Bhaibandh Shala Worshop – 2013

A unique “Friendship workshop” known as “Bhaibandh Shala” was organized by Jeevantirth with the support of Samvedna Trust on 17th & 18th August at it’s Koba center. Uniqueness of this workshop was that half of the participants were underprivileged youth from Ramapir Tekro, the largest slum of Gujarat, & remaining half were post graduate student of Gujarat Vidyapith pursuing their MSW.

The intention of this whole workshop was to make both the segments understand each other to create a bonding relationship to support each other in critical conditions. The feedbacks of the participants were really inspiring. One of the participants from Gujarat Vidyapith shared that “This is a unique workshop were we are able to touch the life of youth lived so differently then us. I could know the realities of life, the real challenges that we as Indians have to overcome collectively. We would really like to be a part of such workshops in future.” He added further for one of his newly found friend that “At the age of 18, he is earning Rs. 4500 & living a life challenge but with dignity whereas i at the age of 23 am still dependent on my father’s money to feed me.”

A whole new perspective of each others’ cultural background was explored by both the groups ultimately teaming up for several activities & games. At the end of the program on 18th the whole group divided in 7 teams presented heart touching plays on several challenging issues of the society & their possible solutions. “I’ll never forget these two days” said a participant Bhavan from Ramapir Tekro. “We have got to know & learn a lot from our friends from Gujarat Vidyapith. Their way of living, behaving & presenting themselves brings a positive challenge in front of us that we should also enhance ourselves at least to that level, & we will do it.”

The whole program was conceptualized by Raju-Deepti & Hasmukh-Manda who run the two organizations named Jeevantirth & Samvedna Trust respectively. On asking the idea behind this workshop, Raju-Deepti replied that “Each individual is an independent entity, this independence needs to be realized & relived to understand the responsibility of one self in determining his own life as well as the society around him. We only intended that the youth of Ramapir Tekro understand this gift called life & make it better while the youth of Gujarat Vidyapith should understand that life is a gift that becomes more beautiful when shared.”