Justice Santosh Hegde Inaugurates SPANDANA 2025, Urges Youth to Uphold Ethics and Humanity
Mangalore: The School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, inaugurated SPANDANA 2025, an International Students’ Social Work Symposium, at its campus today. The conference, held under the theme “Transforming the Future of Aging,” opened with a dignified ceremony that reflected the institution’s commitment to integrating academic insight with social concern.
Justice Santosh Hegde, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Lokayukta of Karnataka, inaugurated the symposium by lighting the symbolic clock, representing the flow of time and tradition. The act marked the formal launch of SPANDANA 2025 and paid tribute to the wisdom, strength, and dignity of the elderly, celebrating ageing as a meaningful harmony with time. In his address, Justice Hegde commended the School for choosing a theme of contemporary relevance and for providing a platform that connects ethics, values, and human service with modern social realities.
In his keynote remarks, Justice Hegde reflected on the importance of ethical living, moral governance, and social responsibility in shaping the nation’s future. Drawing from his public life experience, he cautioned against the growing pursuit of wealth and power and emphasized the deeper fulfilment found in integrity and compassion. He urged young social workers and students to uphold honesty, humility, and humanity in their personal and professional lives, reminding them that true progress lies in contributing meaningfully to society.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Leonardo Machado, Public Health Consultant and Coordinator – Training and Research, Louis Mendonca Memorial Trust, who spoke on the intersections of ageing, public health, and community resilience. He called for a holistic approach to health, urging researchers to consider physical, mental, social, and environmental factors influencing well-being in later life. He also encouraged scholars to align their research with policy and practical implementation, so that benefits reach all sections of society.
Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, delivered the Presidential Address, reaffirming the academic and social vision of SPANDANA 2025. She emphasized the need for dialogue between research, practice, and policy to address the realities of an ageing population and highlighted the institution’s commitment to developing socially responsible professionals grounded in empathy and human dignity.
Earlier, Dr. Sebastin K.V., Dean of Research, introduced the conference theme, explaining that it was chosen to view ageing not only as a biological process but as a social transition requiring understanding, innovation, and inclusive policy responses.
Dr. Anuradha, Welfare Officer and Organizing Secretary of SPANDANA 2025, welcomed the gathering, and Mr. Bharat, General Secretary of the Students’ Council, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Ms. Sharon Diaz.
The inaugural event was attended by Dr. Jacinta D’Souza, Former Principal; Prof. Vinitha Rai and Prof. Maria D’Costa, Retired Professors; Prof. Ciciliya Farida Goveas, Controller of Examinations; and Dr. Sarita D’Souza and Dr. Rosa Nimmy Mathew, IQAC Coordinators, Jinsa Joseph, Dr. Umme Hani, Ramya and Deepika among others. The inaugural event drew over 200 delegates, including international participants, reflecting the global reach and significance of SPANDANA 2025.