28/12/2025
Arunachal Pradesh University Social Work Students Embark on Enriching Study Tour to Ranchi
APU, Dec 28: The Department of Social Work, MASW IIIrd Semester, Arunachal Pradesh University successfully concluded its study tour to Ranchi, Jharkhand, held from December 19 to 27, 2025. The week-long program offered students invaluable exposure to diverse social contexts, organizations, and cultural practices, reinforcing the principles of social work beyond the classroom.
On December 21, the students actively volunteered in the Final Football Match for Mothers organized by Pratigya NGO in Khunti. This unique initiative highlighted the importance of community participation and empowerment of women, while giving the trainees hands-on experience in volunteer practice.
The tour also included a meaningful collaboration with Jharkhand Swabhiman, an organization dedicated to old age care and HIV awareness. Students engaged fruitfully with elderly residents in old age homes and gained practical knowledge by working with syphilis/HIV test kits, learning the process of blood testing under professional guidance.
Another highlight was the visit to the Mahua Festival, where students interacted with Mandeippa NGO, an organization extensively working for tribal welfare in Jharkhand. The exchange provided insights into tribal culture, traditions, and welfare initiatives, enriching the students’ understanding of grassroots social work.
Beyond organizational visits, the itinerary included sightseeing to prominent landmarks such as dams, temples, and Tagore Hill, allowing students to appreciate the cultural and historical richness of Jharkhand.
During their study tour, the students also visited Kakarbhitta, Nepal, a key transit point on the eastern border. This visit provided an immersive look into the border economy as they engaged in note exchange between Indian and Nepalese Rupees and observed the vibrant flow of goods across the Panitanki-Kakarbhitta crossing. By interacting with local traders, the students gained a practical understanding of cross-border commerce, the dynamics of informal trade, and the essential economic interdependence between India and Nepal.
The tour concluded with profound experiences that broadened the perspectives of the social work trainees. Exposure to contexts different from Pasighat enabled them to understand the diversity of social issues and responses across regions.
Ms. Ngurang Mana, Fieldwork Coordinator and es**rt faculty, emphasized the importance of combining action with learning. She remarked, “Such exposure teaches students to be sensitive and to employ the principles and values of social work from classroom to field.”
The study tour not only strengthened academic learning but also instilled in students the spirit of service, cultural sensitivity, and professional commitment. It stands as a testament to Arunachal Pradesh University’s dedication to nurturing socially responsible professionals equipped to work in varied contexts.