The PG Department of Social Work,
GEMS Arts and Science College (Autonomous), is organizing HUMANTA 26, an
International Conference on the theme “Transforming Social Work: Addressing
Emerging Needs, Scope, and Challenges”, on 11th February 2026 at the
Prem Nazir Audio-Visual Theatre and Research Centre.
The conference deliberations focus
on key sub-themes such as promoting mental wellbeing and the role of social
workers, social work with vulnerable populations, interdisciplinary
collaboration, migration, urbanization and community transformation, technology
and digital innovations in practice, the future of social work education,
family and child welfare, gender-responsive social work, green social work and
environmental sustainability, as well as crisis intervention and disaster
response.
The conference begins with the
inaugural session led by Dr. B. G. Unni, Director of Academics and
Research, GEMS Arts and Science College, who formally inaugurates the program
and emphasizes the relevance of transforming social work education and practice
in today’s rapidly changing world.
The program features eminent
international and national guest speakers addressing contemporary issues
shaping the future of the profession. Dr. U. L. Muhammed Ashker, Post
Doctoral Researcher at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, and Senior Lecturer
at the National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka, delivers a session
on “Social Work in Global Perspective: Challenges, Innovation, and Future
Directions,” providing insights into the profession’s global developments
and emerging responsibilities. Prof. Imrul Kabir, from the Department of
Social Work, Jamalpur Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, presents
on “Social Work in the Era of Climate Change: Interventions for Sustainable
Adaptation,” focusing on the role of social work in climate resilience and
sustainable community interventions. The national guest speaker, Dr. Reshma
Bharadwaj, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Sree
Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, speaks on “Emerging Trends
Shaping Contemporary Social Work Practice,” highlighting new directions,
challenges, and opportunities within the discipline.
HUMANTA-26 hosts paper presentation
sessions that encourage scholarly contribution and research dissemination.
These presentations are reviewed and guided by an expert panel consisting of Dr.
Shiju Elias, Principal of Alphonsa College, Thiruvambady; Dr. Safeer
Atheekkadan, Principal of MSTM Arts and Science College, Perinthalmanna and
President of KAPS Malappuram; Dr. Vysakh C. M., Assistant Professor,
Department of Social Work, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, RC
Payyannur; and Dr. Mohammed Shafi K., Head of the Department, PG
Department of Social Work, SNDP YSS College, Perinthalmanna.
Overall, HUMANTA 26 stands as a
significant forum for academic dialogue, professional networking, and
collaborative learning. The conference reflects the commitment of the PG
Department of Social Work, GEMS Arts and Science College, to promoting socially
relevant research, innovative interventions, and transformative professional
engagement in the field of social work.