Juxtaposing indigenous evidence-based models in India with concept of Ubuntu: Implications for psychiatric social work practice

The philosophy and principles in ancient Indian scriptures and practices are similar to the Social Work concept of ‘Ubuntu’ that is, ‘Oneness’, ‘interconnectedness of all life’. Indian philosophy presents the interconnection between the mind and the body and states that a curative factor is creating a holistic balance within the individual. Several western models of social work have emerged for treating persons with mental disorders; however, they are considered ‘alien’ to the sociocultural milieu of India. This article discusses the feasibility and implications of indigenous socioculturally accepted evidence-based practice models of social work in India, compared to the concept of Ubuntu.