Snehalaya Activies @ a Glance
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Snehaya Inaugrates "AID Parivartan Sankul" centre at Shrirampu,Maharashtra
On India's 60th Independence day Snehalaya inaugrated the AID parivartan sankul at Shrirampur. Snehalaya has been working in this area (Dhangar wasti) for improving lives of the sex workers and their children. On this occasion Sehalaya and the sex worker’s committee organized the inaugural ceremony programme of ‘AID Parivartan Sankul’ build for their day today activities and other facilities like medical, counseling, drop in centre, other programme of social change etc.
The sex workers contributed about Rs. 600,000 and the remaining amount another Rs. 600,000 was contributes by AID (Association of India’s Development, USA).
Dr. Michele Andina (Director, Pathfinder International, Pune), Mr. Avinash Apate (veteran social worker), Mr. Somnath Gharge (Dy. S.P.), Adv. Jotsana Kadam, Mr. Vijay Muley and Mr. Suvalal Shingavi (President, Snehalaya) were the chief guests of the programme. About 400 sex workers from all over district were present for the programme. The dream of the habitants of the red light area at Shrirampur came to be true:
Mr. Lalit Deshmukh from Boise, U.S.A.who hails from the same city visited the red light area of Shrirampur and felt very sad to see the living conditions of the sex workers. He decided to assist Snehalaya to setup a centre to initiate change in the lives of women and children He assured to support the centre financially through AID ( Association of India's Development, USA).
The chief gusts handed over the keys of the building to the sex workers committee. The committee expressed the gratitude to Mr. Lalit Deshmukh and AID. This centre situated in the red light area will provide education, cousnelling and health related support to the children and women living in the Red light area. This establishment is one of its kind in th ecountry where women sex workers have contributed to building the centre alongwith an International organization facilitated by Snehalaya.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
350 Youth volunteered for working at Snehalaya
350 Youths Participated in Shram Sanskar Chhawani.
Ahmednagar Dt. 4/8/05
More than 350 students from various parts of Ahmednagar district participated in two days Shram Sanskar Chhawani at Snehalaya. The students interacted with the eminent social workers. They did physical worked to improve watershed programme for over eight hours every day.These kind of programs sensitizes the society and strengthen the Snehalaya's activities in red light areas, slums and among the youths also. The Shram Sanskar Chhawani inspired many volunteers to work in different fields for the social change and service to mankind. Padmabhushan Dr. Rajnikant Arole, inaugurated the Shram Sanskar Chhawani. He has conferred on the Raman Magasese award in 1990 for his outstanding work in the field of rural hygiene, help and his concept of barefoot doctor. Dr. Arole explained the Gandhian philosophy in today’s context and appealed youths to rebuilt the nation with hard work , honesty and dedication. Mr. B.G. Shekhar, District Police Chief, Dr. Hemant Deshpande, Dr. Preeti Deshpande, Neharu Yuva Kendra's Co-ordinator Mr. Babasaheb Godase and other spoke on different issues including population explosion, education, health, terrorism, the importance of moral values etc. Mr. Suresh Kankariya and Mr. Vijay Bhandari Social workers, poet from Pune, Mr. Tambe have talked with students in the evening of 30th July. Prof. S.Z. Deshmukh ( The president of Patit Pawan Organization and Chartered Accountant ), Prof. R.G. Kolhe the Co-ordinator of N.S.S. of Pune University, Mr. Harumal Hiranandani of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch also have a dialogue with youths and inspired them, the Rangkarmi Pratishthan presented an one act play named " Sukh Watanari Manase " which has enlighted the youths for positive attitude in life. all the participants have assured to come for every Saturday and Sunday.
The helping hands from the prostitutes
The helping Hands from the prostitutes
Ahmednagar Dt. 4/8/05
The prostitutes of Ahmednagar donated their one day earnings of 31st July 2005, for the flood victims of Mumbai. A cheque of Rs. 2001 was contributed by the prostitutes of Bhagat galli and Mamta galli to Mr. Umakant Dangat , the District Collector. Mrs. Lata Pawar and Mrs. Gita More the volunteers of Snehalaya assured Mr. Dangat to donate at least Rs. 15,000 within a week from all the Red light areas of Ahmednagar District.
The prostitute also committed the District collector Mr. Damgat that they were willing to go to any place in Maharashtra including Mumbai at their own cost to help the flood victims. The Ahmednagar Merchant's Association inspired by this contribution donated food packets and other materials costing over RS1,50,000. The contribution for flood victims from prostitutes also inspired college students of Pemraj Sarda College and New Arts, Commerce and Science College. They collected small contribution from their premises and donated for the chief Minister's relief fund. This exemplary gesture of prostitutes, the most exploited and neglected strata of society became inspiration for various groups.
Snehalaya has been a force to reckon with in transforming the society in Ahmednagar and nearby districts in Maharashtra. In the past also, the prostitutes donated their one day earnings for Tsunami victims, Gujarat earthquake and communal riot victims, Kargil war matryrs, Orissa cyclone victims and Mumbai Bomb blast victims. Most of the prostitutes are financially very poor and do not have adequate medical facilities, suffer with numerous veneral diseases and struggle for survival, even though their feeling to serve the humanity is unique and appreciable and practicable.
Meeting with Nitin Gadkari, leader of opposition
Meeting with Nitin Gadkari, leader of opposition -Maharashtra State
On 17th May 2005. Ahmednagar Childline organized an event for sensitization of the N.G.O.s in Ahmednagar District in the association with Nagrik Kriti Manch, Chaitanya foundation and Snehalaya.
The Chief guest for the event was Mr. Nitin Gadkari, opposition leader of Vidhan Parishad, Mr. Popatrao Pawar, Sarpanch, village Hiware Bazar the ideal village in the nation) and Mr. Pravin Patkar, Founder of Prerana. 230 representatives of various NGOs benefited by the discussion The participants raised the questions and shared their experiences with the government systems. Dr. Girish Kulkarni focused on the issues of child rights and child protection. He said that there are many flaws and gaps in the child labour prohibition and regulation act 1986. He demanded for the strict implementation of the acts regulating the children’s rights.
Anna Hazare inaugrates an NGO at Snehalaya
Snehalaya gives birth to a new NGO Anam Prem inaugrated by Anna Hazare
Ahmednagar Dt. 11/1/06
Padmabhushan Anna Hajare, environmentalist and social activist inaugurated 'Anam Prem' on 7th, Jan 2006. This is a non-governmental organization founded by the alumni of Snehalaya and the volunteers presently working with Snehalay. These alumni were provided a better living by Snehalaya and now they want to give back to the society. These committed ex-students of Snehalaya and current volunteers intend to work in some new areas of child development. Snehalaya Parivar catalyzed the idea and extended its complete support. Many members of Snehalaya parivar have suo-mottu taken the membership of Anam Prem. Snehalaya is optimistic that the leadership qualities will be developed among the volunteers of Anam prem and the Mission of child welfare will be strengthened due to Anam Prem. Pujya Dadaji ( Mr. Subhash Desai)from Mumbai is organising unique children's meet at Mumbai every year. Most of the founder members of Anam Prem are inspired by Pujya Dadaji and decided to give the name Anam Prem to their new organization. Mr. Anna Hajare inaugurating the NGO said Anam Prem will continue the tradition of selfless work of Snehalaya and he has also joined Anam Prem as a volunteer. It is very remarkable that the past inmates of the Snehalaya have not became self centred and instead they want to do many things for others by remembering their roots and past, Anna said.
Presently Anam Prem has started a small hostel for fifteen inmates who are the past students of the various shelter homes and are at the cusp of settling in life.
The office and the hostel Adrres:
Anam Prem, Civil Hudco colony,
Savedi Rd. Ahmednagar. 414001
E-mail : anamprem@rediffmail.com
Fifth National Children's festival Concluded
Fifth National Children's festival Concluded
Ahmednagar, Date: 11/1/2006
Snehalaya organized the National Children’s festival between 28th Dec 2005 – 2nd Jan 2006 with the help of Jayhind Yuva Manch, Ahmednagar Education Society and National Youth Project, founded by Dr. S.N. Subbarao allies Bhaiji. Bhaiji is a veteran freedom fighter and he is in real sense the living spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. 680 children from different states of India visited Ahemednagar and were hosted by 680 local families for a week. In addition, 1100 students from Ahmedangar city participated in the festival. The children shared their culture, language, and skills. They learnt painting, origami, drama, songs, group dance etc. in those six days. Mr. S.M. Krishna, Hon. Governor of Maharashtra inaugurated the festival. The festival place was named after Late Prof. Madhu Dandavaten an alumunus of Ahmednagar Education Society.. Prof. Dandwate was born and brought up at Ahmednagar. He Ahmednagar will remember him as freedom fighter, Economist and as a Finance Minister of India with very high values and integrity.
Now, Snehlaya Parivar has been extended in different parts of India by having 680 more families along with their children. Also more than 200 youths joined different activities of Snehalaya who were newly introduced due to this festival.
It was a unique and unforgettable experience for all the family members. It is really marvelous to have a guest having quite different culture and language background still there was a bond of humanity said one of the hosts Dr. Ravindra Sonar in the gathering of the local parents today.
Medha Patkar's talk at Snehalaya
Samwad Sabha : Featuring Medha Patkar
On 14 May 2005. Ahmednagar Childline organized a talk “samwad sabha” by Mrs. Medha Patkar a renowned environmentalist. Members of various NGOs and citizens working on the issues of children attended the talk. Mr. Mohan Mandhana was the chief guest of the program
Representatives from Observation home, Yatimkhana, Balikashram, Nagarik Kriti Manch, Rashtra Seva Dal, Chaitanya Foundation, R.D.R.C.C. Snehalay and many more organizations attended the Samwad sabha. Over 550 people attended the meet Dr. Girish Kulkarni introduced Mrs Patkar and requested her to guide the audience.
Mrs. Patkar focused on the 'migration' of parents creating illiteracy, bad habits, poverty etc. She mentioned that, Maharashtra Govt. has decided to eliminate slums in Mumbai, and due to this over 100,000 children have dropped out from the schools around the slums in Mumbai. Mrs Patkar has decided to fight against govt’s decision of demolishing slums.
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