AAS celebrates Professor Emeritus Pallassana Balgopal on his most recent publication: "Theory and Practice of Social Group Work in Indian Society."

Dr. Balgopal is a beloved member of both the Department of Asian American Studies and the University of Illinois School of Social Work. He is an educator, researcher, and practitioner with more than sixty years of teaching, curriculum development, research, consultation, and practice experience. His research dives into the complex world of social work with immigrants and refugees, cultural pluralism, international community social work, and social work interventions with individuals, groups, and families. 

His new book describes relevant theories, such as task-centered and strength-perspective interventions for the practice of social group work, within contemporary India. These two theories are complemented by additional theories including Gestalt Therapy, Spirituality, and Raja Yoga. These theories fill the gap in the literature to indigenize social group work interventions.

U of I students and faculty are welcome to check out a copy at the AAS Department Building at 1208 W Nevada St. 

Congratulations, Dr. Balgopal!