Varsity organises workshop on role of media in creating social awareness

The Department of Social Work at Bhagat Phool Singh Women’s University, Khanpur Kalan, in Sonepat district, organised a training programme on ‘Social Defence Issues for Social Work Educators’ on Thursday. The event was sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Eminent media educator Sunit Mukherjee, addressing the participants, emphasised the significant role media plays in raising social awareness, promoting effective community engagement and educating the masses on pressing social issues.

“Media must be used to sensitise society about crucial topics such as the ageing population, gender equality, women empowerment and the integration of marginalised communities into the mainstream,” Mukherjee said. He illustrated his points by sharing impactful examples from media, including films and television programmes,that have contributed meaningfully to the social sector.

Dr Manju Pawar, Head of the Social Work Department, welcomed Mukherjee and highlighted the relevance of the training programme in strengthening the role of social work educators.

In another session, Dilbag Singh Dahiya from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Sonepat, briefed participants on various government schemes aimed at supporting the social sector.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory session presided over by Professor Ravi Bhushan, Dean of Social Sciences. He underscored the significance of social work and said that the workshop served as a vital capacity-building platform for educators in the field. The workshop saw active participation from faculty and delegates from various universities.