3-Days State Level Convention on Voluntary Social Works

Theme: "Peace & Harmony"

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal

Dates: November 21–23, 2025

Organizers: COVA & Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India

Host: Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC), Kolkata

Participation & Theme

Attendees: Nearly 125 representatives from over 50 organizations across India and Nepal.

Theme: "Peace, Harmony and Social Work".

Objective: To explore evolving roles of grassroots social organizations fostering peace and sustainable development.

Program Highlights

• Dialogues & Panel Discussions
• Cultural Activities
• Project Visits

Opening Ceremony: Led by Dr. S. K. Brahmochary with an IIMC Mission presentation.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Markandey Rai highlighted:
"There is no peace without development and no development without peace — the world is one family."

Other Speakers Included: Dr. Dess Basnet, Dr. Sujit Brahmochary, Father Pradeep Roy, Ujjwal Roy, and Dr. Debashish Dutta.

Cultural Evening: Performed by students & Italian volunteers Gaia Gambardella and Erika Paoloni. Vote of thanks by Mrs. Barnali Brahmochary.

Field Visit — Dhaki Campus, Sundarbans

Participants studied IIMC’s rural empowerment model including:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Women’s Empowerment
• Social Mediation Councils

Healthcare: A clinic treating 300–500 patients weekly for ₹10 registration.

Education: Dhaki Primary School serves 301 children.

Women Peace Council: A trusted community-led dispute resolution group inspiring rural leadership.

Geriatric Program: Food, clothing and emotional support for elders.

Additional Visits

Delegates visited:

• Devipur Village — Interaction with WPC group
• Jota Island — Newly established Peace Council & High School

Conclusion: The event strengthened collaboration among social workers toward peace-led community development.

"Bringing people together across regions and cultures keeps the spirit of social service alive."

Report by Gaia Gambardella, Italy.