Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice
- Venkat Rao Pulla
, - Subash Sharma
Abstract
This commentary builds on the discussion started in Pulla, Das, and Nikku's 2022 essay "Indigenous or Blended Model for South Asian Social Work?", which questioned the dominance of Western social work paradigms in South Asia. The authors emphasised the limitations of these models in dealing with the region's diverse socio-cultural realities, arguing for a hybrid approach that combines Indigenous epistemologies with global views. Building on this foundation, the current study examines Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice, a seminal contribution to the developing Bharatiyakaran movement—the Indianisation of social work. This emergent paradigm highlights a decolonised, culturally embedded practice model based on Indian philosophical, spiritual, and ethical traditions, such as seva (selfless service), danam (altruism), vasudhaiva kutumbakam (universal family), and concepts from the Bhagavad Gita.
The book entitled Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice by Ranjana Sehgal and published by Today & Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, documents efforts to create a uniquely Indian casework technique, providing empirical findings, theoretical critiques, and culturally appropriate frameworks from throughout the subcontinent. The authors in this volume delve into classical Indian notions such as karma, ashramas, purusharthas, syadvada, and Ayurvedic principles, offering them as the foundation for a holistic and context-sensitive approach to casework. This review essay emphasises the urgent need to transcend Western individualistic ideas and interact with the spiritual and community ethos inherent in Indian culture. This paradigm shift not only enhances the cultural relevance and effectiveness of social work practice in India, but it also contributes to larger worldwide efforts to diversify and decolonise professional knowledge systems. By integrating with Indian traditions, this movement encourages practitioners to reframe social work as both a professional discipline and a spiritual practice, grounded in collective well-being and ethical responsibility.
Keywords
Western Paradigm of Casework, Indian Casework, Bharatiyakaran of Social Work, Blended Social Work
Author Biography
Venkat Rao Pulla
Professor Venkat Pulla is an accomplished social work academic and practitioner. He earned his Master's degree in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, received the Tata Dorabji Merit scholarship and completed a PhD in Social Work from the Karnatak University in India. He is a fellow of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), and has been a member for over 32 years.
As the Foundation Head of the School of Social Work at NAPS, Dr. Pulla is well-known for his strengths-based practice training and grounded theory research methodologies. His research explores the ethical benefits of strengths-based approaches, which contribute to more effective and empowering social work practices. Dr. Pulla makes a significant portion of his work available under Creative Commons licensing, to allow broader access to his research and encourage the free sharing of knowledge.
Dr. Pulla is the joint editor-in-chief of the Journal Space and Culture, India, which is published in the United Kingdom, as well as an associate editor for SN Social Sciences - Open Springer. He has taught a variety of social work courses at both the BSW and MSW levels, including field practice supervision at several Australian universities (ACU, CSW, CQU, Monash, CDU and USC). His academic career in Australia began at Charles Darwin University (formerly Northern Territory University).
Dr. Pulla also brings extensive practice expertise, having worked with government agencies in areas such as community development, disability, migration, refugee resettlement, dual diagnosis and multicultural social work. He is the founder of the Brisbane Institute of Strengths-Based Practice in Australia and currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University's College of Arts, Society, and Education.His profile is accessible at: https://naps.edu.au/pages/prof-venkat-pulla
Subash Sharma
Subash Sharma, MSW, Member, AASW, is a compassionate social worker with backgrounds in healthcare, community development, and disability support. Subash, who has experience in healthcare, mental health, and rural development, improves people’s lives through client care and counselling. He previously supported Independent Living for individuals with impairments in Brisbane, Australia, and has relocated to Canberra to expand his coordination and comprehensive resident care expertise. Subash intends to acquire a PhD to further social work research.
References
- Kumar, A. (2019). Ideas old and new: Bharatiyakaran/Indianisation of social work. The International Journal of Community and Social Development, 1(3), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.1177/2516602619878353
- Pulla, V. R., Das, T. K., & Nikku, B. R. (2020, June 29). Indigenous or blended model for South Asian social work? Space and Culture, India, 8(1). 40-58. https://doi.org/10.20896/saci.v8i1.773
- Sehgal, R. (2025). Social casework: The Indian paradigm and practice. Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers.