Dissecting stumbling blocks in tackling social issues and need for community ownership

Dimapur, Feb. 22 (EMN): In what could help solve several pressing problems prevalent in today’s society, the Social Work department of St. Joseph University and Prodigals’ Home jointly organised a seminar on “Social issues and community ownership” at the former’s auditorium on Friday, February 22.

DCP, Zone II, Dimapur, Vishal Chauhan (IPS) and director of Prodigals’ Home K. Ela were the resource persons of the event.

Ela shared her experience while dealing with alcohol and drug addicts, vulnerable women and children, persons with disability, HIV/AIDS etc. at Prodigals’ Home, the organisation that started CHILDLINE 1098 Project, 24 hours toll free Helpline for children, in 2011.

The Prodigals’ Home director stressed on the ‘rights of the children; the need to protect them; and to make the future of our society safer and secure.’ She expressed ‘surprise and aghast at the unbelievable cases of physical abuse, rape, molestation, exploitation etc. against children that are being reported to and unearthed by CHILDLINE in Dimapur.’

On community ownership, she pointed out that ignorance is one of the biggest stumbling blocks and that “there is a palpable need to educate our community leaders and community at large on the right process and steps to take so that they become enlightened and act more responsibly while tackling the diverse social issues confronting the society today.”

Chauhan touched upon some prevalent social issues like crime against women and children, substance abuse, transportation, misuse of social media, and lack of opportunities and awareness about one’s rights that are faced by the society. He also suggested “ownership and action steps” that can be taken up by students and communities to stop such problems.

The police officer urged the gathering to know their basic rights and the process of dealing with police and reporting cases. While assuring that they will always be there to help the public, he invited the students to visit his office to get familiarised with the working system of the police and the law.

St. Joseph University vice chancellor Dr. Gnanadurai welcomed the resource persons and other guests earlier during the programme. He also thanked the Social Work department of the college for being ‘very active in extracurricular activities.’