Seminar / Workshop
National Seminar on Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety in Social Work Practice
Date: 27 August 2025
The Department of Social Work, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, organized a National Seminar on “Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety in Social Work Practice” on 27 February 2026. The seminar aimed to equip social work students, practitioners, and academicians with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and integrate cyber safety practices into professional social work interventions.
The seminar brought together eminent experts from academia, mental health, cybersecurity, and corporate sectors. The distinguished speakers included Mr. Ullas Sathyanarayana, Co-Founder, Tetris Innovations & Director – Operations & Strategy, Cognkit Semantics Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Suresh Bada Math, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru; Ms. Soumya Sardana, Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS; Mr. Jay Dutt Bhatt, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS; Mr. Adrin P F, Cyber Security Expert and Founder, Avidr CyberTech; and Dr. Kalaiselvi K, Associate Professor & Programme Coordinator, Department of Computer Science, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.
The sessions addressed critical themes such as digital well-being, online mental health risks, cybercrime awareness, ethical digital engagement, and the integration of technology in social work practice. Experts emphasized the growing relevance of digital literacy in safeguarding vulnerable populations, maintaining client confidentiality, and addressing cyberbullying, online exploitation, and digital addiction. Practical case discussions and real-world examples enabled participants to understand the intersection of technology, mental health, and social responsibility.
The seminar provided a multidisciplinary platform for dialogue and learning, encouraging participants to reflect on the ethical and professional responsibilities of social workers in the digital age. Overall, the programme was highly informative and impactful, reinforcing the need for digital competence and cyber safety awareness in contemporary social work education and practice.
National Seminar on Building A Drug-Free Future: Innovative Prevention Strategies and Practices
Date: 30 August 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti University, organised a National Seminar on “Building A Drug-Free Future: Innovative Prevention Strategies and Practices” to address the pressing issue of substance abuse and to highlight innovative measures for prevention and rehabilitation. The seminar witnessed the participation of faculty, research scholars, students, and practitioners from across the country.
The seminar commenced with an inaugural session graced by Dr. Parashuram K. G, Prof and Head, Department of Social Work, Tumkur University and Fr. Joshy Mathew, Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences are officially inaugurated the event. In his address, Dr. Parashuram emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts in curbing drug abuse and underlined the importance of academic and community-based initiatives. He urged young professionals and social workers to become advocates of preventive strategies at the grassroots level.
Technical Session I – Psychiatric Strategies for Addiction: Prevention and recovery. Resource Person: Dr. Darshan Dr. Darshan highlighted the various innovative prevention strategies being implemented nationally and globally. He discussed the role of schools, families, and communities in early intervention and emphasized the significance of evidence-based practices. His session also drew attention to the need for awareness campaigns and policy-level changes to create a sustainable drug-free future.
Technical Session II – Family Dynamics and Substance Abuse Prevention. Resource Person
Dr. Sreedevi focused on the family dynamics and psychosocial dimensions of drug use and prevention. She elaborated on counselling approaches, peer support models, and therapeutic interventions that could be integrated into social work practice. Her interactive session encouraged participants to reflect on the mental health implications of substance abuse and the holistic support systems required for prevention.
Technical Session III – Psychosocial Support in Preventing Substance Abuse.
Resource Person Ms. Tamanna spoke on the importance of youth empowerment and community participation in addressing substance abuse. She shared practical field experiences, case studies, and community-level strategies, emphasizing that active youth engagement is critical to achieving long-term success in prevention. Her session inspired students to take up leadership roles in awareness and outreach programs.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory note summarizing the key insights from all sessions. The collective message reinforced the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, innovative practices, and active youth participation in building a drug-free future. The participants appreciated the resource persons for their valuable contributions and expressed commitment to translating the learnings into practice.
Workshop on Innovative Social Work Skill Lab
Date: 13 August 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be) University, organized a Workshop on Innovative Social Work Skill Lab for I MSW students on 13th of August 2025. The session aimed at equipping students with practical and innovative approaches in social work practice
The workshop was facilitated by Dr. C R Christi Anandan and Mr. Moieeson T from Sacred Heart College, Tirupathur were served as the resource persons. The resource persons introduced participants to creative methods of intervention, participatory tools, and skill-based exercises that enhance professional competencies in fieldwork. Through interactive activities, case discussions, and demonstrations, students gained insights into applying innovative strategies to engage communities effectively.
The workshop emphasized the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in addressing contemporary social issues. Students were encouraged to integrate these innovative skills into their practice to strengthen intervention models and promote sustainable change. Overall, the workshop proved to be a valuable experiential learning platform. It not only enriched the theoretical understanding of students but also enhanced their practical skill sets, preparing them for effective and impactful social work practice.
National Seminar on Technology in Social Work Practice
Date: 11 January 2025
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru organised a National Seminar on Technology in Social Work Practice on 11th of January 2025. The objective of the seminar is to provide insights to the use of technology in Social Work practice. To encourage the students to use the means of technology such as social media, use of internet and the Use of AI technology in providing services to the individuals, groups and communities. The seminar was designed to address the areas of social work professionals, research scholar, academicians and students.
The seminar was inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College and Mr. Adarsh Natarajan, CEO& Founder, Aindra Systems, Bengaluru, Dr. Gopakumar A V, Dr Jonas Richard A and two students’ coordinators. Mr. Nataranjan has focused the use of technology in treating the patients in health care system. The use of technology in improving our community services should be the aim of our seminar is being addressed by Fr. Dr. Augustine, Principal Kristu Jayanti College. After the formal session of Inauguration, all the sessions have started with resource persons. The first session was on Technology and community Development by Mr. Chethan Elvis Das, Executive Director, Mahiti Infotech, Bengaluru. The resource person spoke on use of technology for community Development and upliftment of the community Members.
The Second session was on Responsible use of Social Media & Digital Platforms by Ms. Ashwini Tadpatriker, Clinical Psychologist, NIMHANS, Bengaluru. She talked on the effective use of social media, manifestation, risk, responsible use etc. She also highlighted the points on minimize over use and encourage social and group activities. The third session was a joint session lead by Dr Sushmitha Ananda Murthy, Senior Resident, NIMHANS, and Ms Sahithya, Psychiatric Social Worker, NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Both the resource persons focused light on the areas of tele counselling techniques and efficacy. The session was a detail description of the tele counselling in health sector. They also demonstrated a practical experience of tele counselling session with students. The last session of the seminar was on Role of Technology in Suicide Prevention by Mr. Muhammed Noorudheen, Scholar in Psychiatric Social Work, Suicide Prevention Centre Bengaluru. Mr.Muhammed has highlighted the important factors of Suicide among Youths and the process to prevent the rate of suicide by using technology. He showed a video on this issue and had an interactive session with all the participants of the Seminar. The Seminar was ended up with a vote of thanks and gratitude to wards all the participants to make this seminar a successful one.
National Seminar on Child Safety and Protection Health and Hygiene
Date: 28 October 2024
The Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College organised a National Seminar on Child Safety and Protection on 28th October 2024. The objective of the seminar was to provide an insight to the delegates and students on the need and protection of the children. A thought-provoking and essential gathering aimed at fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children. Esteemed speakers, policy-makers, educators, and child welfare advocates came together to address pressing issues surrounding child safety, abuse prevention, and effective protection mechanisms.
The seminar commenced with a Presidential Address by Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College who emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding children's rights and wellbeing. He highlighted the crucial role that educational institutions, families, and communities play in creating a secure and supportive atmosphere for children to thrive. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Dr. Shoba Devi, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Bengaluru renowned expert in child welfare and protection. Dr. Devi provided an insightful analysis of the current landscape of child safety, underlining the urgent need for updated legislation and collaborative efforts between stakeholders. She shared data on recent trends in child abuse cases and advocated for increased awareness, sensitization, and training for educators and caregivers. Dr. Devi also outlined practical strategies for intervention and preventive care, empowering attendees to play an active role in child protection initiatives.
There were four sessions on Child safety and Protection. Session on Online safety of the child by Dr Rajesh Kumar, Asst. Professor, NIMHANS. The second session was on Child Safety and Protection in the context of Children in Conflict with Law by Fr. Dr Antony Sebastian. The third session was taken by Dr Ashwini N V on Essentuial Practices for Child Safety in schools and the last session on was on the State of Child Protection: Laws and policies by Ms. Sinimol P.J.
This seminar served as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and commitment towards the safety and protection of children, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to address these important issues.
On this occasion, the students of MSW were presented a Play themed on Child Safety and Protection.
National Seminar on Workplace Wellness: Enhancing Productivity and Well-being in Modern Work Environment
Date: 14 October 2024
Department of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru organised a National Seminar on "Workplace Wellness: Enhancing Productivity and Well-being in Modern Work Environment" on 14th October 2024 at the H1 Auditorium, Humanities Block. The objective of the Seminar was to emphasize the importance of creating healthier, more supportive workplaces that can adapt to the evolving needs of employees in today’s fast-paced, high-stress environment. Experts from different fields, corporate leaders, HR professionals, and mental health advocates were participated in the Seminar. In inaugural session presidential address was given by Fr. Dr Augustine George, Principal Kristu Jayanti College followed by Inaugural address by Ms. Mai Tlau, Vice-President-Corporate Health Management, Prudent Insurance Brokers, Bangalore highlighted the direct connection between employee well-being and productivity. A thriving workplace environment promotes engagement, reduces stress, and boosts morale, all of which lead to higher productivity and retention rates. She emphasized that workplace wellness should encompass physical, mental, and emotional health.
Sessions at the seminar explored strategies like flexible work arrangements, on-site health programs, mental health support, and advanced ergonomic practices. Notably, Mr. Vijay Parthasarathy, IIMA, IITK former global CEO, shared his organization’s approach to hybrid work models, which have shown significant improvements in work-life balance and productivity. "We've seen first-hand how flexible arrangements can boost morale and engagement, leading to measurable business outcomes," he explained. Dr Jerrish A Jose had taken the session on Ergonomics, The third session was on Employee Engagement and the session took by Mr.Chellapandian Pitchai, Global Head of DEI and the last formal session was addressing the leadership and wellness by Mr. Thomas John Rose, Legendary Force Mission.
One of the highlights was a presentation on the impact of mental health resources on employee engagement, featuring recent research findings showing that workplaces prioritizing mental health experience a 20% increase in productivity. Attendees discussed the challenges of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace and creating safe spaces for employees to seek help. The Seminar was conclude with a Cultural Spotlight by students of MSW focusing the role of Social Worker based on Rhythms for Revitalization.
The seminar received enthusiastic feedback from participants, with many expressing eagerness to implement the insights and strategies discussed. The National Seminar on Workplace Wellness underscored that in an era where burnout and stress are rampant, prioritizing workplace wellness is essential for enhancing productivity and overall employee satisfaction.
