AMU Department of Social Work Concludes Orientation Programme

 
Prof. Shamim Ahmad addressing the Orientation Programme for MSW Students at Dept Social Work on dais Prof Vibha Sharma, Prof. Naseem Ahmad Khan, Mr. Saad Hameed, Dr. Mohammad Tahir, Dr. Mohd. Arif Khan

AMU Department of Social Work Concludes Orientation Programme for MSW Students

ALIGARH, September 29: The Department of Social Work, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), concluded its seven-day 31st Orientation Programme for MSW first-semester students with a valedictory programme at the Faculty of Arts Lounge. The programme, held from September 21 to 28, was designed to familiarise newly admitted students with the University and the Department and to support their academic, personal and professional development.

Prof. Vibha Sharma, Department of English, was the chief guest, while Prof. Shamim Ahmad, Department of Commerce, was the guest of honour. Prof. Naseem Ahmad Khan, former Chairperson of the Department, Prof. Shahzad, Department of Botany and Mr. Saad Hameed, Training and Placement Officer (General), also attended the programme.

Speaking as the chief guest, Prof. Vibha Sharma encouraged the students to set clear priorities and maintain a balance between passion and profession. She emphasised that a person’s identity should be rooted in values and character rather than popularity or material success. She also underlined the importance of ‘Tameez’ and ‘Tarbiyat’ in shaping personality and recalled Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s vision of students becoming job providers rather than merely job seekers.

Prof. Shamim Ahmad, the guest of honour, highlighted the wide range of specialisations in social work and advised students to choose their career paths according to their interests and strengths. He stressed the importance of communication skills, body language, subject knowledge, professional presentation and the ability to build healthy relationships.

Mr. Saad Hameed spoke about career planning and advised students to develop clarity of purpose, a sense of direction and strong work ethics. He identified subject knowledge, effective speaking and writing skills, and a positive personality with team-building, social and leadership qualities as important attributes for MSW students. He encouraged them to make full use of AMU’s facilities, plan their careers from an early stage and remain in touch with the TPO volunteers in the Department.

Prof. Naseem Ahmad Khan explained the purpose of the orientation programme. He also apprised the students of various employment opportunities available to social workers in government and community sectors.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Dr. Mohammad Tahir, Chairman, Department of Social Work and Coordinator of the Orientation Programme, spoke about the role, scope, areas and objectives of social work. Describing social workers as change makers, he encouraged the students to approach their profession with commitment and a sense of social responsibility.

During the week, the students attended around 30 lectures delivered by faculty members from Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Community Medicine, Radiotherapy, Anesthesiology, TB and Chest Diseases, Oral Pathology, Political Science and School Education. Experts from placement, public relations, NGO and HR backgrounds also interacted with the students.

The programme was hosted by Dr. Mohd. Arif Khan. Participation certificates were distributed among the MSW first-year and final-year students. Dr.QurratulAein Ali proposed the vote of thanks.