FRIENDS LEND A HAND
Women work to support Indian charity that helps the neediest
Every year, tourists visit India to explore its rich cultural heritage and study yoga at the world-famous Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune. Often not seen in that city, however, is the vibrant life and resourcefulness in the very poor neighbourhoods, including the more than 400 slum pockets.
I and several other like-minded women from Ottawa, including some who had studied at the Iyengar Institute, were inspired by the work of one resourceful organization in Pune — Jagruti Seva Sanstha. So in 2009, we started Friends of Jagruti, a registered non-profit Canadian charity to raise awareness and funds in support of Jagruti’s powerful efforts.
Jagruti Seva Sanstha is located in the heart of Pune, where nearly one-third of its 30 million people live in slums. Jagruti’s two buildings — which provide educational, health, micro-financing and counselling support to women and families — brim with life and bustle with activity.
For little ones, there are educational programs, including a balwadi (a nursery school, that provide learning opportunities and snacks for preschoolers. There’s also a daycare providing quality care for children whose mothers are busy working.
For the older girls and women, Jagruti has a health clinic staffed by qualified female physicians on a volunteer basis. It offers desperately-needed services ranging from pre- and postnatal care, checkups for preschoolers, immunization, anemia eradication, HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment, addiction services and even programming for seniors.
There are also training and educational support classes including health-promotion activities, counselling, computer skills and tailoring, as well as library facilities and a quiet study area. In 2013, Jagruti added shelter accommodations for women escaping domestic violence.
Jagruti also provides a secure home to 40 young women, many of whom come to the city from rural villages to study or take training. Financial support and accommodation are provided for top students so they can pursue higher education.
Jagruti receives no funding from government agencies but is a registered charity with the government of India and has received an award from the Indian government for solid management practices.
Jagruti’s program development is also spearheaded by Mangala Patil, who received India’s prestigious Neerja Bhanot Trust Award in 2004 for her work with women and girls.
Patil has been at the forefront in helping married women who are abused, preventing the illegal underage marriages of young girls, and defusing tensions and preventing violence between the two main religious communities in the area.
This fall, inspired by Jagruti’s grassroots work in Pune and in light of Ottawa’s fine coffee-house tradition, Friends of Jagruti is hosting a morning coffee-house event featuring folk-rock-country music on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Church of St. John the Evangelist on Elgin Street.
Revival duo Ian and Hal will be performing from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments and delicious treats. They are available by emailing welcome@friendsofjagruti.org. Whether you are a veteran of the coffee-house scene or simply enjoy wonderful local music in a welcoming environment, join us for this perfect way to bring warmth and energy to November in Ottawa in support of this remarkable organization.
Through the boundless energy and generous support of the Friends of Jagruti directors, volunteers and supporters, the charity sends thousands of dollars each year to support the amazing work of Jagruti Seva Sanstha. All funds raised by Friends of Jagruti goes directly to Jagruti with none held back to support administration or other costs.
If you would like to learn more about Friends of Jagruti or to volunteer with us, please contact us through Facebook or www.friendsofjagruti.org.