We’re excited to share a look into the final stop of our journey through India: our partner Kranti, based in Dharamshala.
Kranti
The young women at Kranti are extraordinary changemakers – many are the first in their communities to enter a classroom, and some are among the first girls from red-light areas (brothel communities) in India to study abroad.
At Kranti, education is holistic: through therapy, theatre, music, art, adventure, workshops, and travel, these young women are reclaiming their stories and rising above stigma. They are not only survivors, they are leaders who speak out for dignity, equality, and justice, not only for themselves but for all marginalized communities across India.
It was meaningful to us that during part of our time at Kranti we were invited to lead workshops for the young women and girls, including personal strengths sessions and vision boarding, led by our advocate, Janet Harrington, and “heart bomb” crafting sessions, led by our advocate, Renee Ruder. These moments made us all a little more vulnerable, as the girls (and we) shared with one another openly about our life experiences, and hopes and dreams.
Our advocate, Babs Stevens, also led a workshop to create a wall mural right at the entrance of Kranti. Together, with the Krantikaris, they explored design ideas and then collaborated on how to execute the wall art. Before our time was up, the sketch was completed and we left the girls with paint and brushes to complete the mural.
Sudara team member, Matt Collins led a fun and beautiful workshop on how to make rain sticks, and the girls loved the sound they made. It was so heartening to watch them decorate their creations. Molly Bull with Sudara also led a dance class on traditional American dances as well as original choreography. We even had a jam session on the guitar, all singing our hearts out in unison. And some of our advocates rolled up their sleeves to clean windows and cook meals in the vibrant home that is Kranti.
We return home energized and deeply grateful for our partnerships.
In one advocate’s words:
“I’m changed from this experience. I could have spent two weeks sitting on a beach somewhere, but I would still be the same person. I’ve realized that there are real-life heroes in the world. And I know that the work that’s being done is completely changing the lives of so many girls. I saw it in every set of shining eyes I saw on this trip – hope, optimism, belief; there’s so much humor and love that these girls lead with, and I’m just astounded at their strength and drive. They treat life like a gift. I’ve learned so much from this experience and feel totally humbled.”
If you have any questions or just want to share your thoughts on our trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We truly value staying connected and would love to hear from you.
