Uniqueness of the Department

Historical Legacy: Established in 1951, it is among the oldest social work institutions in India, pioneering BSW (1963) and MSW (1977) programs in eastern India. It carries forward Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of Rural Reconstruction, which forms the ideological core of the department.
Tagorean Philosophy in Social Work: Unlike most social work departments, its foundation rests on Tagore’s principles of rural reconstruction and ecological balance, making it uniquely rooted in indigenous thought while being globally relevant.
First of Its Kind Academic Milestones

- First in India to launch a BSW (Hons.) program.
- Among the early adopters of PG Diplomas in Disability Studies and Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy.
- One of the few departments integrating cultural heritage and social entrepreneurship within social work research.

Holistic Student Development: Beyond academic excellence, the department emphasizes empathy, leadership, creativity, and cross-cultural sensitivity. This is evident in its use of arts, therapy, and role play as pedagogical tools.
Blending Social Sciences with Applied Practice: The curriculum not only builds a strong theoretical base but also develops practical competencies for addressing rural development, tribal welfare, women empowerment, and sustainability challenges.
Recognition and Leadership in Social Work Networks: The department has received recognition from the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) and has faculty serving as chairpersons and experts in prestigious bodies, giving it national and international visibility.

The Department of Social Work at Visva-Bharati stands out for its unique blend of Tagore’s rural reconstruction philosophy, strong community linkages, innovative pedagogy, pioneering academic contributions, and global collaborations. Its best practices ensure that students not only gain knowledge but also develop a professional identity rooted in empathy, sustainability, and social justice.