A beacon of change

“Today I am a stubborn person fighting for education and freedom”

Dr Girish Kulkarni, Founder, Snehalaya

Women's Day is not just a celebration of women's empowerment, but a moment to honour men who fight for women's rights, strive to change their lives and make society more egalitarian. Here is a small salute to our Founder, Dr Girish Kulkarni, on Women's Day, written by our Udaan Project Manager, Pravin Kadam.

Girish’s work is not just social service, but a journey of fundamental transformation in society. He has given a dignified life to underprivileged women, provided educational opportunities to girls, and taken the initiative to change the entire system.

Many people express sympathy and sadness after seeing injustice, oppression, exploitation and discrimination against women, while others stand up for change. Girish, who has brought about such change and brightened the lives of thousands of women and girls, is a ray of hope!

In 1989, at the age of just 19, he founded Snehalaya. At that time, the problem of oppression against women and the plight of those trapped in prostitution and sexual exploitation was widespread. Society despised these women, but Girish offered them a helping hand and hope.

Alone, he went to Ahmednagar’s red light areas and appealed to women and girls, empowering them with education and employment opportunities. Enduring personal threats, opposition and conflict on many occasions, he never gave up, expanding his work.

Today, when his name is mentioned, the bright faces of millions of women previously living in the shadows, lost in the darkness to society come to mind. His journey is still ongoing and is an inspiration for future generations.

Girish Kulkarni has made the lives of thousands of women beautiful through his sensitivity, activism and selfless service.

Girish says; “I am not alone... Thousands of saplings like me are standing up to bring about change in society under the guidance of Snehalaya. Who are these saplings?

• Women and girls who have endured atrocities, but are now becoming empowered.

• Girls who were victims of child marriage, their lives were confined but now they have a new direction.

• Orphans and the destitute who have no family support, but are safe in the arms of our Snehalaya family.

• The mentally ill and exploited, shunned by society but are now being rehabilitated through our projects.

• The disabled and deprived who are now on the path to self-reliance.

• Victims of domestic violence who are ready to live with dignity again.

These saplings are growing…

These saplings are now becoming banyan trees, throwing shade on injustice while brightening the darkness of their paths with rays of light. Under the guidance of Snehalaya, the roots of our work in women empowerment, elimination of child marriage, rehabilitation, education, health and justice continue to break new ground.

1. Rehabilitation and protection of women

Thousands of women and girls have been freed from prostitution and trafficking, the daughters of sex workers have been educated and secured well paid careers.

Women living with HIV receive life-saving drugs, support and dignity. Those who fall pregnant are treated to give birth to healthy, HIV-free children.

All women and girls are provided the opportunity to lead an independent life through education, healthcare and financial assistance

2. Fight against sexual exploitation and trafficking

Provided shelter, education and rehabilitation facilities for victimised girls. Saved more women by implementing anti-trafficking campaigns.

3. Fight for the elimination of child marriage

Through our Udaan Project, hundreds of underage marriages have been stopped and thousands of girls have been brought into the mainstream of education which directly prevents child marriage. By implementing ‘child friendly’ initiatives in schools, girls throughout our district are protected and inspired.

4. Self-reliance and career opportunities for women

Provided self-employment opportunities to many women and implemented skills development training, small scale industries and financial assistance programs.

5. Efforts to change the mind-set of society towards women

Undertaken public awareness campaigns to highlight injustices against women. Have taken on various legal cases and campaigns to address social struggles.

“When women are respected, society develops!”

Crores of salutes to Girish Kulkarni, a beacon of women's liberation, on Women's Day!