GIRISH Kulkarni has spent the last three decades dedicated to rescuing children from a life of abuse and exploitation in the red light districts – a place no child belongs. Through his NGO Snehalaya, Girish Kulkarni has transformed the lives of thousands of children and provided them with a loving home, education, counselling, medical care and comfort. However amidst the triumphs, challenges persist, especially in caring for the 250 children rescued who are HIV positive. This blog delves into the inspiring journey of Girish Kulkarni and the critical work of Snehalaya, shedding light on the challenges faced and the urgent need for support.
The sight that horrified Girish
Girish Kulkarni’s journey began when he witnessed the sexual exploitation of a child near the red light districts. What he saw shocked him to the core so deeply that he vowed to spend the rest of his life rescuing children from brothels and bringing them to safety through his NGO Snehalaya. “The sight of a 12-year-old girl being gang-raped by a group of men near a brothel haunts me to this date. I was filled with anguish and resolved to do something,” Girish shares.
Furthermore, witnessing a friend’s 15-year-old sister and 70-year-old grandmother forced into prostitution also deeply impacted him. These experiences ignited a passion within Girish to make a difference and to break the cycle of suffering for vulnerable children who are sexually exploited, which is the aim of Snehalaya. He reminisces, “Growing up in Ahmednagar, the experiences I had as a child witnessing the horrors of abuse defined the path of my life.”
The beginnings of Snehalaya
Snehalaya started by providing food and education to children whose mothers are sex workers; many of the children who were abused. The intention was to offer them a brief respite from the harshness of life. The demand for his help grew as more mothers pleaded for him to take their children to safety, even if just for a few hours. Many of the children witness (or are forced to watch) their mothers being sexually exploited in the red light districts and are in danger of being abused themselves, even though they are minors. His humble efforts laid the foundation for Snehalaya, which, to date, has rescued 1,100 girls and supported over 20,000 children with a better and stronger future. What began as a personal mission gradually evolved into a movement, as more individuals joined Girish in his cause.
Girish’s compassion for exploited children
Girish Kulkarni, the founder of Snehalaya, has become a source of hope for children facing injustice, pain and suffering in the dark corners of the red light districts. Girish’s work through Snehalaya is crucial for the survival and safety of vulnerable children who are often subjected to constant abuse and violence in brothels. Recalling the distressing scenes he witnessed, Girish reflects, “The cruelty and abuse that children as young as 6 or 7 years of age face is something that I can’t explain in words.”
In the pursuit of rescuing children from such traumatic circumstances in brothels, Girish often encounters the harsh reality that many children are deprived of even the most basic needs – proper food, safety and education. A majority of the children rescued by Snehalaya are diagnosed with HIV, adding an additional layer of complexity to their care. The task that Snehalaya has to secure medication, provide quality education and ensure proper nutrition demands continuous support from donors. To support Snehalaya, you can donate here.
How donors can make a difference
The stark truth is that the increasing cost of healthcare has left Snehalaya struggling to maintain the home for these innocent children in need of protection and care. Despite the challenges, Snehalaya’s commitment to providing a loving environment for the rescued children remains unwavering. Girish’s tireless efforts and the invaluable work of Snehalaya have saved over 1,100 children from the clutches of abuse, offering them a chance at a brighter future.
However, the struggle is far from over. The urgency of securing resources to continue this noble mission cannot be overstated. The plea for support is especially poignant for the 250 children who are HIV-positive that Snehalaya currently cares for in their home. The cost of their medication poses a significant financial burden and Girish Kulkarni of Snehalaya is in dire need of the help of compassionate donors to ensure that the children receive the care they so desperately require.
Your support can be the lifeline that enables Girish Kulkarni of Snehalaya to continue their mission to rescue more children from horrific torture and abuse in the red light districts and give them a loving environment for their recovery and rehabilitation. Support for their fundraiser will also allow Snehalaya to reach out to many more children who remain trapped behind the closed doors of dangerous brothels. The impact of your contribution to Snehalaya’s fundraiser goes beyond the numbers; it signifies the restoration of hope, dignity and a chance for a brighter future for these vulnerable children.
Support Snehalaya’s fundraiser on Give.do
Girish Kulkarni of Snehalaya stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the impact one individual can have on the lives of countless children who are forcefully sexually abused against their will. His journey from witnessing the horrors of abuse in his childhood to becoming a saviour for thousands of children reflects the resilience of the human spirit. As Girish continues his mission to rescue and uplift vulnerable children through Snehalaya, your support becomes a vital force in ensuring that the light of hope continues to shine in the darkest corners of society. To support Snehalaya, you can donate here.
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