JBGVS Samaj Seva Kendra to focus on e-learning, career oriented training and water conservation

 
Aurangabad: 20th December: Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha’s (JBGVS) Samaj Seva Kendra (SSK) in Aurangabad, which has been continuously engaged in working in areas like education, women empowerment, career guidance and health in Bajajnagar and other areas, celebrated its anniversary at the sprawling Bajajvihar campus in the suburb of Pandharpur. The celebration was complete with a cultural extravaganza performed by local students, heartfelt feedback from beneficiaries and details about JBGVS’ future plans as explained by its senior office bearers.
 
SSK as Gajantlakshmi
SSK has till now touched the lives of 7,000 women, 9,000 adolescent girls and over 400 families. In this regard SSK can be compared to Gajantlakshmi, which according to Indian culture is an energy centre that bestows power, wisdom and wealth upon the seekers, as described by Mr V B Sohoni, Secretary, JBGVS. During his speech, he further informed that in Aurangabad, SSK and JBGVS work together beautifully hand in hand. Over the years, SSKs have also been set up in Wardha, Sikar (Rajasthan) and Pantnagar (Uttarakhand), apart from Pune and Aurangabad, where the work is tailor made in line with the local requirements.
 
Dr Savita Panat graced the occasion as the chief guest, while the other dignitaries present were Mr C P Tripathi, Chairman, JBGVS; Mr Mukund Badve, DGM, Bajaj Auto and Mr Anil Mohite, Manager, Bajaj Auto.
 
Cultural programs
The cultural programs of the eventful evening started off with invocation of Lord Ganesh through the medium of Bharatnatyam. This was followed by dance performances by local students covering themes like Gondhal dance in glory of Goddess Ambabai, song and dance in glory of Lord Jyotiba, Rajasthani folk dance, Lavni and shepherd folk dance of Dhangars that captivated the attention of the audience. The investment made by SSK in these students with its efforts was evident in the quality of stage performances.
 
Heartfelt feedback from beneficiaries
Several beneficiaries of SSK’s work were present in the anniversary celebrations. Their heartfelt feedback spoke volumes about the benefits they have received through SSK’s work. Ms Sarika Kulkarni from Bajajnagar has set up the Annapurna self-help group. She is earning well from the manufacture and sale of banana wafers and Diwali snacks at the level of cottage industry. Ms Nilima Pandit, who is a teacher in the Jilha Parishad School located in Pandharpur suburb, said that the work done by SSK in her school in the areas of competitions, adolescent girls’ development and e-learning has greatly improved the quality of education. SSK, with support from Bajaj Auto has also commenced the construction of a new 10-room school building for them, which will further help underprivileged children. Ms Ramabai Dabhade, a senior citizen beneficiary, also thanked SSK for its efforts.
 
Future plans
While congratulating SSK for the work done till now, the chief guest Dr Panat urged SSK to make available some vaccines that would benefit adolescent girls and middle aged women. She also said that SSK could play a role in ensuring continued education of girls by creating awareness to prevent marriages of minor girls. Mr Sohoni mentioned that JBGVS plans to extend its work to all villages near Aurangabad – particularly Paithan and Gangapur talukas – in the areas of e-learning, career oriented training and water conservation. Mr Tripathi expressed confidence that SSK will continue to unite the society for development and even people should learn to play their role in the same. He added that in the coming period JBGVS has taken up the herculean task of water conservation on 63,000 hectares of land in Aurangabad district in line with the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana of the government. This will be the biggest ever work of this type to be done by a single organization.