Trace the history of social work in India.IGNOU

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QUESTION:Trace the history of social work in India.

ANSWER:The history of social work in India is both rich and fascinating, evolving over centuries to address the diverse challenges faced by individuals and communities. Here’s a brief overview:

Ancient Period

Social work in India has roots in ancient times, where the concept of “daana” (charity) was deeply ingrained in the culture. Philanthropists, kings, and wealthy individuals dedicated resources to provide for the less fortunate, fostering a spirit of giving and altruism within society.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, social work continued under various empires, including the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal Empires. Acts of charity and social welfare were encouraged, with rulers building temples, educational institutions, and public facilities to serve the community.

British Colonial Era

The foundations of formal social work education were laid during the British colonial period. Key developments include:

  • 1920s: Establishment of the first formal social service organizations, such as the Social Service League in Mumbai.
  • 1936: Founding of the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work (now Tata Institute of Social Sciences) in Mumbai.
  • 1940s: Introduction of short-term training programs and certificate courses in social work to address social issues arising from rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Post-Independence Era

After India gained independence in 1947, social work education expanded to meet the nation’s development needs:

  • 1950: Establishment of the Delhi School of Social Work (now part of Delhi University).
  • 1952: Founding of the Madras School of Social Work.
  • 1965: Introduction of the first Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) program in social work at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Expansion and Standardization (1970s-1980s)

This period saw significant growth and efforts to standardize social work education:

  • 1978: Formation of the Association of Schools of Social Work in India (ASSWI) to promote quality in social work education.
  • 1986: University Grants Commission (UGC) recognized social work as a separate discipline and established a curriculum development committee.

Professionalization and Specialization (1990s-2000s)

The field of social work education underwent further refinement:

  • 1990s: Introduction of specialized fields within social work education, such as medical and psychiatric social work, human resource management, and rural development.
  • 2001: Launch of the first distance education program in social work by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Contemporary Developments (2010s-Present)

Recent years have seen continued evolution and adaptation of social work education to meet changing societal needs.

Social work in India has a long and storied history, deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural, social, and political fabric. It continues to evolve, addressing new challenges and striving for a more just and inclusive society.

Does this overview help? Would you like to know more about any specific period or aspect of social work in India?

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