by striving to
usher in a new international order based on peace, tolerance and non – violence.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
1
Dr.Gopinathan Pillai C. Principal ,
School of Arts and Sciences , Amritapuri Campus Kollam.

3. “Nibodhitha” The Tribal Camp- Apr-21stto Apr-28th 2014
“NIBODHITHA”- being enlightened,
wa s s u i t a b l y s e l e c t e d f o r t h e
championship of the Tribal sensitization
Camp of Department of Social Work,
which was organized as a constituent of
the curriculum of the first year MSW
t r a ine e s in vi ew of making an
enlightened stage on the real life
situations of downtrodden masses in the
varied existence.
Tribal sensitization Camp was organized
by the Department of Social Work,
Amritapuri as a component of the
curriculum for getting the first year
Social Work trainees to be familiarized
with the customs, culture and style of life
of the tribal and also to search deep into
the possibilities of positive intervention
in the a r e a . ‘El ambl a s s e ry’ and
‘Ur u l a n t h a n n i ’ we r e t h e t r i b a l
s e t t l eme n t s i d e n t i f i e d f o r t h e
campground due to its diverse and
shifting nature of tribal culture and the
consequential problems in their lifetime.
The planning phase of the camp was gone
early in the month of March, 2014 by
selecting Mr.Shibu P Abraham &
Ms . G o p i k a Mo h a n a s S t u d e n t
coordinators and Mr Nisanth M, Mr V.S
Ko c h u k r i s h n a Ku r u p a s Camp
Coordinator and Faculty In-charge of the
Camp respectively.
pre-camp visit was made by the faculty
in-charge, Camp Coordinator and
Student coordinator to the proposed
settlement. It enabled the finalization of
camp site and ensuring the basic facilities
and permissions required for the Camp.
Subsequently, the student coordinators
visited the proposed settlements for
ensuring the local support of the camp
activities.
The Camp Started on 21st Apr-28
The seven included Visits, Interaction,
surveys, awareness cultural programs two
different Tribal settlements, two psycho-social
care institutions and a visit to
plantation industry.
E v e r y d a y s t a r t e d w i t h
rejuvenating yoga sessions followed by
wonderful cuisines prepared by the
trainees themselves. Hamlet visited
Observation visits occupied majority of
the activities of each, but not without
setting aside ample time for evaluation
session's of every day.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
2

4. Interview with PSW
Mr. Vivek is a Professional Social Worker
(PSW) from Kannur, having more than 14
years of experience in various fields of Social
Work. In the first 6 years of his career in
India he has worked with Alzheimer's
Society in Cochin, Jalanidhi Project in
Calicut, Richmond Fellowship Society in
Bangalore and Aide et Action Hyderabad. In
2005 he started his career at international
level working with Action Aid International
in Sri Lanka in its Tsunami Response
Program. Since then he has established
himself as an expert in Disaster Management
Sector, working in over 25 countries with
t h r e e l e a d i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l n o n -
governmental organisations. Countries he
worked include Haiti and Peru in Latin
America; Somaliland, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Nigeria, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Senegal,
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone,
Senegal, Gambia, Benin, Togo, and Guinea
Bissau in Africa; Cambodia, Vietnam,
Thailand, Nepal, Timor Leste and Occupied
Palestinian Territory in Asia. He has several
publications to his credit and has presented
papers in various national and international
conferences.
Your aspiration towards choosing social
work field….
To be honest, my entry in to professional
social work was not a planned one. I
graduated in Science and was all set to
pur sue my Ma s t e r s in Comput e r
Application. Due to some personal reason,
I couldn't join the course. Around the same
time I heard about the Masters' Program in
Social Work offered by Sree Sankaracharya
Sanskrit University, in its Payyannur
Regional Centre.
This was back in 1997 and MSW course was
not as popular as it is now. I spoke with
couple of my colleagues who knew about the
MSW program, visited the campus as it was
close to my home, and eventually decided to
enroll in the program.
Your philosophy of Social
Work?
My philosophy of
social work is derived
primarily from my social
work education and my
experience of working
in the humanitarian field. I believe that
anything we do to alleviate the suffering
of fellow human being is social work.
However, this act should not be confused
with charity. Social work is beyond
charity. Sustainability of social work
actions and impact that follows is important.
These goals can be achieved only by
empowerment oriented social work practice
and with people's participation. In addition,
our actions should ensure protection of
rights and dignity of individuals
Your current area of focus…
My area of expertise is in disaster
management, even though I have several
years of experience in other development
s e c t o r s a s we l l . S inc e 2 0 0 5 , a s a
humanitarian worker, I have worked in
over 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin
Amer i ca wi th 4 internat ional Non-governmental
Organisations (INGO’S),
responding to major disaster events and
b u i l d i n g c a p a c i t y amo n g d i v e r s e
stakeholders in disaster preparedness and
response. Currently, I am working in
Afghanistan for an organisation called
Concern Wor ldwide, whi ch has i t s
headquarters in Ireland. Managing a
Disaster Preparedness Project funded by
European Commission is one of my major
tasks here.
Any unexpected experience in your life as
a professional social worker and your
mode of handling the situation…
Well, any one working in humanitarian
sector will be facing a lot of unexpected
events, as they work mostly in complex
and tough conditions. Let me share with
you a recent experience of that kind
where I could have lost my life.
Mr.Vivek C.K
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
3
Disaster Management Advisor,
Concern Worldwide, Afghanistan.

5. In May 2014 there was a massive landslide
which destroyed an entire village in
Northern Afghanistan, killing hundreds of
people. The village as such was in a conflict
zone where the Armed Opposition Groups
(AOGs) have a strong presence. Given the
magnitude of the impact and coverage
received for the disaster in the media, there
was an outpour of relief from within and
outside the country. This attracted a large
number of people even from the neighboring
provinces to the location, with the
expectation of receiving some relief
materials, which often made it difficult for
the police to control the situation. A couple of
days after the disaster I was with my team in
the affected area, to put up make shift tents
for the most affected families. Relief
distribution was happening about fifty
meters away from the site where we were
erecting tents. It was as chaotic as it used to
be in the previous days and large number
armed forces were deployed to control the
relief seekers. Suddenly I heard huge sound
of gun shots. Forgetting all the security
lessons I received in many training, I
instinctively started looking at the scene to
know what is happening, where I saw police
was firing around to chase out the insurgents
who came to create issues at the place. For a
moment I was panicked as I saw some live
Stocks near to me was hit by the bullets (It
could have been me as well!). Quickly I got
back to the basics of managing such
situations, took cover till the firing stopped
and within minutes with the team safely
e v a c u a t e d f r om t h e s c e n e . B e i n g
humanitarian workers we can be exposed to
similar life threatening situations any time.
This incident didn't restrict us from
continuing our life saving works for the
disaster affected people. We resumed our
work the same day and today the work we
have done for that particular village is
considered as one of the best emergency
response work by any organisation in
Afghanistan. Yes, humanitarian work is
challenging but it gives you much needed
professional and personal satisfaction.
The factors that motivate you in this field of
social work in spite of the slow development
in social work profession in India
Issues of poverty and human suffering are
not limited to India. All over the world, vast
majority of people are struggling to meet
their basic needs. Policies and practices of
rich and greedy nations increase the
sufferings of people around the world. Basic
rights of people are ignored. Violence against
women and children are increasing
We are witnessing multiple humanitarian
emergencies around the world. All these call
for more and more activists to come forward
and fight against this injustice. I believe
trained social workers like us are the people
who can lead this process. There have been
many examples in India as well as other
countries where injustice and atrocities
against poor and vulnerable people are
prevented through mass social mobilisation.
It is indeed motivating to see how social
work professionals are able to contribute to
these movements. I strongly believe that
social work education will empower more
and more people with the spark, who will
join this fight against poverty.
The effect of your social work practices in
personal and professional life
I'm really happy now that after my
graduation, instead of MCA, I joined for
MSW course. As a person, like most of you, I
was also empathetic towards the poor people
I come across in my daily life. But the
resources I had were limited to help each one
of them. But my career in social work has
given me tremendous opportunities to help
thousands of poor people all around the
world. I learned the importance of thinking
about the sustainability of the help that we
provide to people. I became more conscious
about the issues that affect poor and
excluded around the world and the human
right violations that happen in the society,
which I doubt would not have been the case if
I was a software engineer. What makes me
happier is the fact that my work is helping to
improve the quality of life of a large number
of people in the society.
Your message for the budding social workers
With whatever little experience I have in this
field, I would like to assure my friends that
you have chosen the best sector to work in. It
is a fact that given the conditions in India, not
all trained social workers are getting a job
with good salary in the beginning. Don't get
demotivated. A few years of work at the
grassroots will help you to deepen your
understanding on social issues and bring
more confidence in your knowledge and
skills. This will help you to get better jobs in
future. This profession will provide you a lot
of opportunities for changing the lives of
hundreds of poor people around you. You
may reach a position where you can
influence the policies that has an impact on
the lives of poor people. So continue your
hard work and be conscious of the world
around you, be sensitive to the issues of poor
people around you. You can bring the
changes you want to see in this world.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
Best wishes..... 4

6. Social Work and Positive Mental Health.
Juna.B, Jobin Tom Mandappuram, Dr. K.Sekar
Abstract-Health is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being
and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity. Mental health is much more
than the absence of mental illness; it is
what makes life enjoyable, productive, and
fulfilling, and it contributes to social
capital and economic development in
societies. Good mental health is an
important resource for individuals,
families, communities, and nations.
Positive mental health is a component of
ove r a l l he a l th and i s shaped by
individual, physical, environmental,
social, cultural and socio-economic
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . F o s t e r i n g t h e
development of positive mental health by
supporting individual resilience, creating
supportive environments and addressing
the influence of the broader determinants
of mental health, are key components of
promoting mental health. Positive mental
health is more than merely feeling good
and it is more about optimum balance
negative emotions. Social workers role in
positive mental health is mainly two
aspects prevention and promotion of
mental health.
Social & Environmental Factors of
Determinants of Mental Health are
• Culture, Discrimination, Racism,
U n e m p l o y m e n t , Wo r k i n g
Conditions
• Economic Condition, Gender,
Mi g r a t i o n , U r b a n i s a t i o n ,
childhood development, Social
support network (WHO, 2001).
Positive Mental Health
Definition
The capacity of each and all of us to feel,
think, and act in ways that enhance our
ability to enjoy life and deal with the
challenges we face. It is a positive sense
of emotional and spiritual well being
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
that respects the importance of culture,
equity, social justice, interconnections and
personal dignity. (Public Health Agency of
Canada, 2009)
Six Approaches- Positive Mental Health
(1) Attitude toward own self;
(2)Growth, development, and self-actualization;
(3) Integration;
(4) Autonomy;
(5) Perception of reality
(6) Environmental mastery.(Marie Jahoda.
1958).
Definition- Social Work
The social work profession promotes
social change, problem solving in human
relationships and the empowerment and
liberation of people to enhance well-being.
Utilizing theories of human behaviour and
social systems, social work intervenes at the
points where people interact with their
environments. Principles of human rights
and social justice are fundamental to social
work.(IFSW, 2000)
Social Worker- Promotion of Mental Health
? Mental health is essential for the well-being
and functioning of individuals.
? Good mental health is an important
resource for individuals, families,
communities, and nations.
? Mental health, as an indivisible part of
general health, contributes to the
functions of society, and has an effect on
overall productivity.
Specific ways to promote Mental Health
include:
? Early childhood interventions
??Socio-economic empowerment of women
?Social support for elderly populations.
??Programmes targeted at vulnerable groups
including minorities, indigenous people.
5

7. ?Mental health promotional activities in
schools.
?? Mental health interventions at work
? Housing policies. (WHO, 2001)
?Important Concepts associated with
Positive Mental Health
?Well Being
? Subjective Well-being
?Religiosity
?Spirituality
?Meditation
?Healthy life style
?Resilience
?Quality of life Approach
?Hope
Positive Mental Health Interventions
? Student Enrichment Programmes
? Life Skill Education
? Marital Enrichment Programme
? Premarital Counselling
? Employee Enrichment Programme
? Stress Management Programme
Conclusion
Due to the relationship between
social and economic factors and mental
health, success in promoting mental health
and well-being can only be achieved and
sustained by the involvement and support
of the whole community, and the
development of partnerships between a
range of agencies in the public, private, and
non-government sectors. Mental health
promotion being one of the most recent
areas of focus. Positive mental health is a
larger domain that has many aspects for
social workers to intervene in the areas of
service research and capacity building.
References
? Bloom, M. (1996).Primary prevention
practices, United States of America: Sage
Publication.
? Speilberger, C. D.(1969) Current topics in
clinical and community psychology,New York:
Academic press.
? Sachdeva, I.P .(1978). Yoga and dept
psychology, ,Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs220
/en/
? Singh S. (2012). Encyclopedia in n India,
(3rd edition M-R)volume. 3,PP. (882-
890).Lucknow :New Royal Book company
?www.who.int/social_determinants/en
? Mishra P.D (2004): Social Work Profession
in India. Lucknow: New Royal Book.
? Snyder, C. J., & Lopez, J.S. ( EDS.).(1995).
Handbook of positive psychology.Oxford
university press. New York.
? linley P. A., & Josheph, S.(Eds.) (2004). Positive
Psychology in Practice. Oxford university
press. New York. 2008
? Publ i c heal th int ervent ions to
promotepositive mental health and
preventmental health disorders among
adults
? Evidence briefing January 2007, National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,
January 2007
?http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheet
s/fs220/en/
?•Singh S. (2012). Encyclopedia in n India,
(3rd edition M-R)volume. 3,PP. (882-
890).Lucknow :New Royal Book company
• Evidence briefing January 2007, National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,
January 2007.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
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8. AGENCY NEWS
Swami Vivekananda
Medical Mission Ms.Anjaly.M (S3MSW)
In order to serve our Motherland and to
inculcate in the people a spirit and sense of
social responsibility, sacrifice and devotion
to the cause of national and social uplift of
the neglected and exploited brethren in
backward, rural and tribal areas rending
them medical and the other social aids,
Swami Vivekananda Mission, Kerala was
started working by taking inspiration from
Swamiji's well known slogan “Manava Seva
Madhava Seva”.
Leaving behind 4 decades long tremendous
journey of social service with the mission of
giving medical aids, to the tribes of
Wayanad, the Mission started its long
journey in 1972.From a lowly dispensary, at
present the Medical Mission is a well
equipped hospital with all modern medical
facilities. It was in 1981 may 16 it registered
as a charitable society.
With six sub- centers in different parts of the
district, IE in Kannankode and Muthanga of
Noolpuzha Gramapanchayath, Chulliyode
of Nenmeni panchayath, Cherukara of
Vellamunda panchayath,Niravilpuzha of
Tondarnadu panchayath and Irumanathur of
Tavinchal panchayath. The mission is now
leading a number of social medical services.
A variety of public welfare projects are
brought forth by the Mission in the field of
Education, Social, Cultural and Self-dependency
too.
The on-going programmes and projects of
the Mission includes The Sickle Cell Anemia
control programme which includes disease
diagnosis, treatment, counseling centre
setup with the help of the All India Institute
of Medical Sciences New Delhi, where
screening of the tribal population is in
progress and treatment and counseling are
given to those affected by sickle cell disease.
A monthly satellite clinic is also functioning
at Jyothi hospital Mananthanvady.
A project with kottakal Aryavaidya shala is also
in progress.Microscopy & Treatment Centre
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
under the Revised National Tuberculosis
Control Programme. The mission received a
best NGO Award of the state in 2003.
Recently they have started a De-addiction
project. The aim of the project is to prevent
alcoholism and cure the alcoholics. As part
of the program, colonies were visited and
motivated the inhabitants to stop taking
liquors. 15 addicts were given treatment. In
their drive to save the young Adivasi
children from the clutches of alcohol and
other narcotic substances, they have
conducted awareness classes in main streams
and remote areas of the society.
Swastya Mithra Project -This project was
initiated in 1997 for training tribal youth to
visit tribal colonies and to look after health
problems and to guide colony dwellers in
conducting their lives in clean, neat and
hygienic way. Tribal youths are given
training in first aid, hygiene and economic
matters and each of the trained volunteers is
given charge of a specified area of work.
Bamboo Craft -The bamboo craft training
was gone of the reclamation of the sickle cell
anemia patients who could not get up any
heavy work. 40 tribal patients were
developed so far in making handicrafts from
bamboo as bamboo and reeds are abundant
in Wayanadu.
The incredible services of the Mission have
helped the tribal brethren to achieve now
mo r e a b out h e a l t h c o n s c i ous n e s s ,
superstition and misinformation about
diseases has been scaled down to a great
extent The educational standard of the
students studying in the center has
improved. The SHGs have installed
economic self reliance. The various activities
undertaken by the Mission has helped our
less fortunate brethren to progress towards
total development. 7

9. Activities of the Dept. of Social Work- Jan 2014-May 2014
1. International Colloquium on
Mental Health Policies : In association
with St.Ambrose University & the
department conducted a one day
colloquium on Mental Health Policies for
the MSW students. On 11th Jan 2014
(Photo-1 in Photo Page).
2. AIMS visit and interaction with
Medical Social Work team : On 2nd
January 2014 the faculty members of the
department of social work organized a
meeting with the MSW team at AIMS,
Cochin.
3. Sensitization programme on the
Effects of Alcoholic Consumption and
drug addiction(9th Jan 2014).Organized
an interactive awareness programme for
t h e h i g h e r s e c o n d a r y s t u d e n t s
Shanmugha Vilasam Higher Secondary
School, Thottathilmukku, Clappana,
Kollam. Students covered topics like
Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Smoking,
Pollution, Corruption, Misuse of
Internet. Etc.
April 22 - 29 , 2014
4. Seven days Tribal sensitization
camp at Idukki District: Nineteen
trainees and six faculty members
participated in the 7 day camp in Idukki
District. Elamblassery and Urulanthanni
were the tribal settlements identified for
the camp site due to its diverse changing
nature of tribal culture and the
consequential problems in their life.
5. HML Worker Engagement survey
and Focus Group Discussion: The aim of
the survey was to gauge the present level of
commitment and involvement of the
workers in tea and Rubber Estates towards
their company and its values & identifying
means to improve the conditions of the
workers. The survey was conducted in the
13 Estates of HML in various locations of
Kerala and the total sample size for the
survey was 282 workers. The survey team
used the prescribed questionnaire for both
the survey and FGDS.
Research Publications: Three research
articles of the members of the faculty were
published in the International Journal
(International Journal of Social Work and
Human Service Practice) and conference
proceedings (Disaster Risk Vulnerability
conference 2014, Kerala University,
Trivandrum and Loyola College on Life
Skill Education.
Attended Workshops
?Dr. Rajeev M.M attended a one day
workshop on MGNREGA Evaluation
programme at state Institute of Rural
Development Kottarakkara on February
2014.
State level Orientation Programme:Mr.
V.S Kochu Krishna Kurup has participated
& was selected as one of the members in
Kerala Child Right Observatory ( KECRO)
at Loyola College Trivandrum on 5th April
5th 2014.
?
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
8

10. ?I n v i t e d t a l k a n d e x t e n s i o n o f
programmes:
Dr. Rajeev.MM made an invited lecture on
Re s e a r ch Me thods a t S cho o l o f
International Relations & Politics,
Mahatma Gandhi University on 21st May
2014.
The department of social work extended
technical support in organizing five days
workshop on “Basic Counseling” for the
101 village project women leaders initiated
by AMMACHI Labs at Amrita University
from 27th may to 31st May 2014. Dr. Rajeev
MM conducted a half day workshop
session on 'Stress Management' for the
women and Ms. Juna.B made a session on
'Mental Disorders and brief interventions'.
Academic seminar presentations:
The current semester out of charted 12
programmes 8 programmes were carried
out and 18 students were presented the
topic in the academic conference session
which was conducted in the every Friday
afternoon.
Activities of Department of Social Work-students(
?
?
Photo-2 in Photo Page)
Conducted a School Visit On January 29th
2014, (Photo-3 in Photo Page)
Social Work Trainees Ms. Anjaly
Mrs.Arathy Rohin and Ms. Tinky Emily T
of Amrita Vishwa Vidhyapeetham MSW
department conducted a school visit
to Shanmukha Vilasam Higher Secondary
School, Thottathilmukku, Clappana, Kollam
as part of their Field work training under the
Supervision of Mr. Nisanth M Pillai [Faculty,
MSW Department, Amritapuri.
As per the information regarding the high
alcoholic and drug consumption among the
students of SVHSS, the Field work trainees
of PHC, Vallikavu organised an interactive
awareness programme for the higher
secondary students.
They discussed about “Contemporary
Social Issue”. Students covered topics like:
Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Smoking,
Pollution, Corruption, Misuse of Internet
etc.
Awareness Programme in Allapad Grama
Panchayat
The students from department of social
work, Amritapuri campus Mr.Dipin Raj,
Mr.Arjun M, Mr. Rajamanikandan,
Mr.Ginu Mathew and the field work co-ordinator
Mr.Nisanth.M made a visit to
Allapad Grama Panchayat with Ms.Athira,
Ms.Nimmy and Mr.Shibu on 1st March
2014. Ms.Athira, Ms.Nimmy and Mr.Shibu
had already done a pilot study on the basis
o f "Al c o h o l i sm amo n g s c h o o l
children","Child Pregnancy","Drug abuse
and domestic violence" in the area of
Allapad panchayat (Photo-4 in Photo Page)
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
9

11. 5th March, 2014
Poster presentation
5th March, 2014 Ms.Anjaly Mohan, Mrs.
Arathy Rohin & Ms. Tinky Emily Terrance
organised a poster presentation Session at
Primary Health Center, based on the theme
'Life style modification' as a constituent of their
field work under the oversight of Mr. Nisanth
M Pi l l a i ( F a cul t y , Amr i t a Vi shwa
vidyapeetham). Dr. Sunil Kumar, Medical
officer Primary health center, Vallikavu
officially inaugurated the program (Photo-5 in
Photo Page)
Medical Camp at Old Age Home , Kollam (19th
&20th march,2014.)
Department of Social Work, Amritapuri
Campus organized medical camp and survey
at old age home, in with the collaboration with
Nair’s hospital on march 19th and 20th
10th march, 2014
First year students of MSW, Amritha Viswa
Vidyapeetham Amrithapuri did a survey on
inmates. After collecting data the trainees
analyzed and understood that majority of the
inmates were affected with some diseases. So
in order to rehabilitate them the trainees
observed the needs of a medical camp. For
conducting the medical camp the trainees
approached Nair’s hospital kollam and got
their approval. And the camp was jointly
coordinated by Mata Amritanadhamayi
Seva Samithi (MASS). Trainees conducted
a two day Medical Camp on 19th &20th
March (Photo-6 in Photo Page).
There was an inaugural function and the
program started with a prayer by the
inmates. The welcome address was done
by the field work trainee Mr. Arjun M.
Nair. Then the lamp lighted by the reputed
Guests like Dr P. Mohan Nair (Director),
Dr. Chandrashekhara Warrier (DGM), Mr.
Rajesh (Administrative officer) Mr. Krisha
Prasad (member of MASS) , Mr.Vivek.S
and Ms.Veena Suresh( Faculty members of
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham) The
inaugural address was by Dr. Mohan Nair.
Then it followed by the key note address
done by Mr.Vivek S. Proposed the vote of
thanks by Mr. Emmanuel (Field work
Trainee, Amritha Vishwa Vidyapeetham).
After the inaugural function the camp
started. Most of the inmates attended the
camp. And the medicine were also
prescribed to them. The help and
cooperation of trainees and staff made the
camp a success.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
10

12. IEC
The concurrent fieldwork at primary
health center, during the second semester
the social work training Ms.Anjaly Mohan,
Mrs.Arathy Udayakumar, Ms.Tinky Emily
Terrance has undertaken a project “Pre
mons o on a c t i v i t i e s : Pr e v ent i on o f
monsoon diseases” under the oversight of
the fieldwork coordinator Mr. Nishanth M
Pillai. The slogan of the program was to
impart an awareness to the whole
populat ion of the 15 wards under
Panchayat about monsoon di seases
relating to its underlined issues like
disease spreading manner, symptoms &
prevention and thus by enabling them to
preclude themselves from those diseases.
More than half of the population is
at risk from diseases such as malaria,
dengue, and Chikungunia and so on
carried by mosquitoes, flies and other
vectors. Every year in monsoon more than
one billion people are infected and more
than one billion die from vector borne and
water borne diseases.
WHO is playing up
the grave and increasing threat of vector
borne diseases with the motto “Small bite
Big threat”. Regarding the past monsoon
diseases data 2013 from primary health
centre, Panchayat and the Primary health
center has jointly decided to devise a task
called “Pre monsoon activities: Prevention
of monsoon diseases “on 01/03/14.
The trainees took over a survey giving
priorities to identify the high risk areas under
clappana Panchayat regarding the previous
disease history.
From the surveythe trainees got to a
determination that the surveyed areas have a
high danger of causing diseases than the
previous year as minimum standards of
sanitation was not followed in some wards
under the panchayath.So the trainees decided
to build the program more effective through
information, education and communication by
gaining public attention with the aid of visual
media.
A documentary was prepared by the trainees
on five monsoon diseases such as dengue
fever leptospirosis
, diarrhoea, hepatitis A
and H1N1 aimed to provide bas i c
information in a simple language.
The IEC program started on 11/04/14 by
conducting programs on 1st, 3rd and 6th
wards of the Panchayat. The plan included
the presentation of documentary, open
discussions, oath taking and feedback from
the public gathered at that place. Later the
plan was guided on other 12 wards on 12th,
14th, 16th, 17th and 19th of the month
succeeding the same style thereby giving
awareness to people around 450 in number.
Asha workers helped the trainees to gather
public for this program
11
(Information Education & Communication)
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14

13. DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
12
Even before these IEC program Asha workers
had been afforded the necessary info to people
regarding diseases they continue to ignore it
without knowing the seriousness of the matter.
this manner trainees passed the
Through
information in a powerful and attention
gaining way different from other awareness
classes ensuring public participation.
Most of the people possessed a trivial
knowledge of these diseases and also held
misconceptions. The plan delivered a potential
to avail information to people and to make them
protect themselves by adopting prophylactic
steps.

14. By Ms.Tinky Emily T Tips for Freshers
Grades
score marks in internals so that you can a achieve a good grade in the end
semester exam. Internals hold 60 percent of your marks.
Fieldwork
Link up your theory knowledge in the orbit and explore more. It's normal to be
nervous and unsure in the beginning. Always begin with a learner's stance.
Major Blogs
Classroom to Capitol
Creative Clinical Social Worker
dishaaspeaks.wordpress.com
13
Major Achievements of the Dept of Social Work
Staff Achievements
?Mrs.Veena Suresh Qualified
UGC Net in Jun-13
?
?Mr.Nisanth Published Research Paper in an International Journal on Water
Shed Management Among Farmers in Agriculture Area.
? Mr. Kochu Krishna Kurup Published Research Paper in an International
Journal 'Institutional care and living conditions of Elderly: The Reflections in a
Social work Perspectives’
?2014 Passed Out Student Employed In
Jasmin R Pereira : District Hospital Kollam
Anu Sree : VRC Malappuram
?
?
?Winnie E J : Kudumbasree
?Sreejith Siva : Ammachi Lab, Amrita
?Andria John : ATREE
?Arya Gopinath : ATREE
?Midhun Madhu : Kurukshetra
?NET and JRF Qualified: Ms. Supriya Rajappan and Ms. Jessica John S4 MSW
students cleared UGC and JRF in the month of April 2014.
?Athira Dattan joined M.Phil in IMHANS Kozhikode.
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
Major Journals
Indian Journal of Social Work-TISS
Social work today-NASW
Perspectives in Social Work Journal
Nirmala Niketan

15. DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
14

16. DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14 Photos
Photo-1
15
Photo-2
Photo-3
Phhoottoo--44
Photo-5

17. Photo-6 Camp Photo
Page Layout & Design
Ms.Juna.B
Mrs.Aswathy.S
Mr.Rajamanikandan.S
Printed and published by: Chairperson, 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
Follow us:
http://dishaaspeaks.wordpress.com
DishaaVolume:3
Issue:1
Month:Jan-Jun 14
16
Chief Editor
Dr.Rajeev M.M
Ms.Juna.B (Associate Editor)
Student Editors
Ms.Tinky Emily Terrance
Mrs.Arathy.U
Mr.Rajamanikandan.S
III JJJ