11th June 2023 at Hotel Olathang, Paro, Bhutan

InterdisciplinaryInternational Conference was organized jointly by VaJaHa Foundation, Nagpur,Tirpude College of Social Work, Nagpur,Maharashtra Association of Social Work Educators (MASWE) and Norbuling Righter College,Paro, Bhutan. It was held on 11th June 2023. The theme of the conference was “Sustainable Development in South Asian Countries: Present Status, Issues and Challenges”.

The students of Norbuling Righter College presented beautiful welcome dance, earlier the conference commenced with singing national anthem of both the countries.

For inaugural -Dr.Tandin Dorji, President, NorbulingRigter College, Paro, Bhutan was chief guest. During his speech he spoke on overall position of Bhutan regarding sustainable development goals. He also took appraisal of the achievements and facts.He mentioned that Bhutan has 60% forest cover, wild life is also protected and education to all is the goal of Bhutan. He proudly claimed that Bhutan is champion as far as sustainable development goals are concerned.

Chairperson was Dr Swati Dharmadhikari, Principal, TCSW, Nagpur. She empahasized that there is a need of addressing the issues of sustainable development as we owe good future to our younger generations,  she particularly focused on inculcating healthy habits relevant for it.

Keynote speaker Prof. AmbadasMohite, Founder President,MASWE comprehensively took review of world scenario regarding sustainable development goals by giving statistics particularly onSouth Asian countries .

Master of Ceremony was Prof KeshavWalke, Director,VaJaHa Foundation and Vote of Thanks were proposed by Mr Sanjay Fulkar, Secretary, MASWE.

Technical Session I was chaired by   Dr.Prakash Katare, Former Dean, Dept of Social Work, SRTM University, Nanded, India. In this session 8 Papers were presented.

Session II, Dr. Saurabh Basu,Senior Faculty at NRC, Paro, Bhutan chaired the session in which also 8 Papers were presented.

For Valedictory Chief Guest was Dr.Karma Drukpa, Dean Academic, NRC,Paroand was chaired by Prof AmbadasMohite, Founder President,MASWE,India. Dr Karma Drukpa in his candid speech spoke on importance of addressing issues affecting sustainable development.In his power point presentation he focused on multiple dimensions of development and did mention that Bhutan considers Indians as brother. He specially mentioned the long associations between the two neighboring countries. Organizing secretory Dr Swati Dharmadhikari presented a brief report of the conference. Chairperson DrAmbadasMohite took review of the conference in which he expressed his concern on the fact that only department of social work in Bhutan will be closed soon. He further urged that we need to understand global scenario regarding three pillers of sustainable development i.e Ecology, Economy and Equity. He also explained the 17 sustainable development goals reminded the slogan “Leave No One Behind”.

Prof.KeshavWalke,  DrPuranik, Mr.Naresh Dhurve,  Mr.Sanjay Fulkar and members of MASWE took efforts to make the Conference a big success. The conference was a big success,there were 68 participants from India and Bhutan which included faculty and students.