Guwahati, 2 November (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday inaugurated the 14th Indian Social Work Conference (ISWC) 2026 at Assam Don Bosco University's Tapesia Campus in Sonapur.

The three-day conference, being held from November 2 to 4, is organised by the university's Department of Social Work in collaboration with the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI).

Addressing the gathering, the Governor stressed the need to shift from welfare-based assistance to empowerment and self-reliance, emphasising that development must reach the last person. The conference, themed From Welfare to Wellbeing: Reimagining Social Work Practice for Viksit Bharat @2047, brings together over 300 academicians, researchers, policymakers and social work professionals from India and abroad.

The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to six distinguished personalities for their contributions to social work. The Conference Abstract Book, Souvenir and guidelines on the ethical use of technology in social work education and practice were also released.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash