Students and faculty members participate in the 7th National Social Work Week at Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamunanagar.
Week-long programme on “Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Families” brings together students from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and other institutions
PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK YAMUNANAGAR
Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Yamunanagar, successfully concluded the seventh National Social Work Week 2026, organised by the Department of Social Work, with a focus on strengthening mental well-being, family relationships and social responsibility among young people. The week-long programme was held from August 20 to 27 under the theme “Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Families”, providing students with a platform to explore important social issues through creative and educational activities.
The programme brought together nearly 60 students from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and various universities and educational institutions. Students from the departments of Science, Commerce, Bachelor of Education, Punjabi and Social Work also participated actively in the competitions and activities organised during the week.
The initiative was designed to encourage students to look beyond academic learning and develop a deeper understanding of social issues affecting individuals, families and communities. Through creative competitions and participatory activities, students were encouraged to express their thoughts on issues connected with social well-being, family values, emotional strength and community responsibility.
College Principal Dr Arvinder Singh Bhalla congratulated the participating students and appreciated the Department of Social Work for providing a meaningful platform for social awareness, creativity and learning. He said that programmes focused on social issues help students understand the challenges faced by society and encourage them to become more responsible and sensitive citizens.
The Principal appreciated the efforts of the department in creating opportunities for students to participate in activities that combine learning with creativity. He also emphasised the importance of encouraging young people to develop an understanding of social responsibilities alongside their academic pursuits.
Vice-Principal Dr Jaswinder Kaur appreciated the active participation of students throughout the National Social Work Week. She said that such activities give students valuable opportunities to express their views, understand social concerns and develop confidence, sensitivity and a sense of social responsibility.
According to her, educational institutions have an important role to play in preparing students not only for professional careers but also for responsible participation in society. Creative activities and social awareness programmes can help students develop the confidence to communicate their ideas while also making them more sensitive towards the challenges faced by others.
Head of the Department of Social Work and programme coordinator Dr Sahib Singh said that initiatives of this nature play an important role in developing sensitivity among students towards social issues. He said that participation in social awareness activities can strengthen creativity, confidence and leadership abilities while encouraging students to think constructively about issues affecting society.
Dr Sahib Singh also highlighted the significance of the theme “Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Families”, which placed emphasis on the connection between individual well-being and healthy family relationships. He said that stronger individuals and supportive families contribute towards building healthier and more resilient communities.
The programme also provided students with an opportunity to communicate their understanding of social issues through visual and written expression. The competitions were structured to encourage participants to think creatively and present meaningful messages in an accessible manner.
The Poster Making Competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students. Participants used their artistic abilities to communicate messages related to social awareness and the importance of emotional and family well-being. Tamanna secured the first position, while Cherry, Isha and Ujjwal secured the second, third and fourth positions respectively.
The Slogan Writing Competition also generated considerable enthusiasm among the participants. Students attempted to convey powerful social messages through concise and creative slogans. Gagandeep secured first position, followed by Atul in second place. Khushi and Amandeep secured third and fourth positions respectively.
The competitions provided students with an opportunity to translate their understanding of social concerns into creative forms. The organisers said that activities such as poster making and slogan writing help young people communicate important messages effectively while encouraging them to think critically about issues around them.
The participation of students from different academic disciplines and regions also added diversity to the programme. Students from Science, Commerce, Bachelor of Education, Punjabi and Social Work backgrounds contributed their perspectives, demonstrating how social awareness can be approached from different academic and personal experiences.
Nearly 60 students from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and different universities and institutions took part in the week-long initiative. Their participation reflected the wider relevance of social work education and the importance of providing young people with platforms for interaction, learning and creative expression.
The programme also aimed to strengthen values such as empathy, social commitment and responsibility. By encouraging students to engage with social themes, the organisers sought to create an environment in which young people could understand the importance of supporting individuals and families facing emotional or social challenges.
Dr Hemant Mishra, Ms Anika and Ms Neelam also made active contributions towards the successful organisation of the programme. Their involvement, along with the efforts of the Department of Social Work, helped coordinate the various activities and competitions conducted during the National Social Work Week.
The winners of the competitions were honoured with Certificates of Achievement in recognition of their creativity, enthusiasm and outstanding participation. The recognition encouraged students to continue participating in activities that promote social awareness and constructive expression.
The organisers said the programme succeeded in providing students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on social issues and express their views creatively. The theme of strengthening minds and families also encouraged participants to consider the importance of emotional resilience, supportive relationships and social responsibility.
The seventh National Social Work Week concluded with appreciation for the students, faculty members and organisers who contributed to its success. The Department of Social Work expressed the view that such programmes should continue to be organised to encourage young people to engage with social issues and develop a stronger sense of empathy and responsibility.
The initiative demonstrated how educational institutions can use creative and participatory programmes to connect classroom learning with real-life social concerns. For the participating students, the week-long programme offered not only an opportunity to compete but also a platform to learn, communicate and develop a broader understanding of their responsibilities towards families and society.
With its emphasis on mental strength, family support, creativity and social commitment, the National Social Work Week 2026 concluded on a positive note and reinforced the importance of preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.
