The P.G. Dept of Social Work of St. Philomena College, Puttur had organized a National Seminar ‘PHILOSEM – 2015’ on the theme “Banking on the Youth for Development: Opportunities and Challenges” on February 3rd 2015.
Even though natural resources, capital and technology are sine-qua-non of development, yet human resources have a decisive role to play in the development process. Youths are vivacious, prepare to go the distance, to exert, innovate and improve. This segment of in society can make all the deference in scripting a desired and new destiny for the country. Since the last century primacy has been accorded to human resources in the development discourse and efforts are not spared to usher them to the forefront. A great deal of thought has to go in to planning, enactment of appropriate legislation and implementation of the related programmes in order to create a bank of talented and resourceful youth. There are opportunities galore, with daunting and formidable challenges. To deliberate on the prospects and possibilities of harnessing the dynamic youth power for development philosem-15 was organized.
The seminar was inaugurated by Shri. Bhagavan Das, Director of CARDTS organization, Bangalore. In his inaugural address he expressed that the youth need to develop employable skills along with basic education, only in that case the youth may possibly be able to contribute in the process of development of the nation.
Prof. Leo Noronha, Principal of the College & President of the function congratulated the P.G. Dept of Social Work & wished that, let this event bring changes in attitude & vision among the Participants.
Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro, Chairperson of P. G. Studies in his speech opined that largely, individuals need to be aware of their roles and responsibilities in the development before pointing out the role of society.
At the inaugural function, Mr. Krishna, the Coordinator of Philosem-2015 opened the theme of Seminar with an apt introduction & Mr. Prasanna Kumar, Coordinator of P.G. Dept of Social Work, welcomed the dignitaries, guests and delegates.
The Key speaker, Dr. P. K. Shajahan, Professor and Dean, Social Protection, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai in his address said, “Today’s youth must come along the main stream of national development as opposed to staying detached and getting themselves diverted for worthless external attractions based on caste, religion, politics etc. As India has highest youth force, certainly it can bring about radical changes in the sphere of national development”.
The valedictory of the event was held in the evening. In his valedictory address Dr. P. K. Shajahan, Professor and Dean, Social Protection, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai expressed his pleasure for having chosen Youth Development as the theme of Philosem-2015, which is contemporary & quite relevant in the present society. Principal, Prof. Leo Noronha, presided over the function & Rev. Dr. Antony Prakash Monteiro Campus Director adorned the seat of chief guest.
The first session of the day witnessed the unfolding of the sub-theme ‘Youth in India: Current Situation, Problems and Empowerment Strategies’ by Dr. P.M Mathew, Associate professor, Central University of Kerala. Prof. John D’Souza of P.G Department of Social Work, Govt. First Grade College, Vittal, moderated the session.
During Second session, the research scholars and social work students presented papers on various sub-themes of the seminar and the session was chaired by Dr. Sebastin K.V. from School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore and Fr Price C.P moderated the session.
The Third session was handled by Prof. Chandramouli, Assistant Professor, Department of social work Mysore University on the topic ‘Role of Social Worker in Positive Youth Development’. Dr. Sebastin K.V. from School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore moderated the session.
St Aloysius College Mangalore, Nehru Memorial College, Sullia and Srinivas College, Managore secured first, second and third prizes respectively in poster making competition which was held on the occasion on the theme “Youth and Substance Abuse”.
The number of participants consisted of Practitioners, faculty members & students from social work as well as Management studies, NGO personnel, representatives from various development organizations.
Mr. Satwick K. S. & Ms. Sharanya were the student coordinators of the Seminar.