With the aim to bring together the Jnana Prabodhini affiliates living abroad, Global Networking Initiative was started in August 2018.
“People who are introduced to Jnana Prabodhini should work incessantly toward societal development in their region” were the words of wisdom from Dr. Girish Bapat, Director, Jnana Prabodhini, India. With this vision ahead of us, we began on a journey of forming regional chapters.
Concept and Background
VOlunteer networks
Currently 7 regional chapters are active in the United States of America that are present in New York, New England (Boston), Seattle, Bay Area (San Francisco), Southern California, Southern States, and the Midwest Region (Chicago). Additionally, 5 groups originated in other countries, which include the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). Together, we are now a global community of over 500 members, and counting!
Current State of Affairs
The regional chapters started forming in August 2018. Since then, affiliates of Jnana Prabodhini have been meeting in-person or virtually across the globe. Till now, 150 volunteers participated in respective regional meets. Further, the volunteers completed a year-long career guidance project, entitled "Prerana Setu" (The Motivation Bridge) in collaboration with Jnana Prabodhini’s Educational Activities and Research Center, Pune, India.
Coordination
Regional chapters are led by local coordinators who meet virtually for a bi-monthly meeting. The group invites a senior member of Jnana Prabodhini to seek their guidance on building a global community. Prof. Subhash Deshpande (Secretary, Jnana Prabodhini), Dr. Girish Bapat (Director, Jnana Prabodhini), Prof. Suvarna Gondhalekar (Head, Jnana Prabodhini Women Leadership Wing), and Dr. Vivek Kulkarni (Head, Jnana Prabodhini Competitive Examination Center) have addressed the gathering from time to time.
Future Steps
Regional chapters contribute to the organization's networking efforts, volunteer initiation, and regional support provision. Chapters across the globe have joined hands in various projects including book translation and career guidance. The chapters have now grown beyond the Jnana Prabodhini alumni and have started to connect with new members in their local communities.