Priya Chaudhary
Dr. Swati Bijawat is currently an assistant professor of sociology at Amity Law School, Noida; she has made it big through her hard work and determination. From academics to social work, she has done justice to every role she partook. Here are a few excerpts of her conversation with Desi Kaanoon-
Q1. You are a gold medallist in Sociology and also a university topper. How did you stay consistent in your studies?
A. I hail from a very small town in Rajasthan, my journey itself was full of bumps and craters, but I believed in myself, which taught me no matter how difficult and testing the time gets, my consistent efforts and diligence will help me stand tall against all odds. Hard work and Time Management is the right key to success. Over the years I’ve noticed how important it is to keep track of your time while working on a goal. Although multitasking is beneficial in many ways, I’ve learned that when it comes to challenging work, it is better to focus on one project at a time rather than try to do too many things at once. Work-Life Balance is an essential component to stay consistent, importantly when you are decked up with voluminous projects, you have to set your priorities. Once you are aware of what you want from life it gets easy to remain effective.
From my past experience, I have learned that staying well-organized is very crucial in achieving anything you have laid your eyes on. Hence, this helped me work more competently. While studying I also made a point to avoid distractions and indulge myself in accomplishing the goal.
Q2. How has your role as an Assistant Professor of Sociology helped you get closer to achieving your short and long-term academic goals?
A. Being an Assistant Professor of Sociology has been an exhilarating journey with countless learnings and experiences on the way. The work helped me in preparing and honing my skills for a brighter future. I am honored and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way as I continue my journey of growth in terms of cerebral capabilities as well as morality. A responsible atmosphere of a professor gave me an insight into the hard work it takes in teaching young minds, where to exhaust their vibrant energies in the right way. I have always looked forward to enduring my experiences into practical application in order to get closer to achieving my academic goals as in providing value to the world with my work to make it an enhanced place. In lieu of that, I am continuing my professional development by gaining exposure in both Research and Academics. To my credit, I have massive research publications (25 Articles & 3 Books) and have presented quality papers in (24) conferences in both National and International arenas. My Research Manuscripts has been published in the Journal‘s indexed in Scopus. Recently I have presented papers in prestigious International deliberations organised by reputed institutions such as the University of Exeter, Saint Luke& Campus, United Kingdom, JEAN MONNET MODULE CENTER FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES, JNU, School of Business & Law, Edith Cowan University (Western
Australia) and Directorate, International Affairs, GGSIPU, Delhi. Acknowledging the fact that learning a never-ending process completed various interdisciplinary international certifications with excellent grades from Tata Institute of Social Science, Bulgaria, International Association of Therapists(IAOTH), London and CTAA-Complementary Therapist Accreditation Association, U.K.
Q3. Your interest and persistent activities in social work have earned you many accolades, including She-Inspires-Global Women Inspiration Award by the I Can Foundation. What strengths do you believe a social worker must have to make an impact?
A. Yes, I was lucky enough to be awarded the “She-inspires “award. Apart from involving myself in Academics & Research, to keep up my original momentum of serving society, I volunteer as a “SOCIAL WORKER” and am attached with various NGOs. The voluntary work involves helping the deprived, by the collection of used items, educating the underprivileged, feeding the less fortunate, spreading awareness about hygiene by organizing small
workshops, teaching the children especially girls about the necessity of maintaining personal hygiene. To impart awareness about menstrual hygiene, conducted an awareness drive and distributed sanitary pads to the girl’s students of senior secondary school. Laterally with this work, I have been involved in conducting many micro-level workshops on social issues such as hygiene, menstrual awareness, eating habits and personal cleaning. The
workshops not only involve using teaching and learning modes to communicate but also use visual methods like Educational Charts, Documentaries and Nukkad Natak to stress the need for maintaining personal hygiene and cleaning among children. Such efforts are helping not only my own contribution towards society but also refill my soul and fuel me fresh.
I believe that as a “Social Worker” an Individual has to demonstrate a kind of selfless behavior. acting beyond the imagination of a common man. The role demands unconditional support and help from the less privileged people. An individual needs to be able to take a step forward, and exhibit objectivity, care, empathy, and self-resilience. He should be determined enough to work for the benefit of the people. Sometimes social work can be draining also, seeing people in distress all the time can have a heavy impact on the mind and the body. At this point in time, the risk to become fed-up is more, the individual need to have the strong mental strength to continue his journey as a social worker.
Q4. Holding a vast experience of twelve years as an Assistant professor, what has been your most significant learning?
A. As an educator for over a decade, I have been practicing a committed responsibility in improving the academic and professional lives of students inside and outside the classroom space. Apart from academics, I was actively involved in various committees dealing with the student’s accomplishments such as culture, sports and debate. From my regress working in these committees, I gained an imperative understanding that students usually learn best when they are being challenged to create something innovative beyond the box. I along with students organized awareness drives among the public spaces, nearby villages, local schools, to raise consciousness about the merits of literacy among the girl child. To further motivates them, I implemented “Role Play” techniques, Case Study Methods, representation of project work in form of “Poster-Exhibition”, organizing “Street Play’s”, by doing so, emphasized the practical relevance of various social issues and raising awareness among the students and
publically among the masses. To further provide practical learning exposure conducted many prestigious International Conferences, Leadership Workshops, and educational Webinars for imparting academic grooming to the individuals.