On a vibrant day at the Govardhan Mangal Hall, Pune, our Snehadhar Pune team brought together an inspiring gathering of around 300 founders and leaders of various social organisations. Our annual Sneh Meet is more than just a reflection of collaboration; it symbolizes a collective commitment to social awareness and community development.
This year, the spotlight was on Snehalaya's transformative Manasgram project, which addresses mental health through a comprehensive and inclusive approach. The project is led by experienced psychologists Dr Neeraj Karandikar and Mrs Deepti Karandikar, who shared their valuable insights during a compelling interview conducted by Shubhangi Tai Koparkar. Their discussion not only shed light on the multi-faceted work Snehalaya is undertaking in the realm of mental health but also laid down the exciting future plans for our Manasgram project.
A memorable moment was the announcement of a new partnership between Snehalaya and the Manavya organization. As two like-minded organisations, we recognised our shared goals and expressed our commitment to collaborate, allowing us to broaden our reach and enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives. Key members from the Manavya team, including Ujwala and Shirish Lavate, Dr Vinaya Desai, Sameer Dhawale, Sushma Apte, Mayuri Tikhe and Vaijayanti Sawant, were present to reaffirm the synergy between our two organizations. The Snehalaya team, led by President Jaya Jogdand, Secretary Dr Preeti Bhombe and Treasurer Geeta Kaur, joined our trustees, volunteers and advisors, united in our celebration of this significant partnership.
The spirit of camaraderie at the Sneh Meet was palpable as the legacy of Karmayogini Vijayatai Lavate, the founding figure of Manavya and a vital force behind the establishment of Snehalaya, was honored. Her enduring influence continues to inspire countless individuals. Since 2007, her memory has been celebrated through the Karmayogini Vijayatai Lavate Award, presented each year to a deserving woman working in the Lalbatti area. Furthermore, the Karmayogini Vijayatai Lavate Snehasha, the rehabilitation center for HIV-affected children run by Snehalaya, stands as a testament to her impactful contributions.
As our two organisations embark on this collaborative journey, we have pledged to uphold Vijayatai's values and traditions. The attendees recognised the hard work and passion demonstrated by both past and present members of Manavya, ensuring that her legacy continues to thrive.
To commemorate this special gathering, books documenting the contributions of both Snehalaya and Manavya were shared with attendees as gifts. Importantly, attendees received Shodh Manavya, a book detailing Vijayatai Lavate’s remarkable legacy.
The initiative "Dene Samajache," spearheaded by social worker Vinatai Gokhale, also received recognition. This initiative offers financial and manpower support to social organisations throughout urban, tribal and rural Maharashtra, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving social change. Vinatai's efforts have significantly bolstered numerous organisations, enhancing community collaboration and outreach.
Dignitaries and key organizers from various social institutions graced the event, their presence adding to the collective spirit of support and community engagement.
A heartfelt congratulations goes out to the Snehadhar Pune team, whose unwavering dedication and teamwork over the past two months led to the successful organisation of this year's Sneh Meet. Their hard work truly shone through, reminding everyone of the power of unity and service in creating a positive impact on society.
As we reflect on the success of the Sneh Meet, it becomes clear that through collaboration, dedication and a shared vision, we can achieve great things for our communities and honor the legacies of those who inspire us. Here's to many more successful collaborations and a future filled with hope and service!
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