Utkal University explores academia and agency partnerships for social change
Bhubaneswar witnessed a gathering of future social leaders as Utkal University hosted its Master of Social Work induction programme for the 2026–27 academic batch. Organised on September 12, the event centered on how partnerships between academic institutions and ground-level agencies drive social transformation across India. Historically, Utkal University has played a vital role in shaping public policy and social sector leadership in Odisha. Students and faculty from various disciplines, including Sociology, MBA-RM, and Public Health, joined the MSW department to welcome the new cohort.
Evolving roles in modern social work
Shri Jagadananda, co-founder of the Centre for Youth and Social Development and former State Information Commissioner, delivered the chief address. He noted that modern social work extends far beyond traditional boundaries. Professionals now frequently collaborate with non-governmental organisations, global entities, and social enterprises. He pointed to community entrepreneurship and grassroots health initiatives as rapidly growing fields for practitioners.
Drawing connections to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he urged students to focus on the interconnected dimensions of people, planet, and profit. He reminded the audience that climate change, widening gender disparities, and India's rising per-capita carbon footprint demand urgent, community-based solutions.
Occupying the third space for real change
Prof. Rabindra Garada, the MSW course coordinator, expanded on the core theme of the day. He introduced the concept of the "third space," a critical intersection where theoretical knowledge meets harsh field realities. True transformation requires more than highly visible activities, he explained. Success must be measured by examining actual ground-level conditions and verifying that essential resources genuinely reach marginalized and deprived groups.
Faculty members Dr. Biswabhusan Ghadai and Dr. Deepak Nayak offered their encouragement to the fresh batch, while active participants like Ms. Kasturi Samal and Farhat Jahan engaged deeply with the sessions. Adding practical insights, second-year MSW students shared their field experiences to give newcomers a clear view of academic expectations. This interdisciplinary exchange reinforced the need for collaborative approaches to solve complex societal challenges in today's world.
