Nepal Social Work Symposium is an annual flagship event organized by the School of Social Sciences and the Social Work Club of Thames. The grand event aims to bring together distinguished personalities to deliberate upon issues broadly in line with the annual theme set by The Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development (The Agenda). This year, the symposium was structured under the theme: Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability, organized on June 7 and 8.
The two-day event assembled distinguished personalities and expatiate upon the subjects in line with the annual theme, including a series of interesting events which engaged the audience and conveyed evocative messages. Programs such as Slam Poetry, book talk, and panel discussions were the highlights of Symposium 2018.
Brief Rundown of Symposium 2018
Day 1
Plenary Session 1: Conservation with Human Face
The first plenary session was delivered by Mr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). Addressing the evolving relationship between humans and nature, Mr. Gurung highlighted two possible directions this relationship could take: one where humans recognize their responsibility and work to protect the environment, and another where they exploit natural resources recklessly for short-term gain. He emphasized how recent development activities are contributing significantly to environmental degradation, urging the participants to consider more sustainable approaches to progress.
Slam Poetry: Word Warriors
Ms. Nasala Chitrakar led an engaging session; a powerful showcase of slam poetry that explored the emotional depth and impact of spoken word. The performances touched on pressing social issues such as pollution, underdevelopment, corruption, and the ongoing struggle for progress.
Plenary Session 2: Development Through the Eyes of a Journalist
This plenary session featured renowned novelist and journalist Mr. Narayan Wagle, who spoke under the theme "Development Through the Eyes of a Journalist." Drawing from his years of field experience, Mr. Wagle offered a critical perspective on Nepal's development landscape. He highlighted the unintended consequences of rapid modernization and raised concerns about the sustainability and inclusivity of development efforts in the country.
Workshop: Society and Movie-making
Day 1 concluded with two hands-on workshops. Mr. Manoj Pandit, a prominent filmmaker, led a dynamic movie-making workshop, while simultaneously, a Proposal Writing workshop was facilitated by the International School of Advanced Studies and Society (ISAS). These interactive sessions offered participants a practical outlet to apply their knowledge and creativity, wrapping up the first day on a high and empowering note.
Day 2
Plenary Session: Reservation and Marginalized Community
Another key plenary session focused on the theme "Reservation and Marginalized Communities." Ms. Ila Sharma, Commissioner at the Election Commission of Nepal, delivered a compelling talk on democracy, highlighting the importance of affirmative action and reservation policies in addressing the needs of marginalized groups. She emphasized the critical role that inclusive electoral processes play in ensuring representation and equity for minority communities in Nepal.
Book Talk: To be a Nepalese
Following the plenary session, a Book Talk was conducted by Mr. C.K. Lal, an accomplished author, engineer, journalist, and political analyst. Centered around his book "Nepaliya Hunalai," the talk explored themes of nationality and identity, delving into what it truly means to be 'Nepalese.'
Documentary Screening: Last Nomads of Everest
The day continued with a documentary screening conducted by Mr. Nischal and Nirjal Poudyal. The film explored the lives of the people from Nurkhum village, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters. It portrayed the struggles and resilience of the last Sherpa family still engaged in the traditional profession of mountain cow husbandry. Through intimate storytelling, the documentary shed light on the harsh realities faced by this community and the challenges of sustaining cultural heritage in the face of change in the Everest region.
Panel Discussion: Corruption, Underdevelopment, and Nepal
The closing session of the Nepal Social Work Symposium 2018 centered on the theme "Corruption, Underdevelopment, and Nepal" and featured a compelling panel discussion moderated by journalist Ms. Sama Thapa. Panelists included Mr. Dhanraj Gurung (Nepali Congress), Mr. Ramesh Prasad Kharel (Former DIG, Nepal Police), Ms. Ranju Darshana (Bibeksheel Sajha Party), and Mr. Shiva Gaunle (Center for Investigative Journalism). The session explored the far-reaching impacts of corruption on Nepal's development, touching on issues such as youth participation, bureaucracy, exploitation, inclusion, and gender.
Each year, Nepal Social Work Symposium stays committed to its mission—creating a platform where students, professionals, and social advocates come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and inspire informed action.
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