The National Institute of Social Work & Social Sciences (NISWASS) is an academic and research institution dedicated to higher education, social research, and training, committed to fostering positive change by mitigating inequalities and inclusive sustainable societies. It is positioned as the premier post-graduate school of Social Work and Social Communication in Eastern India. NISWASS distinguishes itself by its proactive and solution-oriented approach, emphasizing empowerment and a bottom-up perspective.
Presently, NISWASS comprises four Departments: Social Work, Social Communication, Rural Management inspired by Gandhian principles, and the sole Department of Buddhist Studies in Odisha, affiliated with Utkal University and Utkal University of Culture. These departments are interconnected, offering interdisciplinary and holistic education, training, and research at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. levels.
With strong affiliations to various domestic and international institutions and universities, NISWASS focuses on grassroots-level research addressing local level social, economic, and environmental challenges, with due consideration for gender dimensions and social justice wherever applicable. Over its fifty years of history, NISWASS is known as a lead institution and recognized among the peers, contributing significantly to social development practices.
In response to contemporary challenges and addressing Prime Minister 10-point agenda (6), NISWASS has recently launched a Centre for Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (CCADRRR), drawing upon its extensive experience as a partner with Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Thailand in conducting an international certificate program on “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management”. The primary objective of this center is to promote climate-resilient communities through adaptive practices simultaneously focusing on disaster risk reduction measures. The center is accredited with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) New Delhi, a premier national level institute under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Climate induced extreme events and frequent occurrences of natural disasters are pervasive concerns globally, nationally as well as locally, India is no exception to it. Odisha, State located in Eastern India faces regularly threats from lightening, floods, cyclones, droughts, coastal surges, forest fires and man-made disasters like road and rail accidents, and industrial hazards, etc. The frequency and intensity of natural disasters are on the rise, resulting in significant human and economic losses.
In light of these challenges, the CCADRRR is poised to undertake various activities pertinent to India, the eastern region, Odisha, and specific localities under the influence of climate change and natural disasters.
The primary activities of the CCADRRR include:
- Conducting research projects and publishing monographs, books, and articles in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resilience.
- Documenting and disseminating best practices in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction to enhance resilience at local, regional, and national levels.
- Organizing seminars, special lectures, training, and workshops on themes related to climate change, adaptation, and resilience to enhance capacity-building and knowledge exchange among the stakeholders.
- Creating awareness and delivering a variety of professional training programs required for different groups engaged in climate change and disaster risk reduction activities from state level to local levels including NGOs.
- Undertaking customized project activities and providing disaster-specific consulting services to address the evolving needs of communities and organizations in mitigating and managing risks.
- Developing curricula on Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Resilience for students at schools, colleges, and universities to mainstream these topics integrating with regular education.
- Assisting in the establishment of specialized academic programs at various institutions to intensify expertise and leadership in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
- Networking with institutions and centers nationally and internationally, engaging resource persons as knowledge partners for various collaborative activities and projects.
- Supporting government machinery and activities related to the above objectives of this center and responding to their needs as and when required.
With these objectives, NISWASS endeavors to play a pivotal role in advancing climate resilience and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters in the region and beyond.
The center will be managed by a Coordinator with the support services of the Adviser cum principal resource persons.
Coordinator: Prof. Bibhuti Bhusan Gadanayak, Associate Professor, NISWASS
Adviser cum Principal Resource Person: Prof. Dr. Jayant K. Routray, Professor Emeritus, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
Contacts: ccadrr@niswass.ac.in Cell Phone: +919435619573