Open Space on issue of Molestation

PJI's Open Space was held on Tuesday on the issue of female molestation in India. Volunteers came to discuss this important issue, as well as watch a private screening of the film "Garima" on this topic, with a special discussion with the filmmaker Mr. Rajpal Singh. The members learned a lot about this issue and discussed many possible solutions for addressing it in the future.

The Open Space started with a screening of the 30-minute film which focuses on the topic of female molestation. Afterwards, Mr. Rajpal led a discussion of many different aspects of this issue: the role of media, the role of family and society, and various factors in the workplace. Additionally, we spoke about various causes that lead to this problem, and the different types of molestation (physical, mental) that can occur.

Other volunteers shared some of their own experiences dealing with this issue, and offered their own opinions. Some raised the concern that it is not always possible to stop this from happening whenever we see it, depending on the circumstances. We discussed more fundamental solutions, such as: females being more vocal about these issues, talking about the importance of this issue with small children, and male college students working to create a safety net around their female friends. One volunteer spoke about potentially starting an action project to educate people in her college about this issue, and others discussed researching the rules of judicial system.

Kabir Cafe!

PJI hosted a Cafe Mohalla on the theme of the mystic poet Kabir's music and how it relates to self-development this past Saturday. The event was held in Deer Park, and over 30 volunteers came to learn about this subject, meditate, play games, and enjoy themselves on the beautiful day.

The cafe started with an hour of meditation led by local theater artist Asif Sher Alikhan, to help the members get into the mindset of intensive thought and self-reflection.

Afterward, Jimmy Potter and Jitendra Sharma used their musical talents to lead us through a number of Kabir's dohas, discussing how they can relate to self-development. They performed with instruments including drums, guitar, khadhtaal, thambura, and sitar. Some of the questions of self-development in the dohas included asking what we are, how we perceive the world around us, and what we want to do in life. Also, the concept of reflecting on and changing ourselves before we tell others how to change was stressed throughout the various songs performed.

At the end of the cafe, the PJI members played a variety of games, made some food together, and did some fun activities to cap off the day. The cafe was a wonderful mix of fun, discussion, and self-development. Thanks to all those who organized and took part in the day's activities!

Save Life By a Drop Blood Donation Camp

PJI is hosting a "Save Life By a Drop" Blood Donation Camp this Sunday, March 6th!

We will be collecting blood donations for needy patients in Jaipur. About 60% of the Indian population is eligible to donate blood, and it takes roughly an hour in total, but few people do. Your generosity can mean the difference between life and death for many people in need.

The camp will be held at the PJI office at C-96 Jagraj Marg, Bapu Nagar, from 9 am to 2 pm. The event is held in collaboration with Santokba Durlabh Ji Hospital. If you are over the age of 18 and have not donated blood in the past few months, you are likely eligible. Please bring your friends, family, and anyone else interested in supporting this event!