Socially responsible

Dr Mary Venus Joseph, dean & administrator, Rajagiri School of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

Social work education provides adequate inputs in social research, community assessment, community project development and  implementation. The alarming rise in social problems, mental health issues and family problems, along with the rapid developments in the society, have increased the need for social work professionals with specific knowledge and skills to deal with these social issues.

Recognising the importance of professional social workers, a number of colleges and universities across India are offering bachelor and master programmes in social work. Students, who have completed their plus two in any stream with 50% marks, can opt for a degree in social work, and graduates in social work or any other degree preferably in related areas, can apply for a post-graduation in social work. Selection is based on a common entrance test by the university and final interview by the college.

Since the very nature of job is helping people in resolving their issues, right attitude is an important prerequisite to work in social work field. Regular reading habit and written proficiency in English will make the learning easier and effective. Apart from this, interpersonal skills, analytical and reflective skills, documentation skills programme, planning, evaluation and management skills are an added advantage for social work students.

Social entrepreneurship is an emerging trend among professional social workers. Similarly, innovative corporate social responsibility projects undertaken by the corporates and disaster management and environment protection are areas that require trained social workers. Specializations in social work ranges from mental health,  medical and psychiatric social work, family and child welfare, community development, human resource management, welfare administration etc.

Social work offers interesting career options in the government sector, educational institutions, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of different companies and with the NGO’s in the field of community based rehabilitation, school counselling, child adoption, health promotion rural management and son on.  Teaching is also an option for MSW post graduates.

There are also government positions like probation officers, block development officers, and counselors in family which specify Master’s Degree in social work. Many multinational companies specifically ask for social workers with HR specialization for managerial jobs in their personnel departments. Besides, social work is a highly rated skilled job in countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Canada.

                                                                                                                     sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com

 

Money matters

Dr Sunil Kumar S Menon, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Maharaja's College, Kochi

Economics deals with all aspects of a country's economy, from utilizing its resources, to dealing with the problem of scarcity, and avoiding problems such as inflation and unemployment. It is economics that attempts to frame policies for the elimination of crisis and sets strategy for growth. Even ordinary people are concerned about the various developments in the economy. Hence, there is a growing demand for the subject of economics today specially among civil service aspirants.

Students who have completed their plus two in any stream can opt for a degree in Economics, and graduates in Economics or any degree, can apply for a post-graduation in Economics. Those who have opted mathematics as a subject during graduation will have an upper hand than others.

Apart from this, a reasonable quantitative aptitude, sensitivity towards social issues and enthusiasm for experimental learning are essential skills. Similarly, ability to draw and interpret graphs and figures, and a nose to draw inference from data are added advantages for economics students.

Economics as a subject offers various new specialisations like risk management economics, cultural economics, behavioural economics, behavioural game theory and so on. Game theory has been an emerging trend and interdisciplinary areas like complexity economics and econophysics are also evolving rapidly.

Of late, there has been revived enthusiasm in traditional fields of economics like the economics of the commons, environmental economics, macroeconomics, monetary economics, time series econometrics, market design and experimental economics. There is also a tendency for research in economics to be guided by the requirements of the market.

Economics graduates/post graduates with a specialisation are highly in demand today and great opportunities exist both in the private and public sectors. Graduates in economics can find decently paid jobs with banks, stock brokers and stock exchanges. Market regulators like SEBI, FMC and TRAI strictly prefer economics students as it is easier to communicate the basic concepts with them.

With a post-graduation in economics, one can work in international institutions like the World Bank, the IMF, WTO etc.  Those who clear UGC National Eligibilty Test and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) are eligible for teaching economics in colleges after undertaking research and a doctorate degree in Economics is much appreciated.

Apart from this, the RBI employs post graduate economists through a competitive examination and the corporate sector also hires economics analysts. The UPSC conducts an all India examination to select post graduates for the Indian Economic Service. It is a Group- A civil service constituting a professional cadre of economists, who make valuable contribution to policy making, implementation and monitoring of development programmes.

                                                                                    sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com

 

Lessons in History

Ashmi Jalal, final year, BA Islamic History, Maharaja’s College, Kochi

As a student, I was always intrigued by history and the culture of our country as well as the world. I felt one would gain more knowledge about a nation by understanding its history. That prompted me to take up Islamic History for my graduation, after completing plus two in humanities.

Contrary to popular belief, Islamic History is not a religious subject. It has more to do with politics, philosophy and economics of a country than a particular religion. The subjects include world history, political science, economics, Islamic banking and so on.  We also learn about Islamic dynasties like Abbasid and Caliphates that ruled the Middle East and other countries as well as the social and cultural impact of different Indian Islamic empire’s rule in India.

Apart from what I had learnt at the Madrasa, my knowledge of Islam was very limited before taking up this course. There are about 30 students in my class and a good number of them are non-Muslim students, whom we teach and help them to understand the subjects better. After completing BA, one can opt for its post-graduation or do higher education in Delhi. As for my future plans, I would like to do my masters in Islamic History and take up teaching profession.

As told to Sherene Joseph
 

Bridal fashion at its best

Wedding Times Fashion Fiesta, organised by The Times of India presents the ultimate wedding fashion trousseau

Three renowned fashion designers from the Indian fashion industry will present their latest wedding couture at Wedding Times Fashion Fiesta to be held in the city today. Organised by The Times of India, the event will feature the themed wedding collections of Hari Anand, Sumit Dasgupta and Thahir Sayed Mohammed.

Kochi based designer Hari Anand will present the golden theme, aptly named ‘Alchemy’, showcasing gold based fabrics in georgette and pure silk. “I have chosen base fabrics and nude colours and enhanced the bridal sarees and lehengas with embroideries,” says Anand. The highlight of the show will be his interpretation of kasavu bordered Kerala sarees. His bridal collections are ideal not just for weddings but for the sangeet and wedding receptions as well.

Thahir Sayed Mohammed will be exhibiting his wedding collection based on Goth fashion. “Gothic has a reciprocal relationship with the fashion world. With the main colour as black and a bit of white, I plan to use black fabrics like lycra, velvet and lace, apart from sequins, swarovski head gear and lace net for veil,” adds Mohammed. He also has a collection of prom and cocktail gowns for bridesmaids.

Mumbai based Sumit Dasgupta’s designs are purely Indian ethnic and bridal wear. “My collections are inspired by Maa Durga and is my tribute to naari shakti. The ethnic wears are made of a variety of fabrics such as brocade, georgette, velvet, chiffon, satin, raw silk and Italian crepe. The colours used are beige, maroon, bright green, bright yellow, dark blue, golden, and baby pink,” says Dasgupta. The ability to experiment with different weaving techniques like zari, aari, antique tikki work, resham, gota work, LCD work and zardozi makes his collections unique.

Apart from the display of trendy wedding collections, wedding jewellery is sponsored by Joy Alukkas. Model turned actress Parvathy Omanakuttan will be the show stopper at the fashion fiesta!
Expectations are high as the designers are presenting their wedding collections for the first time in Kochi, the fashion capital of Kerala. “With the wedding season on in a few weeks, the fashion fiesta will have a high impact on the audience looking to take a cue from the show,” chips in Anand.
Entry to the fashion fete will be through invitation only. An array of splendid wedding couture, teamed with classic ethnic jewellery and finest accessories is sure to make many heads turn. So, spice up your glam quotient and get ready for a fashionable evening of glitz and glamour.

Sherene.Joseph@timesgroup.com

A day for doctors

Doctor’s Day is observed in India on 01 July every year to honour the legendary physician Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.  It reminds us about the nobility of this selfless profession, a vocation that gives us new life

Doctors play an inevitable part in our daily lives. There is not a single person who has not visited a doctor atleast once in his lifetime. They are always remembered with gratitude for their selfless services to mankind. The most rewarding part for many doctors is to see their patients get better and being able to make a difference in their lives. We asked a few doctors on their take on Doctor’s Day. Here is what they had to say:

Dr P A Abdul Hakkim,
director, Mother Hospital, Thrissur
On Doctor’s Day, I would like to reminisce with gratitude all my colleagues especially the senior doctors who have remained with us right from the inception of this hospital in 1991. Their relentless support has helped a long way in building this hospital to what it is today.

Dr K K Gopinathan,
executive director, CIMAR, Edappal
Doctor’s Day is a remembrance day for us doctors to remember the Hippocratic Oath and to perform our duties to the patients sincerely. It is also a time to recognise the contribution and services of senior doctors. I would advise aspiring doctors also to put service to society first and monetary benefits will automatically follow. 

Ms. Manju Thomas Poonolil,
Audiologist and Clinical Specialist, Cochlear Implantation
Ephphatha Speech and Hearing Centre, Thrissur
It is important to create awareness about hearing impairment. As an audiologist, I urge all parents to do a hearing screening for early identification and intervention of hearing impaired children. Cochlear implantation is most effective to children between the age of 0-3 years. Let us do our best to bring up socially productive children at par with their peers.