From Dharma to Social Justice: Deconstructing Classical Sanskrit Drama Through the Lens of Modern Social Work Practice

Modern pedagogy of Social Work remains highly ingrained in Eurocentric and post industrialization, and it overlooks the indigenous aspect of Social Work and social consciousness which originated from civilizations which are non western in approach. This research paper tries to address the prevalent gap by putting forward a picture which is interdisciplinary and decolonial in context of classical Indian dramas. Particularly, this study talks about Kalidasa's Abhigyan Shakuntalam and Malavikagnimitram and Sudraka's Mrcchakatikam through the lens of Eco Social Work, Feminist Social Work and Critical Theory. Kalidasa's Abhigyan Shakuntalam presents a model of green Social Work and trauma informed care through eco centred communities. Malvikaagnimitram talks about intersectionality of vulnerable people, exploitation related to structure and loss of identity experienced by people who are politically displaced. Sudraka's Mrcchakatikam talks about urban realism, which gives a critique regarding the poverty which is institutionalised in character, discrimination related to caste and corruption related to judiciary. This research paper transforms these classical dramas into modern interventions of the field. It suggests some techniques like narrative therapy, biophilic healing circles and legislative forum theatre to show how these classical treatises can be transformed into tools for community mobilisation. This study makes its efforts into diversifying universal education of Social Work which proves that ancient texts can pave the way forward towards human dignity, equity and transformation related to the society.