Introduction

Samata Shikshan Sanstha, founded in 1972 by the visionary Prof. Vilas Wagh, is a renowned social service organization based in Pune, Maharashtra. The organization has always operated with the core belief that society can make a significant difference in the lives of the underprivileged and marginalized communities. Over the years, Samata Shikshan Sanstha has become synonymous with social empowerment, creating pathways for education, social welfare, and community upliftment through a variety of initiatives aimed at serving the weaker sections of society.

One of the most important contributions of Samata Shikshan Sanstha has been the establishment of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work, which has played a pivotal role in training future social workers. The college has become an educational beacon for students aspiring to make a positive impact on society through social work. With its blend of theory, practical fieldwork, and exposure to real-life challenges, the college has helped shape many successful social workers who are now making a difference in a wide array of fields, including government, NGOs, private organizations, and corporate sectors.

In this article, we will explore the history, vision, educational offerings, and key features of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work, as well as the contribution of Samata Shikshan Sanstha to the overall development of the social work field in Maharashtra and beyond.

Samata Shikshan Sanstha: Foundation and Vision

Founded in 1972, Samata Shikshan Sanstha emerged from the visionary leadership of Prof. Vilas Wagh, who sought to address the issues faced by the downtrodden and marginalized communities in society. The organization’s name “Samata” reflects its mission of equality and justice, striving to create a more inclusive society where everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic background, has equal access to opportunities for growth and development.

The vision of Samata Shikshan Sanstha is broad and encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at social reform, education, and welfare. The organization works to uplift underprivileged communities by providing access to education, vocational training, and other essential services. Among the notable initiatives are:

• Ashram Schools: These schools are set up in rural and tribal areas to provide quality education to children who otherwise do not have access to formal schooling.
• Hostels for Boys and Girls: To support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the organization has established hostels that provide safe and affordable living accommodations.
• Children’s Homes: These homes offer a nurturing environment for orphaned and abandoned children, ensuring their basic needs are met while also providing them with education.

At the heart of Samata Shikshan Sanstha’s mission is the belief that through education and social service, the lives of individuals and communities can be transformed, leading to greater social equity and harmony.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work: The Birth of an Institution

In 1994, Samata Shikshan Sanstha took a significant step towards institutionalizing social service by establishing the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work in Morane, Dhule. The college was set up with the goal of providing specialized education and training in social work, a field that plays a crucial role in addressing social problems, advocating for marginalized communities, and creating social change.

Affiliated to North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, and financially supported by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, the college has been an important center for social work education in the state. Situated on a small but well-maintained campus of about 0.167 acres in Morane, about 7 kilometers from the center of Dhule, the college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social work.

The college is named after Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and the architect of India’s Constitution, whose life and work continue to inspire social justice movements in the country. By naming the institution after Ambedkar, Samata Shikshan Sanstha not only honors his legacy but also reaffirms its commitment to equality, social justice, and community empowerment.

Academic Programs: Bachelor and Master of Social Work

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work offers a comprehensive curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, aimed at equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective social workers. Both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are generic, which means they cover a wide range of topics related to social work theory, field practices, and professional skills development.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The three-year BSW program at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in social work. The course includes a combination of theoretical subjects and practical fieldwork, where students learn how to address real-world social issues such as poverty, inequality, health disparities, and human rights violations. The curriculum covers various aspects of social work, including:

• Social Work Methods and Practice: A study of techniques, approaches, and methods used in social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities.
• Social Policy and Administration: Theoretical and practical aspects of social policy and the workings of social service organizations and government agencies.
• Community Development: Understanding the needs of communities and working with them to promote social change.
• Human Resource Management in Social Work: Developing leadership and management skills for working in social service organizations.

In addition to academic classes, students are required to undertake fieldwork practice, which is an essential component of the BSW program. This involves working in various social service agencies, both in rural and urban settings, to gain hands-on experience in addressing social issues. Fieldwork enables students to directly apply what they have learned in the classroom while developing critical skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work is a two-year postgraduate course designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of social work and specialize in specific areas. The program builds on the foundation laid in the BSW and introduces more advanced concepts in social work theory, research, and practice. Topics covered in the MSW program include:

• Advanced Social Work Practice: Focused training in working with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Research Methodology: The study of research techniques and methods to help students critically evaluate and contribute to social work research.
• Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Understanding the policymaking process and learning how to advocate for vulnerable populations.
• Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention: Training in dealing with emergency situations and helping communities affected by natural or man-made disasters.

The MSW program also includes an extended fieldwork component, allowing students to work with NGOs, government agencies, and other social welfare organizations. The program prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in social work practice and management.

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

The curriculum at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training. In addition to classroom lectures, students participate in individual conferences, group discussions, seminars, workshops, rural camps, and study tours. These activities are designed to expose students to real-life socio-economic conditions and help them understand the challenges faced by rural, tribal, and urban communities.

The college’s fieldwork program is an integral part of the training process. Students are placed in various social welfare agencies, such as government departments, NGOs, and community-based organizations, where they gain valuable experience working on social issues like child welfare, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and education.

Faculty and Support Services

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Social Work is staffed with a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty who specialize in different areas of social work. The faculty members are not only educators but also mentors who guide students in their academic and professional journeys. The college encourages a collaborative, student-centered learning environment, where teaching staff and students work closely to achieve academic and personal growth.

In addition to academic support, the college also provides a well-equipped library and reading room, which houses over 8,000 books, journals, and magazines on social work topics. The library is an essential resource for students seeking to deepen their understanding of social work concepts and keep up with the latest research in the field