After conducting the session Online in Kolkatta and Kanpur, we had the opportunity to conduct the session in person first in Pune and now in Bihar. This is part of the JOSH TALK series ‘Stand up for what is Right’ that I am helping conduct with engineering students across the nation. Travelling to Bihar and despite all odds it has indeed been fulfilling in more ways than one. The fact that I had this young coy engineering student, Shamima Yasmin, come Up post the 1.5-hour workshop in a humidity packed room of over 250 students and touch our feet for the learnings shared – is one of the most humbling reasons. This is what India is all about. A beautiful country with a shared culture and ancient wisdom prevailing beyond all other differences.

Vanshika, a bright student interning with JOSH TALKS travelled with me on both occasions and her enthusiasm for the topic of violence against women as well as her effervescent temperament is infectious. We got to know each other a little better over the shared meals, road and air travel as well as the 5-hour delay in the airport on our way back! Apparently spice jet had a cyberattack on the day we had to fly back!

And yet despite the electricity outages, low net connectivity, heat, humidity and delays it was a fulfilling experience to have interacted with the 250 students of Purnea Engineering college and I am grateful to the universe for the opportunity.

Links for further study

To read about the Pune experience click here>>

To know more about the online session experience read here >>

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The post Stand up for what’s Right I Bihar chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.

After 2 online sessions with the ITI institutes in Kanpur and Calcutta. We had the opportunity to conduct a live session with engineering students of Vishvakarma Institute of Technology in Pune. Travelling from the scorching heat in Delhi to a surprisingly pleasant Pune (a western disturbance lowered the temperatures) was a respite.

Before the workshop, I had the opportunity to interact with department heads and the faculty of the institute over some delicious vada pav. It was indeed very heartening to know that all AICTE approved engineering colleges need to have 33% girls. The curriculum now includes human values, ethics and philosophy since, 2017.

The session itself was helped organised by ‘The Diva Club’ from the institute and was attended by over 300 students that sat through the hour-long session in rapt attention. Post the session groups of boys and girls engaged personally with me discussing experiences and the collective way forward. It was heartening to see some share their individual stories promising that they WILL stand up for what’s RIGHT. Not turning a blind eye in case they see a miscreant causing trouble.

Through the session, we also shared tips from IPS officer Chhaya Sharma on what to do in case of an unfortunate incident of sexual violence. The overall content covers aspects of, What constitutes violence against women?; Violence a woman may face throughout her life; Why we need to talk about this?; and What can we, do?

I was accompanied to Pune by a bright young girl from JOSH Talks who is a master’s student herself and is interning with the organisation. Vanshika, made sure the session went on without a glitch and we look forward to visiting more colleges across the length and breadth of the country soon. Rest assured, will keep you posted!

Btw- SABERA (Social and Business enterprise Responsible Awards) registrations are open and have received a super response from MNCs and homegrown entities big and small – to help us recognise the GOOD you do! Register here>>

The post Combating Violence Against Women I Pune Chapter appeared first on Woman Endangered.