The India Post, Chandigarh, 1st March, 2009 :Three community projects proposed by Students of Social Work Department of Panjab University have been declared as Grant winners for the Carter Academic-Service Entrepreneur (CASE) Award Winter 2009.
The CASE Award distribution function was organized at Senate Hall on March 1st, 2009 and was attended by University Officials, Chairpersons of Social Science Departments, Coordinators and Directors of different Centers. Prof. R.C. Sobti, Vice Chancellor, P.U and Dr. Surishtha Sehgal, Founder & President of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Foundation presented the “Merit Certificates” to the Winner Students and Faculty Advisors.
Dr. Sween, Member CASE Committee and Joint Director, ACEE, PU introduced the guests and other dignitaries and very efficiently conducted the proceedings of the award function. Dr. Dharinder Tayal, while welcoming the guests, also appreciated the efforts made by the students and very categorically pointed out that this award is like a rain in the oasis, which will act like a spark for the future fire.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. R. C. Sobti, Vice Chancellor, congratulated the students of Social Work and the faculty advisors on their brilliant success. Although he mentioned about his apprehensions for starting the Social Work Course at PU but he was exceptionally convinced with the practical importance and applicability of Social Work course for handling the social issues. He applauded the commitment, dedication, and professionalism shown by the students, which has brought laurels to the Panjab University.
Dr. Sue Sehgal, in her address stated that "The students are breaking new ground in India by applying what they learn to make a difference in the lives of communities near their University,". "Both will benefit – the children and villagers / slum dwellers who receive the service and the students who perform the service. This award will act as a powerful motivator for other students of the University to emulate what the students of Social Work are doing selflessly towards the community. On behalf of the President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter she thanked the Vice Chancellor for his collaborative efforts and hope that such collaborations will act as a base for the future success and prosperity.
The first project proposal is "Bachpan: The Foundation of an Individual’s Personality”, proposed by Japuneet Kaur Hayer, Mitali, Puneeta Behl, Upneet Rangi, Subhalaxmi, Ravjot Kaur, Sakshi Tandon, Yashika under the guidance of Prof. Mohinderjit. K. Teja as faculty advisor and the community partner in this project is Mr. Atul Khanna, Director, Durga Das Foundation. This project involves an early childhood education program for children below 5 years of age from low-socio-economic families where students of Social Work will use the Activity Based Learning (ABL) to enhance the developmental abilities and self regulatory behavior of children in the villages Dhanas and Dadu Majra. During the activities the main focus will be on “children being made ready for school rather than the school being made ready for the children”.
The second Project Proposal is “Conserving the Traditional Water Resource”: A Lifeline for the Remote Villages of Morini Hills" proposed by Amarpreet Singh, Lamgouthang Chongloi, Leingakpa Ningthoujam, Arvind Kishore, Parveen Kumar, Prashant Sharma,Sunil Beniwal. Apan Bharti under the guidance of Mr. Gaurav Gaur, as Faculty Advisor and the community partner in this project is Mr. Nirmal Beniwal, President, Society for Training and Rural Development. The Projects involves rejuvenating Bavadis in order to provide safe drinking water to the villagers, plantation of trees and fast growing grasses like the Napier grass around the water sources which will make the project integrative.
The Third Project Proposal is "Waste Newspapers: A Source of Sustenance for Slum Children" proposed by Navjot Sharma, Manisha Sharma, Pooja Rani, Navreet Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Abhilasha Mathews, Esther, Supongsenla Jamir, Maiban Montana, Vidushi Mukhi, Pratima, under the guidance of Prof. Mohinderjit. K. Teja as faculty advisor and the community partner in this project is Mr. Zulfiqar Khan, Director, Theatre Age. In this project the students will combine newspaper recycling and training for enacting plays and theatre activities for raising awareness against drug abuse, environmental problems, skipping school and other social issues.
The award function concluded by the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. (Mrs). Manjeet Paintal, member CASE committee and Director, Regional Resource Centre, P.U. according to Prof. Mohinder K. Teja, Coordinator (CASE Programme) Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Foundation.