Invitation to Youth Camp

Dear Sir / Madam,

Greetings from Snehalaya family!

The “National Youth Integration Camp" organized by National Youth Project and Snehalaya will be inaugurated tomorrow on 25^th Feb. 2012. The 25 campers from north-east states, 38 from U.P. Kerala- Karnataka, 60 from various districts of Maharashtra, have already reached last evening and about 400 are reaching today and tomorrow. Equal number of selected youths are participating in the youth camp from Ahmednagar district and rest of Maharashtra. The venue of the camp is "Swami Vivekanand Prerana Nagari " set up at Bhingar (suburban and cantonment of Ahmednagar)

Annaji's Guidance

The day before yesterday, all the organizing committee members and volunteers had  a long  dialogue with Anna Hajare at his  Ralegansiddhi village.  Anna has proposed this Youth Camp at Ahmednagar in June 2011. Anna said that, ‘There is an urgent  need of motivating youths in the country  for addressing directly the issues of primary education, health, rural development ,vocational skills and soft skills,  etc.  No change is possible just by blaming the government system. The differences on the  basis of caste-religion-region-language-sex-political parties are weakening our national power. Anna further told that the constructive work is the basis of all types of fights against the corruption, injustice and discrimination. Youth camp will definitely give the right -rational  direction of constructive work to Youths.

Anna also assured to share maximum possible time in the camp upon his return from Delhi on 25^th  Feb and invited all campers to Ralegan Siddhi on 29^th  Feb. 2012.

 

Bhaijee's Letter to Defense Minister

Founder of National Youth Project and freedom fighter Dr. S .N. Subbarao allies Bhaijee yesterday  took a press conference along with Mr. Krishna Prakash (district police chief) and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (D.M.). The local press club felicitated the 'Cheerful-optimistic Young Man' of just 85 years. Bhaijee had briefed about the history of National Youth Programme (NYP), present situations in the country, need of character building and motivating youths for nation building, and need to remember the philosophy of freedom struggle.

Bhaijee justified the venue of the camp by saying 'Bhingar is the birth place of Anna Hajare and all our national leaders in freedom struggle were imprisoned in Ahmednagar fort for 3 years (1942 to 1945).' The camp venue is just in front of the fort. All Youths wants to take a Oath inside  the fort in the premises of then jail barracks. But since the Army has denied the permission for Oath ceremony inside the fort, the premises close to fort has been obtained by organizers for camp.  In the press conference, Bhaijee condemned the military authorities for not respecting the patriotic sense behind the proposal in the press confrence. Bhaijee has shown a letter send by him on 22/2/2012 to Mr. A .K. Antony, defense minister of India requesting the reason behind this negative attitude.

Dialogues and public shows

Bhaijee and Krishna Prakash briefed about the detailed program of the camp. The campers will be full time busy from morning 5 AM to night 10 PM. The day will start with Yuva gan-Yoga-shrama Dan-Bhasha Varga. Every evening, the programmes  of peace march-Sarva dharma Prarthana-cultural programme 'Bharat ki Santan 'have been arranged at different locations. The Organizers have selected the communally sensitive places like Jamkhed-Sangamner-Newase -Ahmednagar  for evening programmes. These places have experienced the worst communal riots in recent days. Our initiatives will bring the 2 communities closer. This will give an experience of direct intervention in a social issue to campers. Mr. Hajare will inaugurate the camp at 4 PM tomorrow after a Peace March. Mr. Pravin and Priti Patkar will talk to youths at 1 PM on 27^th Feb. Architect of Hivare Bazar Rural Development Project Mr. Popatrao Pawar, Anna Hajare and Rajdeep Sardesai will talk with campers on 29^th  Feb. Mr. Srikanth Belwadi (Product Manager of Google, Executive Committee  Member of Snehalaya and Caring Friends Network) will talk to youths about the  use of technology / I.T. skills for the NGOs and  social change  on 1^st  March.  Mr. Ajit Thadani (founder of Retailware Software Company and social activist, Pune) will accompany and help  Mr. Belwadi.  On 2^nd  March, Mr.Krishna Prakash , a dynamic and honest IPS will speak how even a single person in the system can bring a change.  Dr. Sanjay Malpani (Founder of Geeta Pariwar Movement) will preside the event. Campers  will get the chance to interact with each other, to know the social and other issues from other parts of the country in a 'Youth Talk' session. Anyone can join this camp even if he is senior in age. Because for us 'Youth is who keeps a mental and physical energy and will of change.'

Call on 9011026472, 9011020171,  9850128678.

“Sad Demise of Snehalaya Social Worker Gitabai More ”

Ahmednagar-Dt. 11 Feb.2012

Snehalya’s social worker Gitabai Vitthal More had died earlier. She was 45 years. She had two daughters, one son-in-law and three grandchildren.

Gitabai had give much important support in 1989 for foundation of Snehalaya. She not only worked as a lifelong member  but also  organizer of Snehalaya. She had dedicatedly   worked for prostitute women, rehabilitation, as well as help to solve their problems.  In natural disasters  like earthquake , tsunami, and drought she rendered one day's income of prostitute women at Ahmednagar district to distressed. In 2006 she was chief guest of HIV/AIDS week organized in Nagar city. She always participated in  national “ Bhrashtachar Virodhi Janandolan.”

Her work will always inspire Snehalaya.

BAL JALLOSH !

Date: 28.01.2012

YUVA SOCIAL GROUP, Ahmednagar, celebrated the 5^th Anniversary with Snehalaya’s children. It was pretty enjoyable for children and more than 450 children participated on this occasion of the day of Rehabilitation Center and Balbhavan Project. Also, children performed in the programme. The main objective behind this programme was to encourage the children and to inspire focus toward the good things...And last but not least, to see the smile on their cute faces. The programme contained a magic show by Magician Dhananjay  Vadipakke, and cultural activity by Snehalaya’s children. Yuva Utsav  end with Award distribution to the students.  

Need Your Support for The National Youth Integration Camp Organised at Historical Fort of Ahmednagar

Dear friends,

        Mahatma Gandhi still lives through the lives of many dedicated soldiers of peace, such as, one of the most popular and dynamic youth leaders, Dr. S. N. Subbarao, a fellow of Gandhi Peace Foundation and founder of National Youth Project. He inspires and lifts up the spirit of youth for building a new society based on Love, Peace, Harmony and Social Justice. You must be aware of his constructive work at the grassroots level. At the age of 83 Dr. Subbarao works with zeal that could be enviable to youths. 
               National Youth Project & Snehalaya are jointly organizing a National Youth Integration Camp to be held at historical place Fort of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra from 25^th  Feb. to 2^nd  Mar. 2012 in the great leadership of Dr. S. N. Subbarao . Around 500 youths from all over the country will participate in the camp. To extend the message of National Integration, To inculcate the importance of bread labour and collective discipline in the youths are key objectives of this camp.
              This camp has been organized at historical Fort of Ahmednager which was built by Malik Shah Ahmed (after whom the city of Ahmednagar is named) in 1427 CE. After Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803, The Fort was used by the British Raj as a prison and this was where Jawaharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel and other National leaders were jailed for almost three years after they passed the Quit India Resolution.
            India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had written world famous book 'Discovery Of India' in this fort. This fort is almost in ruins now. It needs to be renovated not only for attracting the tourists but also for inspiring the youths of India. Youth from
all corners of India  wish to contribute to the renovation by doing Shramadan in the fort.
          The organized camp doesn't get any grant from the government. Like-minded friends, organizations, social workers have to come together to bear the expenses of the camp. May we request you to extend your generous help for this cause of great national importance? You can support us by following ways….
1. Kindly send your cheque or DD in favor of  NATIONAL YOUTH PROJECT, Ahmednagar Unit on following address:
C/O Snehalay Bhavan, Opp. Chitra Theater, Near Gandhi Maidan, Ahmednagar-414001 (M.S.) India.
2. You can give us your valuable time, skill by working as a volunteer also.  

For more details call on 9011026474 / 9850128678 .

JODO BHARAT!

Snehalaya Organised Lectures on Various Issues

Snehalaya's Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti (VSS) received a grand response to its series of lectures at Shrigonde, a town about 60  kms away from Ahmednagar.  More than 800 youths had attended these lectures. Many of them have shown interest in the work of VSS and joined hands.


Snehalaya  runs a Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti in association of Mahamanav Baba Amte Sansthat Shrigonde town  for 20 students from poor families. Anant Zende, our volunteer, stays there and looks after the activities.


Mumbai-based Mr.Girish Nilkanth and Mrs.Sarika Girish Kulkarni have donated their old-styled big house ( Kulkarni Wada) in Shrigonde to Snehalaya for the cause.

Shrigonde is a tehsil place and growing day by day with 3 senior, 6 junior colleges and technical-vocational trade activities, but lacking behind in cultural and social activities.  Hence, VSS orgnised the event and decided to continue it for reaching to masses to get human and other resources.


Anil Gawade spoke on Child Rights and the role of Civil Society. Adv. Shyam Asawa delivered a lecture on Need of Jan Lokpal Bill and Anna's Movement.  Prof.Kadam spoke on simple methods of Meditation and Yoga with experiments, while Dr.Girish Kulkarni spoke on' Experiments of Social Change, quoting the details of the work of Parivar Kendra, SHM (Kolkata), BNGVN, Hivare Bazar, MAHAN, Helpers of handicapped, etc.

The series will be concluded on 5th January with a lecture by Hon. Krishna Prakash, District Police Chief on 'Role of Police, Civil society and Media in curbing Crime.'
Such activities give us new volunteers, the experience of organising the small events, inspiring our own residents/students ,encouraging our future donors and boosting  volunteers - supporters at the local level.  VSS found sponsors for everything and organised the programme on zero budget.  Credit goes to Anant Zende, and his 'TEAM VSS' runs with NO EMPLOYEES.


Anant Zende is working as a peon in a private school.  He spent his past earnings in renovation of the Kulkarni Wada for VSS.  Presently he looks after VSS  voluntarily. Students are preparing their food in rotation.The committment of giving 1 day of the week for society is the only condition Anant has kept for students in VSS.  Mr.Ramakant Tamboli, senior trustee (76 yrs.)  of Snehalaya gives daily guidence to Anant and VSS at Shrigonde. Mr.Tamboli worked with Late Achutrao Apte, founder of V.S.S., Pune  more than 29 yrs.

“Snehalaya Honors Dedicated Social Workers with Various Awards”

Ahmednagar, 18^th December, 2011 

Several selfless grass-root social workers were honored with various  awards today.  Each award was including Rs. 11 thousand and a scroll of honor.  This was the 11^th year of the award ceremony, which began with a fund donated by veteran social worker Mr. Madhusudan alias Mama Kaundinya. 10 years ago, Hon. Mama Kaundinya had given his life earnings as a donation to Snehalaya. We deposited this contribution and started motivating the people who are doing extraordinary work for betterment of society through these awards.

This programme was held at Snehalaya’s Rehab. Center at M.I.D.C.  More than 950 people including well wishers, past students of Snehalaya, volunteers, donors and people from all walks of life were present for the programme. Hon. Dr. Prakash Ambedkar (Former member of Rajyasabha and grandson of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar) was chief guest as well as  Hon. Udaydada Lad (Founder of U.R.L. Foundation, Mumbai) presided the programme, Mrs. Sheela Shinde (Mayor of Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation), Mrs. Anita Rathod (Speaker of Standing committee, Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation), Mr. Sharadji Mutha and Mr. Milind Kulkarni ( Secretary, Snehalaya) were also present for the programme.

Hon. Prakash Ambedkar, Mr. Udayji Lad and Mr. Sharad Mutha honored the selected social workers on behalf of Snehalaya. Mr. Devendra Fadanvis (MLA, Nagpur) expressed his feeling with gratitude on behalf of all the awardees. He said that,they all have received a great honor and to always remember it. The people of Maharashtra state have great expectations from him and he always strives to fulfill them as a member of Vidhansabha.

Dr. Prakash Ambedkar told in his speech that the current circumstance shows that India is going through a serious social situation. It is not because of an increase in the numbers of bad people, but it is only because of ‘silence’ (inactive and insensible) of good people. Hence, everyone should resist and raise voices against the anti-social activities and one day ‘India’ will gain  its old glory again.

Mr. Udayji Lad declared the contribution of Rs. 1 Lakh to Snehalaya by his URL Foundation.

          The following people were honored:

Name of awardee	Title of the award	Social contribution of the awardee
Mrs. Shubha Bennurwar (Social Development Officer, BMCC, Mumbai)	Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Samaj Parivartan Award’	Overall empowerment of 60000 poor, dalit, working woman and there families through Self help Groups.
Mr. Santosh Garje (Sahara Anathalay,Shivaji Nagar, Gevrai, Dist. Beed)	Mahamanav Baba Amate manavata Award	Rehabilitation of orphans and HIV+ve children.
Adv. Shyam Asava (Trusty – Bhrashtachar Virodhi jan andolan)	Loknayak Anna Hajare Jansangharsh Award	Successful fight against sand mafia and great contribution in the fight of Loknayak Anna Hajare’s battle against corruption.
Hon. MLA. Devendra Fadanvis (Nagpur)	Prof. Madhu Dandavate kartavyashil lokpratinidhi Award	Being a voice of common man in State Assembly and fighting for the rights of the common people in the state.
Mrs. Lata Joshi (Anuj Foundation, Pune)	Karmayogini Vijayatai Lavate jivangourav Award	Rehabilitation of more than four thousand infants through her organization Bharatiy Samajseva Kendra and Anuj through adoption.
Smt. Jayashri Shinde (Balbhavan Project, Snehalay, Gandhi maidan, Ahmednagar)	Sv. Govardhandasji Gujar aadarsh karykarta Award	Changing lives of 2000 children in various slums in Ahmednagar city.
Mr. Shyam Pimpalkhare	Svatantrasenani Manohar Devachkke karyakarta Award	Creative and active Volunteer of Snehalaya shouldered various responsibilities of Snehalaya, Pune. Active in the programme being conducted for senior citizens in Pune.
Mr. Jayprakash Dashputre	Svatantrasenani Achutrao Patvardhan sevavrati Award	Participation in various social activities being conducted by various organizations in Pune.
Mrs. Jayatai Jogdand (Snehalalya Parivartan Sankul, Shevgaon, Ahmednagar.)	Late Mrs. Latabai Pawar jivangourav Award	Concrete contribution in changing lives of women in prostitution and there children in Shevgoan.

World AIDS Day

Precious Donation

Snehalaya is having few big donors who are supporting few projects of Snehalaya but we have large band of small donors building and enlarging the social support for the cause. 

Since inception, Snehalaya is regularly getting the small donations by the prostitutes.  Most of them are setting aside 1 rupee or 2 rupees behind every customer.  They used to insist us to use this amount for education of the children sheltered in Snehalaya and for the treatment of the HIV positive women in prostitution.  Even today this tradition is continued, some prostitutes have actually left the prostitution on inspiration by Snehalaya because Snehalaya all the time give them pledge that, though they are prostitute today, will not die as a prostitute and try to change their own life. 

Some of our sisters not only left the prostitution but also contributed their life earning to ‘their’ Snehalaya.  The contribution of Mrs. Abeda humbled everyone and proved intense gratitude and sensitivity towards the inmates of Snehalaya.   

Mrs. Abed Yekin Shaikh, the former prostitute has shown her faith in Snehalaya and donated two rooms of 500 sq. feet (Survey no. 67, nr. Santoshi Mata Temple, Katraj, Pune) for the new project in Pune at Katraj.  Mrs. Abeda is connected with Snehalaya since long time.  She is the witness of the selfless humanitarian work being done by Snehalaya.  She wished to donate the piece of land to Snehalaya in Katraj.  There are several colonies of migrant laborers and economically poor people etc.  It is such a place where the intervention in child rights and child protection is needed.  Mrs. Abeda recognized it and decided to donate the land to Snehalaya to start the project for the children.   

It is the grate and precious donation ever we have received because there is a passion and faith behind it.  Mrs. Abeda believes that she has tried to pay back to Snehalaya whatever she has got till today. 

Helping Hand of Daily Loksatta

Daily Loksatta had taken the initiative to mediate the potential donors, philanthropists and the dedicated social organizations in Maharashtra through publishing the innovations and dedicated work of the various organizations for the underprivileged human beings during Ganesh Festival under the title ‘Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada’. 

Daily Loksatta also included Snehalaya and given wide publicity in Maharashtra State, appealing for the donations on the occasion of Ganesh Festival.   The people from all over Maharashtra were enquiring about Snehalaya and wiling to extend the support through various ways e.g. volunteering, donating in kind or cash etc.  Many people came and visited Snehalaya after the articles appeared in the newspaper. Loksatta converted their district offices in the donation collection centers and shouldered the responsibility to the editor to collect the cheques of the donations. 

Loksatta organized a programme on 19.10.2011 at Express Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai to distribute the collected donations to the respective organizations.  Mr. Devasthali, Chairman of Larson and Tubro (L&T) was the chief guest of the programme.  Mr. Girish Kuber, Chief Editor, Loksatta interviewed the representatives of organizations as well as the other people who were participated in the programme asked the questions to them.     

Mr. Milind Kulkarni, Secrerary and Mrs. Jaya Jogdand accepted the donation Rs. 192000 by the hands of Mr. Devasthali.  Mrs. Jaya Jogdand expressed gratitude on behalf of Snehalaya.