International Conference on Empowering Youth And Women For Sustainable Community Transformation
Date: 26 & 27 March 2026
The Department of Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, organised a two-day International Conference on “Empowering Youth and Women for Sustainable Community Transformation” on 26th and 27th March 2026. The conference aimed to provide a global platform for academicians, practitioners, and students to deliberate on strategies for empowering youth and women as key agents of sustainable community development. The inaugural session featured the Presidential Address by Fr. Joshy Mathew, Chief Human Resource Officer and Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) and the Inaugural Address by Dr. Ramani Ganesh, Associate Vice President & Strategic Partner, Careernet Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Co-Chair of HR & Women Leadership Expert Committee, BCIC, who emphasised inclusive growth, leadership, and gender-responsive approaches in social work practice.

The conference brought together distinguished speakers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The resource persons included Ms. Sashmeeta Mulmi, State Programme Director, International Justice Mission; Dr. Sashmi Nayak, Ambedkar Chair Professor, NISWASS; Dr. Simon Fraser, Professor, Robert Gordon University, Scotland; Dr. Pranab Kumar Ghosh, National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Dr. Arockyaraj K, Sacred Heart College; Mr. Felix D’ Souza, Executive Director, FVTRS; Dr. Apurba Saha, Tezpur Central University; Dr. Baba Gnanakumar, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University); and Dr. Manjunath M S, Dean, School of Law, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), who moderated the paper presentation session.

The sessions across the two days addressed significant themes such as the role of NGOs in empowerment, systems thinking in community transformation, social entrepreneurship, youth as change agents, skill development, decent work and well-being, and the use of artificial intelligence in community development. The deliberations highlighted the importance of capacity building, innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary social challenges. The conference also featured a paper presentation session, providing a platform for researchers and students to share their work and engage in scholarly discussions. Overall, the programme served as a meaningful forum for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strengthening the role of youth and women in sustainable community transformation.

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National Conference on Fostering Family Resilience: From Prevention To Empowerment
Date: 27 & 28 October 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru, organized a two-day National Conference on “Fostering Family Resilience: From Prevention to Empowerment” to explore contemporary perspectives and practices that strengthen family systems in the face of social, psychological, and economic challenges on 27th and 28th October 2025. Total 140 participants were participated in the conference. The inaugural session commenced with a warm welcome to the dignitaries, guests, and participants. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Uma Buggi, Director, State Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka, who emphasized the crucial role of family resilience in ensuring holistic well-being and mental health at both individual and community levels. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Kristu Jayanti University, who highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration and research in promoting strong, adaptive, and empowered families.

Day 1 Sessions: The first day featured insightful sessions by eminent experts Dr Uma Buggi, Director State Health and Family Welfare, Bengaluru, Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy from Azim Premji Foundation, Dr. K. Satyamurthi, Professor, Madras School of Social Work, and Ms. Saradha from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Their deliberations focused on resilience for children psychosocial care within families, fostering family resilience in social work perspective and technology and family wellbeing.

Day 2 Sessions: The second day of the conference included sessions led by distinguished speakers — Shri Akshara Damle, Dr. Jayaprada Suresh, and Adv. Venkatasudrashan, a principal Judge, Session Court, Karnataka. The speakers addressed legal frameworks supporting family welfare, psychological empowerment, and community-based resilience strategies.

Paper Presentations sessions were organised in parallel sessions for the external presenters. Total 140 delegates attended the conference from both internal and external of the university. Scholars and practitioners from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka presented research papers on diverse themes related to family resilience, empowerment, gender dynamics, and social support systems. The paper presentations provided a platform for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue among academicians, researchers, and social work professionals.

The two-day event concluded with a valedictory session that recognized the valuable contributions of all participants and resource persons. The conference successfully fostered meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at promoting resilient and empowered families across India.

International Conference on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)
Date: 10 & 11 March 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru in collaboration with the University Of Waikato, New Zealand, successfully organized two-day International Conference on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) on 10th and 11th March 2025. The conference aimed to foster meaningful dialogues and explore innovative strategies to promote inclusion and accessibility in diverse social and institutional contexts.

The conference was inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College, Mr. Sri Das Suryavamshi, State Commissioner, Person with Disability Act, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr Jonas Richard A, Head, Department of Social Work, along with student coordinators. Both dignitaries emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive societies and ensuring accessibility for all. Their addresses set the stage for insightful deliberations and knowledge-sharing sessions. The event brought together distinguished academicians, researchers, and social work practitioners from across the globe to deliberate on critical issues surrounding diversity and equity.

Eminent speakers from Nagaoka University of Technology, Japan, University of Waikato, New Zealand, University of Michigan-Flint, United States of America and renowned resource persons from Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai, Rittal India Private Ltd, Bangalore, Diversity Simplified Bangalore, Snehadhara Foundation Bangalore have contributed their valuable insights on various aspects of inclusive practices, policy frameworks, and strategies to enhance equity in education, workplace environments, and community spaces. Total 180 participants from various institutes have attended the conference.

A series of engaging paper presentations enriched the conference, with researchers presenting their findings on contemporary challenges and solutions related to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. Topics covered included accessible education models, inclusive workplace practices, and empowering marginalized communities. All presenters emphasized the significance of creating equitable systems that embrace social and cultural diversity. Also highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure marginalized voices are heard and included in policy-making frameworks. A cultural programme was also conducted by the Students of Social Work by focusing the importance of accessibility and inclusive development in the society.

The conference concluded with a valediction where all experts deliberated on actionable steps to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in both local and global contexts. Participants praised the efforts of Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru and the University of Waikato for facilitating an event that underlined the importance of fostering inclusive societies. The department of Social Work thanked all the participants, delegates and resource persons for their significant initiative and collaboration for this noble cause.