Manshardt, Clifford

Abstract

Clifford Manshardt (1897–1989) is familiarly known as the pioneer of social work education in India and South Asia. In 1936 he founded the first school of social work in India. Social worker, missionary, scholar, consultant, administrator, and social work educator were among the varied roles that he played during his active search for initiatives in social regeneration and interreligious harmony. In doing so, Manshardt touched on core debates relating to Christian missions, philanthropy, social change, social investigation, professional competency, social work, and religion and politics. This article presents his contributions and connects them to the geopolitical context of his time and wider discourse related to these themes.