Evolution of social work in India

Social work in India has a rich history that has evolved over time. The early origins of social work in India can be traced back to the Bhakti movement in the 12th century. This movement, which emphasized devotion and service to others, played a significant role in the development of social welfare and charity work in India.

 

During the British colonial period, Christian missionaries played a key role in the development of social work in India. They established schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and provided aid to the poor and marginalized. This helped to establish the concept of social service as an important aspect of Indian society.

 

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, socio-religious reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj emerged, which aimed to address social issues such as poverty, illiteracy, and the mistreatment of women and children. These movements also advocated for the education of women, abolition of child marriage, and the caste system.

 

The rural reconstruction programmes of the 1940s and 1950s, such as the Gandhian movement, focused on the upliftment of rural areas. They aimed to improve the living conditions of rural communities, promote self-sufficiency, and provide employment opportunities.

 

The professionalization of social work in India began in the 1950s with the establishment of professional schools like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Today, there are numerous universities and institutions offering degree programs in social work, and social work has become a recognized profession in India.

 

Social workers in India today work on a wide range of issues, including poverty, education, healthcare, gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. They work in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private organizations, and their efforts have made a significant impact on Indian society.

 

In conclusion, social work in India has evolved over time, with contributions from various socio-religious reform movements, Christian missionaries, rural reconstruction programmes, and professionalization efforts. Today, social work continues to be an important field in India, playing a vital role in promoting social justice and improving the lives of marginalized communities.

 

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