Guru-Shishya Tradition in Indenisation of Social Work Education: An Analysis of Modern Fieldwork and Guidance

Currently, social work education is globally influenced by Western theories and methods. Especially during ‘fieldwork’, the guidance given to students has often become limited to administrative processes or supervision. This research article advocates for the restoration of the ‘Guru-Shishya model’, which is an integral part of the Indian knowledge system, in modern social work education. Guru-Shishya tradition is not just a method of knowledge transfer, but it is a process of lifestyle and moral formation. This article discusses how a fieldwork supervisor, by playing the role of ‘Guru’, can instil not only skills but also values like ‘compassion’, ‘service’ and ‘dharma’ (duty). Research shows that Western mentoring methods emphasize professional boundaries, while the Indian model prioritizes emotional connection and holistic development. This article examines various aspects of the implementation of the Guru-Shishya model in fieldwork using a qualitative research method, such as, building identification, intuitive knowledge, and bearing social responsibility. In conclusion, it is concluded that if this ancient Indian model in fieldwork is combined with modern needs, it can reduce the mental fatigue of the students and make them better equipped to solve social problems at the grassroots level. The social workers prepared by this model will not only be technically skilled, but also culturally sensitive and committed to the society. Thus, the adoption of the Indian knowledge system is an important step towards the Indenisation of social work education.