New Delhi,Last week, the lawns of the Department of Social Work at Jamia Millia Islamia were transformed into a vibrant, colourful platform for the NGO Mela 2026. A pioneering event of its kind, the Mela provided a unique space for students and NGOs to converge, strengthening the interface between academia and civil society and fostering a greater connection between the two.
The event was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif. He personally visited each stall, interacting with and felicitating representatives from the 12 participating NGOs. In his address, Professor Asif highlighted the relevance of NGOs in modern society and emphasized the importance of nurturing a “spirit of giving back” among students. Professor Zubair Meenai (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) discussed how the Mela furthers collaboration between the Department and its partner agencies, which serve as crucial fieldwork sites for social work students. Professor Ravindra Ramesh Patil, Head Department of Social Work spoke on the vision of the NGO Mela and the importance of creating a robust academia-NGO connect. Dr. Hem Borker, the Coordinator of the event noted that the Mela encapsulates the spirit of praxis in social work, where theory meets practice. The formal proceedings concluded with the National Anthem before the mela festivities began.
The event featured 12 prominent NGOs namely
The Hope Project
Community Aid Sponsorship Program (CASP) – Delhi Chapter
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Goonj
Cheshire Home – Delhi Chapter
Manzil Welfare Society
Foundation for Equal Citizenship (FFEC)
Katha
Lighthouse Communities Foundation
Martha Farrell Foundation
The Creative Thinkers Forum
Butterflies
Each NGO presented handmade, eco-friendly products crafted at their vocational training centres, which support individuals from marginalized communities, including youth, women, and the differently-abled. Stalls featured a variety of offerings, including games, face painting, cookies, handmade bags, and apparel. A major highlight was the food stall by the Butterflies School of Culinary and Catering, which trains adolescents from marginalized families and childcare institutions in culinary arts, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
The success of the collaborative event was lauded by dignitaries and attendees alike, who praised the tireless efforts of student volunteers from the MSW, BSW, HRM, and ADPH programmes of the Department of Social Work responsible for the Mela’s “green décor,” logistics, hospitality, communications and publicity.
