USTM Hosts Dialogue on Elder Care Through ICSSR-Sponsored National Workshop

 

 

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri-Bhoi, Tuesday, November 11, 2025: The Department of Social Work, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), successfully hosted a two-day ICSSR-sponsored National Workshop on “Building Caring Communities: Students and Social Work Leading the Way for Older Adults.”

Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Shillong, the workshop convened distinguished academicians, medical professionals, legal experts, and social work practitioners from across the country to deliberate on the pressing issues of ageing, elder care, and community support systems in contemporary India.

Over two intellectually stimulating days, experts explored the intersections of demographic transition, social change, and care ethics, highlighting the growing need to strengthen community-based support mechanisms for older adults.

The second day featured a series of insightful academic sessions.  Dr. Jennifer Kipgen, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati, presented on “Understanding the Relationship of Decreasing Fertility (TFR) and Increasing Longevity with the Care Support System,” examining how demographic trends challenge traditional family care structures.

Dr. Nibedita Paul, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, USTM, delivered a compelling session on “Empowering Students in Geriatric Social Work Leadership,” stressing the transformative role of professional education in shaping compassionate future leaders in elder care.

Dr. Monalisa Boro, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Guwahati, addressed “Geriatric Mental Health: Challenges and Bridging Care of Our Ageing Population,” emphasising the need for integrated psychosocial and medical responses.

Dr Pomi Mahanta, Centre for Counselling, School of Social Work, TISS Guwahati, discussed “Caring Together: Strengthening Families and Communities to Support the Mental Health of Older Adults,” advocating for community resilience and shared caregiving responsibilities.

Earlier sessions included thought-provoking insights from Dr. Yogiraj Das, who examined the impact of the decline of joint families on elderly well-being, and Prof. Garima Kalita, Dean, School of Social Work, USTM, who contextualised elder care within Marxian and postmodern critiques of capitalist individualism. Mrs Bararun Saikia, a prominent legal expert, underscored the importance of robust legal protections for senior citizens, while Prof. Abdul Waheed from Aligarh Muslim University offered a sociological perspective on ageing amid globalisation and migration.

In his special address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of USTM, Prof. G.D. Sharma, emphasised the moral and social responsibility of younger generations toward older adults, calling for value-based interventions rooted in empathy, dignity, and intergenerational solidarity.

The workshop was chaired by Mrs Nrityanjali Sarmah, Head, Department of Social Work, USTM, who lauded the scholarly contributions of all participants. The event was convened by Dr Amir Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, USTM, whose initiative led to the successful acquisition of ICSSR-NERC sponsorship.

The two-day deliberation concluded with a strong call for academic collaboration, inter-sectoral partnerships, and community-led initiatives to enhance geriatric care and build inclusive, compassionate societies.