The flagship program of Caritas India is designed to train the newly appointed social workers in the Field of social work.

The 3-week long program witnessed participation of 43 participants from all over India bringing together their varied and vibrant experiences. The curriculum of the training deals with vital topics relevant for working for the most marginalised people. Social analysis, people led empowerment, community mobilization, resource mobilization, sustainable development goals, partnerships, campaigns, emerging trends in the social sector, management of developmental organizations etc. The theoretical knowledge was concretized with enriching field visits to slums and villages. Through the field visits the participants could interact and learn more.

The program was concluded on 9th August. The day began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev Lumen Monteiro, Bishop of Agartala, Chairman, Caritas India concelebrated by Rev Fr Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India.

The official closing of the program was marked by the valedictory function. The function was graced by the presence of Bishop Lumen, Fr. Paul Moonjely and Fr Baptist D’Souza, Director, Ishopanthi Ashram was also present in the function. The program began with invoking God’s blessings following which the gathering was welcomed by Mr PJ Varkey, Odisha State Officer, Caritas India. The participants through their experience sharing expressed the joy and knowledge they gained during this DDC journey. An overall evaluation of the program was also presented during the function.

Fr Paul in his message expressed “the need is to have a clean heart and a new spirit in order to build a lively, passionate and visionary leader.”

Participation Certificates were distributed to all the participants and a special award “The best participant award” was also awarded to the best participant selected democratically on weekly basis.

Further, the DDC souvenier, a magazine representing the pulse of the 49th DDC program was released by Bishop Lumen and Fr Paul along with Fr Baptist.

Bp Lumen in his valedictory address expressed his happiness of being part of DDC and he emphasized that “the last day of the month-long journey is not the end instead of the beginning of this dynamic journey”. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem.