By: Imran Maqbool Wani & Zahid Ahmad Lone

Social work education in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant growth, with various academic institutions offering programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Prestigious universities such as the University of Kashmir and the Central University of Jammu offer Master’s programs in Social Work, highlighting the discipline’s increasing relevance in addressing the region’s social challenges. Additionally, ten colleges in Kashmir and one in Jammu offer social work programs, while the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) provides accessible Bachelor’s (BSW) and Master’s (MSW) courses, further broadening opportunities for students across the region.

At the 10 2 level, Social Work education holds transformative potential, serving as a bridge between foundational schooling and higher education. In Kashmir, where social, historical, cultural, and political complexities intersect, integrating Social Work at this stage can reshape educational paradigms and foster socially responsible and empathetic citizens. Introducing Social Work at the higher secondary level sensitizes students to pressing social issues like poverty, gender inequality, mental health, and displacement, which are particularly pronounced in the region. This exposure nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility, helping young learners engage with these issues while developing a moral and ethical framework that prioritizes collective well-being.

The teenage years are crucial for shaping students’ readiness for both academic and professional futures. At this stage, students transition from being passive recipients of knowledge to active participants in learning and societal engagement. Social Work, with its emphasis on real-world challenges, provides an ideal platform to facilitate this shift, introducing students to essential life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. These skills are vital for personal growth and professional success, enabling students to understand their roles within a broader societal context and fostering a sense of agency and purpose. With approximately 1,500 professional social workers active in Jammu and Kashmir, these educational platforms are critical in equipping individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to address the socio-economic challenges faced by local communities.

Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice

Modern education in Kashmir, as elsewhere, often emphasizes theoretical knowledge at the expense of practical skills. Social Work as a subject addresses this gap by combining academic inquiry with experiential learning. Through projects, field visits, and community engagement, students gain first-hand exposure to societal dynamics, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts in........

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