Dr. Carmo Noronha Honoured with Social Work Excellence Award
On World Social Work Day, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) honoured Dr. Carmo Noronha, Secretary of Bethany Society, Shillong, with the Social Work Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions to inclusive education and disability empowerment.
Like clockwork, World Social Work Day at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) was marked with much fanfare and purpose. The Department of Social Work, as is its proud tradition, conferred the prestigious Social Work Excellence Award upon an individual whose life’s work has made a tangible difference to society. And this year, it was none other than the indomitable Dr. Carmo Noronha, Secretary of Bethany Society, Shillong, who took centre stage.
The ceremony, held earlier today, was graced by a distinguished gathering of scholars, students and well-wishers. Prof G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, had the honour of presenting the award to Dr. Carmo Noronha, whose face bore the quiet humility of a man more accustomed to action than accolades.
Now, Dr. Carmo Noronha is no flash in the pan. A seasoned changemaker and relentless advocate for inclusion, his work with Bethany Society has been nothing short of trailblazing. From pioneering digital literacy initiatives for the visually impaired to sowing the seeds of sustainable agriculture in rural communities, his approach has always been hands-on and heart-first. It’s no surprise then that he was earlier recognised at the national level with the Best Individual Working for the Cause of Persons with Disabilities award—presented by the President of India, no less!
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Noronha, never one to blow his own trumpet, paid tribute to his team, especially under the leadership of Bertha Dkhar. With characteristic warmth, he shared, “We human beings can become pearls if we get the right environment to grow.” One could practically hear the nods of agreement echo around the hall.
Adding to the weight of the occasion, Prof. B.P. Sahu, Dean of the Department of Education at NEHU Shillong, delivered the keynote address. He whisked the audience on a journey through the evolution of social work as a profession—peppered with anecdotes and pearls of wisdom that left the gathering deep in thought.
The celebration was not just a nod to the past, but also a toast to the future. A wall magazine themed “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing” was unveiled by Prof. Sahu himself in the Department of Social Work, offering a visual feast of ideas, insights and inspirations curated by the students.
Earlier in the day, Prof. G.D. Sharma welcomed attendees with a few well-chosen words, setting the tone for what was to be a meaningful event. Prof. R.K. Sharma, Adviser to USTM, followed with introductory remarks that framed the significance of the occasion. The vote of thanks, delivered with sincerity and poise by Dr. Nibedita Paul, Associate Professor, brought proceedings to a close.
All in all, it was a day that didn’t just tick boxes but tugged at heartstrings. This year’s celebration not only paid tribute to one man’s incredible contributions, but also lit a fire in the bellies of aspiring social workers to push boundaries with empathy, innovation and a good dollop of grit.
After all, as they say, it takes more than just good intentions to change the world—it takes people like Dr. Carmo Noronha, rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.
At East India Story, we’re not just about what bleeds or leads. We’re about what inspires, surprises, and reminds us all that across mountains, cultures, —there’s more that connects us than divides us.
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