North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Centre, Chümoukedima, observed 7th National Social Work Week 2026 from August 15 to 22 on the theme “Social Work: Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Families.”
The week-long observance brought together students, faculty members and various student bodies through a series of academic, creative, awareness and digital activities aimed at highlighting the relevance of professional social work in addressing contemporary social concerns.
The observance commenced on August 15 with the celebration of the 80th Independence Day of India, organised by the Students Council for Social Change (SCSC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), NEISSR. The programme focused on youth power, responsible citizenship, peace and nation-building.
In his Independence Day message, Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR called upon young people to become professionals with competence, citizens with conscience and leaders with compassion. He emphasised the responsibilities of social workers and peacebuilders in addressing poverty, discrimination, violence, substance abuse, exploitation and exclusion, while also highlighting the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the Northeast and protecting the environment.
The Independence Day programme also featured an address on “Youth Power for a Developed India” by Daislinung Sebastian Kamsuan, Assistant Professor, NEISSR, who encouraged young people to transform freedom into progress through education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, employment and social responsibility. The programme included the hoisting of the National Flag, National Anthem, invocation, Independence Day Pledge and a concluding vote of thanks.
On August 17 and 18, BSW V organised an Instagram Reel Making Activity on Mental Health, using digital media to promote awareness, empathy, emotional well-being and responsible help-seeking. Students used short-form digital content to communicate mental health messages and challenge stigma and misconceptions. The activity also provided practical exposure to digital communication, creativity, message development and social advocacy.
On August 19, the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) and NSS Unit, NEISSR organised a Poster Making Competition on the theme “End the Stigma: HIV Does Not Define a Person.” The activity sought to promote dignity, acceptance, inclusion and equality for people living with HIV and encouraged students to use creative expression as a form of social advocacy.
Lomathong K of BSW V secured the first position, followed by Suliri C Sangtam of BSW V in second position and Langoi of BSW I in third position.
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On August 20, BSW V conducted an interactive discussion on family relationships entitled “The Digital Divide in the Living Room.” The discussion examined how smartphones, social media and digital entertainment are influencing communication and emotional interaction within families. Students reflected on active listening, emotional presence, quality family time, responsible technology use and the changing communication patterns between generations.
On August 21, the Media Club, NEISSR conducted a digital Poster Campaign carrying the message “There is no shame in seeking mental health support – Talk It Out.” The campaign posters were circulated through Instagram Stories, WhatsApp Status and Facebook Stories for 24 hours, extending the mental health awareness message beyond the campus community. The campaign encouraged openness, supportive communication and appropriate help-seeking while demonstrating the potential of digital platforms for social advocacy.
The concluding activities on August 22 included a Debate Competition and an Essay Writing Competition, organised by SCSC, RRC and NSS, NEISSR. The debate, conducted for BSW students on the topic “A Strong Mind Is the Foundation of a Strong Family,” encouraged participants to critically examine the relationship between individual mental well-being and healthy family functioning.
Melda of BSW V was adjudged Best Debater – For the Motion, while Khekavi Zhimo of BSW V was recognised as Best Debater – Against the Motion. The Winning Group Award went to the team comprising Melda, Kelhoulezo William Theünuo, Atuo Moses Mepfhuo and Lomi Sema, representing the Motion.
The Essay Writing Competition was conducted for MSW students on the theme “Women and the Invisible Emotional Burden of Family Life”. The competition encouraged students to critically examine gender roles, caregiving, emotional labour, family expectations, social norms and women’s well-being from a social work perspective. Chiichinu of MSW III secured the first prize, Ms. Supou of MSW I the second prize and Khruzotalu Lohe of MSW I the third prize.
The week-long observance provided students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with contemporary social realities while developing competencies in communication, critical thinking, creativity, advocacy, teamwork, leadership and responsible citizenship.
