Palakkad: Two young talents who have become inspiring examples of social commitment and voluntary service were presented with the Social Work Student Awards 2026. The awards, instituted in memory of Kaja and presented since 2020 jointly by the KAPS Palakkad Chapter and DISHA Palakkad, were conferred at a dignified ceremony held in Palakkad on March 17, 2026, in connection with International Social Work Day. The awards were presented by the District Collector of Palakkad, Ms. Madhavikutty M.S., IAS.
Besty John, an MSW student of Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur, received the award in the MSW category, while Tessa Joseph, a BSW student of Stella Maris College, Chennai, received the award in the BSW category.
Besty John was selected for her internationally recognized research on screen addiction among adolescents, her coordination of the digital magazine “Mashithandu” for women members of the Haritha Karma Sena, and her active involvement in elderly care and palliative care initiatives.
Tessa Joseph received the award for her work with girls in need of care and protection under the Juvenile Justice Act through the organization “Mariyalaya” in Chennai, for conducting awareness programmes on HIV and tuberculosis, and for her outstanding contribution to the “Camp Rainbow” project for children affected by chronic illnesses.
While presenting the awards, the District Collector reminded students that they must develop the courage and commitment, even during their student years, to identify and address the problems of the most marginalized sections of society.
The function was presided over by Dr. Lenin Antony S.J., Vice President of KAPS District Chapter. Shri Suresh Kumar O.P., KAPS SMC Member; Smt. Pooja R. Nathan, Shri Sumesh M., Shri Hariprasad M.R., and Shri Jijin G., Executive Members of KAPS; and Shri Abdul Rehiman S., Secretary of DISHA, also addressed the gathering.
