"Empowering Communities Through Cultural Exchange: Insights from the Sahastrabuddhe Kool Sammelan"

In the annals of cultural confluence and societal upliftment, the third convention of the Sahastrabuddhe (Chitpawan Brahmin) Kool Sammelan, organized by Sahastrabuddhe Kool Pratisthan, stands as a beacon of excellence. Held on the 16th and 17th of December 2023 in the ancient city of Varanasi, this gathering was a testament to the tireless efforts of Shri Upendra Vinayak Sahasrabuddhe  which is supported by JanMItra Nyas (JMN), a public charitable trust dedicated to the welfare of marginalized communities for a better India.

At its core, JanMitra Nyas is committed to the welfare of marginalized communities, striving tirelessly for a better India. The convention served as a testament to their unwavering dedication to this noble cause, shedding light on their tireless endeavors. JMN and its Founder-Chief organizer, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, epitomized the essence of Indian diversity, constitutional values, and the spirit of Varanasi, aptly described as the "Ka’ba of Hindostan" by the illustrious poet, Mirza Ghalib.

Varanasi, with its rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, provided the perfect backdrop for such an event. Ghalib's ode to Banaras, encapsulated in his Persian Masnavi "Charagh – e – dair," beautifully portrays the city's allure and significance. In his poetic tribute, Ghalib, a Muslim by faith, expressed profound admiration and respect for Banaras, recognizing it as the spiritual epicenter of Hinduism.

The convention not only celebrated the cultural diversity of India but also underscored the importance of transcending religious boundaries. It highlighted the sagacity of embracing a true secular spirit, where mutual respect and universal love reign supreme.

Central to the convention's discourse was the role of the Chitpavan Brahmin community. Originating from the Konkan region of Maharashtra, this community has a storied history, evolving from humble beginnings as messengers and spies to prominent figures within the Maratha empire. Despite facing societal challenges in the past, the Chitpavans have risen to prominence, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.

Link: https://www.scribd.com/document/726242304/Illuminating-Excellence-JanMitra-Nyas-Sahastrabuddhe-Kool-Sammelan-Chronicle

 #Excellence #Diversity #SpiritofVaranasi #MirzaGhalib #Banaras

Illuminating Excellence: JanMitra Nyas' Sahastrabuddhe Kool Sammelan Chronicle by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Comprehensive Report on JanMitra Nyas Case Follow-Up and Impact Evaluation of Testimonial Therapy (TT) Funded by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture

 

I. Introduction

JanMitra Nyas (JMN) organized a systematic follow-up of 172 cases from 2023 and 12 cases from 2024, across multiple dates in February and March. This initiative was underpinned by the use of Psycho-social support through Testimonial Therapy (TT), consisting of four sessions per case. Additionally, the project involved evaluating meta-legal and legal interventions and verifying compensation for victims.

II. Project Background

The initiative is supported by The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, a trust fund managed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This fund is essential for providing medical, psychological, legal, and social assistance to nearly 50,000 survivors annually, contributing significantly to the rehabilitation of individuals affected by torture.

III. Testimonial Therapy (TT) and Its Efficacy

TT has been utilized as a core component of the psycho-social support offered. It involves survivors sharing their trauma stories in a structured environment, which aims to alleviate psychological distress. The therapy has shown significant improvement in several outcome measures:

• WHO-5 Well-Being Scale: Improvement from an average of 14.8 pre-therapy to 50.2 post-therapy.
• P-Scale: Shows a decrease in perceived social stigma and limitations, from 36.1 pre-therapy to 13.9 post-therapy.
• Pain Analogue: Reduction in reported pain levels from 3.1 to 0.94.
• Anger Analogue: Decrease in anger levels from 3.46 to 0.93.

These outcomes underscore the therapy’s effectiveness in enhancing the well-being and social participation of torture survivors.

IV. Qualitative Insights and Community Impact

In-depth interviews conducted with survivors provided additional insights into the therapy's long-term effectiveness and its broader impact on community empowerment. These qualitative accounts suggest that TT not only aids individual recovery but also fosters community solidarity and action towards social justice and rehabilitation.

V. Limitations and Future Directions

While the results are promising, the study acknowledges certain limitations:

• Design Concerns: The pre-post test design limits the ability to draw definitive causal conclusions about TT's efficacy.
• Drop-out Analysis: A low drop-out rate was noted, but reasons for discontinuation were not thoroughly analyzed, which might provide deeper insights into the therapy’s impact.
• Measurement Tools: The P-scale, though useful, requires further validation for this specific application.

VI. Ethical and Methodological Considerations

Future research should consider more comprehensive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to better establish TT's effectiveness. However, ethical and resource considerations in conducting RCTs need careful planning, potentially using waiting-list controls to mitigate ethical concerns.

VII. Conclusion

JanMitra Nyas’s follow-up on torture cases using TT has contributed significantly to the recovery of survivors, both at individual and community levels. The support from the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture has been crucial in this endeavor. Continued research and adaptation of the therapy based on comprehensive analysis and feedback will further enhance its applicability and effectiveness in rehabilitating survivors of torture.

VIII. Acknowledgments

Gratitude is expressed to the team members, interviewees, and especially the survivors who shared their experiences, enabling this comprehensive evaluation and ongoing improvement in therapy and support mechanisms.

JanMitra Nyas organized systematic follow-ups for 172 cases from 2023 on February 26, February 28, February 29, March 2, March 4, March 7, March 8, March 9, March 11, and March 15. The JMN team also discussed follow-ups on 12 cases from 2024. Additionally, we called 63 victims to the office for further consultations.

The evaluators, Shrin Sahaban Khan and Lenin Raghuvanshi, bring extensive experience and specialized expertise to the project. Shrin Sahaban Khan holds a master's degree in Social Work with a special focus on psychology and has 17 years of experience in the field. Lenin Raghuvanshi, on the other hand, has a Bachelor's degree in Ayurveda, Modern Medicine, and Surgery, with 30 years of experience. Together, they pioneered the use of Testimonial Therapy, a brief narrative therapy that provides psycho-social support to survivors.

It is noteworthy that Testimonial Therapy, as a brief narrative approach for psycho-social support to survivors in the Asian context, was developed by Lenin Raghuvanshi in collaboration with Danish psychologist Dr. Inger Agger.

Empowering Futures: The Significance of Girls' Education in Uttar Pradesh

In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, a silent revolution is brewing—one that hinges on the power of education to transform lives. Amidst the bustling streets of Varanasi, the quiet corners of Sonbhadra, and the serene villages of Allahabad, girls are defying odds, breaking barriers, and scripting their destinies through education. This isn't just about academic pursuits; it's about empowerment, dignity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

In a landscape often marred by social disparities and gender biases, investing in girls' education emerges as a beacon of hope and progress. It's a catalyst for change, not just within families but entire communities. When a girl receives an education, the benefits reverberate far beyond the confines of classrooms.

At the core of this movement is the Rajdulari Foundation Scholarship initiative, spearheaded by JanMitra Nyas, a public Charitable Trust in Varanasi, India. With the unwavering support of Ms. Parul Sharma and 200 generous donors from Sweden, these scholarships aren't mere financial aids; they're lifelines, offering girls the chance to dream, aspire, and achieve.

The significance of girls' education transcends academic excellence. It fosters economic independence, enabling girls to break free from the shackles of poverty and dependence. Educated girls are more likely to secure gainful employment, contribute to household incomes, and drive economic growth.

Moreover, education empowers girls with knowledge and awareness, equipping them to make informed decisions about their health, rights, and well-being. It serves as a potent tool in the fight against social evils like child marriage, gender-based violence, and discrimination.

By investing in girls' education, we're not just shaping individual futures; we're sculpting a more equitable and inclusive society. We're bridging gender gaps, nurturing leadership, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.

As we reflect on the transformative power of girls' education in Uttar Pradesh, let's not forget that the journey is far from over. There are still countless girls waiting for their turn to step into the light of knowledge, to write their own stories of resilience and triumph.

The total amount disbursed reached an impressive grand total of 8,68,628.00 in one year, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of these deserving scholars. Together, let's build a future where every girl can dream, dare, and soar to new heights.

JanMitra Nyas(जनमित्र न्यास)  awarded scholarship with the support from Raj Dulari Foundation to the daughter of domestic violence survivor Abha . After the death of the husband the in-laws are not giving her property rights. Abha is living in rented house and working as maid servant to meet her two end.

#PVCHR #U4humanrights #standwithsurvivors #domesticviolence #scholarship

Link: https://www.scribd.com/document/722636543/Empowering-Futures-The-Significance-of-Girls-Education-in-Uttar-Pradesh

Empowering Futures: The Significance of Girls' Education in Uttar Pradesh by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd