Department of Social Work

Explore the

Department

Students

Scholars

Faculty

0 +

Publications

About the Department

Established in October 2007, the Department’s vision is to become a leading institution for innovative, interdisciplinary approaches in educating social work practitioners and scholars, conducting research, and serving as a catalyst for positive social transformation. The MSW programme offers specializations in Community Development, Human Resource Management and Medical & Psychiatric Social Work. Apart from classroom teaching, the MSW students shall undergo concurrent and block fieldwork in various government and non-government organizations, industries and hospitals. This practical training enables the students to acquire professional social work skills, values and ethics.

0413-2654770

hod.socialwork@pondiuni.ac.in

Vision and Message of Head of Department

Dr. P. B. Shankar Narayan

Professor

Since its establishment in 2007, the Department of Social Work at Pondicherry University has grown into a centre of academic excellence and social relevance. We offer a dynamic, student-centred learning environment, guided by a dedicated and interdisciplinary team of faculty drawn from diverse areas of social work practice.

Our curriculum is regularly updated to align with evolving professional needs and is supported by smart classrooms and modern infrastructure. At the heart of our Department is a commitment to research and community engagement. Our faculty and scholars contribute actively to the field through high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and research projects funded by esteemed bodies such as ICMR, ICSSR, NIDM, NISD and the Government of Puducherry.

We are deeply engaged in field-based interventions, capacity-building programs, and consultancy services for prominent stakeholders across the government, corporate, and development sectors. Through our capacity building programmes the department has reached out to institutions and establishments.

Our consistent record of student placements with prestigious institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER, TCS, NIMHANS, PGIMER Chandigarh, BDL, BEL, GAIL, BHEL, KIOCL, Central Universities, Gandhi Fellowships, and other educational institutions reflects both academic rigor and practical preparedness.

Looking ahead, we are in the process of establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international universities to expand our global reach. We take pride in nurturing socially conscious professionals by integrating theory with practice, fostering critical thinking, and equipping students with the competencies needed for meaningful and impactful careers.

View Profile

Office Contact Details

+91-413-2654-579

Programmes Offered

M.S.W. Master of Social Work

Ph.D. Social Work

Faculty

Dr. R. Nalini

Professor

Dr. A Shahin Sultana

Professor

Dr. K. Devan

Professor

Dr. K. Anbu

Professor

WhatsApp Image 2025-05-15 at 16.52.10_cc1918ad (1) - Dr.SATHEESH KUMAR

Dr. C. Satheesh Kumar

Professor

Dr. P. B. Shankar Narayan

Professor

Dr. Iftekhar Alam

Associate Professor

Infrastructure

Computer Laboratory with internet facilities Modern teaching aids and equipments

Thrust Area of Teaching & Research

Community Development
Mental Health
Public Health
Families and Children
Disaster Management
Elderly Care
Gender Studies
Human Resource Management
Corporate Social Responsibility
Occupational Social Work and Disability Social Work.

Achievements

Achievements of the Department int the last 5 years.

The department is distinguished by its rigorous academic structure and field-integrated curriculum. Over the past five years, it has consistently attracted strong interest, receiving an average of over 950 applications annually for just 65 seats, and has maintained full or over-capacity enrolment each year. Student performance has been exemplary, with an average pass percentage of 99.16%, including 100% results in three consecutive academic years.

Best Practices and Community Engagement

Innovative practices such as the Scholars’ Forum, regular outreach campaigns, and strategic use of social media platforms have enhanced student engagement and increased the department’s public visibility. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the department exemplified social responsibility through direct community outreach and support initiatives. our department has served as the morning institution of the NFSA scheme of the Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Govt. of India, in the UT of Puducherry from 2020-2023

Academic Leadership and Alumni Support

In collaboration with PMMTTC, the department organized a national refresher course for social work educators, reflecting its leadership in professional development. Alumni continue to be a cornerstone of departmental growth, contributing significantly in various capacities. Faculty members have also played vital administrative roles within the university, serving as Academic Coordinator, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Chairperson of the Women’s Cell, Coordinator P&D, NSS Coordinator, Deputy Chief Warden, and Warden.

Placement & Internships

Collaborations and Placements The department is engaged in over 03 academic and field-level Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which enable collaborative research, internships, and training opportunities. The department has maintained a placement rate of over 80%, with graduates successfully placed in esteemed government and private sector organizations across the country. Many alumni have also pursued higher education at prestigious national and international institutions. Social Work graduates have wide scope in various sectors – Development, Government, Public Sector, Health, Corporate, and National and International funding agencies. Our students are employed in leading organizations such as Bharat Dynamic Ltd., BHEL, Cater Pillar, ICDS, TCS, Ford, Grid Corporation, Central University of Karnataka, HelpAge India, ISRO, Intelligence Bureau, JIPMER, NIMHANS– to name a few.

Research Projects

Research and Funding Excellence From 2019 to 2024, the department has demonstrated impressive research productivity and funding acquisition. It secured a total of ₹1,38,25,000 in external funding, which includes:

₹1,20,51,000 from funded research projects,
₹13,14,000 from training programs, and
₹4,60,000 through consultancy services.

Faculty and research scholars have published over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 book chapters during this period. Additionally, 25 Ph.D. degrees have been awarded. The faculty has received national and international recognition for their contributions to academia and research. The thrust areas of the training programme includes prevention of Substance Abuse, Disaster Management and POSH.

Pondicherry University

Get in Touch with Us for world class Education.

The Registrar,
R Venkat Raman Nagar, Kalapet
Pondicherry - 605 014, India
registrar@pondiuni.edu.in
Tel : 0413 - 2655179 Fax : 0413 - 2655734

Overview

Leadership

Roll of Honours

Governing Bodies

Secretariats

CoE's Secretariats

Library

Main Campus

Other Campuses

Community College

Affliations

International Relations

Others

Admissions

Research

Campus Life

Discover PU

Overview

Leadership

Roll of Honours

Governing Bodies

Secretariats

CoE's Secretariats

Library

Main Campus

Other Campuses

Community College

Affliations

International Relations

Others

Admissions

Research

Campus Life

Discover PU