At an event this week organised by John Coster of the Parallel Lives Network in Leicester, community advocates Joyce Connolly and Dr. Priti Bhombe spoke passionately about their involvement with Snehalaya, a grassroots organisation rooted in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Their reflections offered insight into Snehalaya’s unique role in creating safe spaces for women and children affected by social marginalisation, HIV, trafficking, and gender-based violence.

Snehalaya, which translates to ‘Home of Love’, was established with the vision of providing holistic support to marginalised individuals and communities. Operating in Ahmednagar since 1989, the organisation focuses on initiatives designed to empower women and children, addressing the structural issues that perpetuate cycles of poverty, abuse, and inequality. Their work, deeply embedded in the community, offers a model of resilience, hope, and transformation for those facing social exclusion and stigma.

Dr. Priti Bhombe, a staunch supporter of Snehalaya, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to education as a transformative tool. Through comprehensive schooling and vocational training, Snehalaya provides children from impoverished and at-risk backgrounds with essential life skills, laying a foundation for self-sufficiency and dignity. Programmes like the Balbhavan Project—which offers a safe learning space for children—focus on breaking the cycle of generational poverty and stigma by promoting education and awareness.

Beyond traditional schooling, Snehalaya also engages young girls and women in skill development and vocational training, offering pathways out of exploitative circumstances. From small enterprise skills to computer literacy, these programmes empower women to take control of their economic futures, ultimately fostering a sense of agency and resilience within their communities.

Snehalaya’s impact is particularly profound in the realm of healthcare, where it provides crucial support to those affected by HIV. Maharashtra has one of India’s highest HIV infection rates, and Snehalaya’s health services, including preventative education, testing, and ongoing medical support, serve as a lifeline. Joyce Connolly noted that through Snehalaya’s HIV support programmes, both children and adults receive the care and empathy they deserve, helping to dismantle the stigma that often isolates those affected.

Further, Snehalaya’s Rehabilitation Centre provides refuge for survivors of trafficking, forced labour, and abuse. In this safe environment, survivors access psychological support, counselling, and a network of peers that helps rebuild their confidence. It is this comprehensive approach—addressing both physical and emotional well-being—that has become the hallmark of Snehalaya’s work.

Joyce Connolly emphasised the importance of Snehalaya’s international partnerships, particularly those cultivated through Snehalaya UK. Established to rally financial and volunteer support, Snehalaya UK has been instrumental in amplifying awareness of the organisation’s mission. Joyce and Dr. Bhombe highlighted how fundraising and educational efforts in the UK allow Snehalaya to extend its reach and continue its vital programmes. In collaboration with organisations like the Malala Fund, Snehalaya has advanced its goal of accessible education, especially for young girls facing cultural and economic barriers.

The Parallel Lives underscored the power of community action across borders, with Snehalaya’s supporters in the UK acting as advocates for sustained change in Maharashtra. Both Connolly and Bhombe reflected on the importance of consistent, culturally attuned support, and on Snehalaya’s ethos of “empowerment over charity,” which prioritises lasting community-based solutions over short-term aid.

As Snehalaya continues to grow, its impact on individuals and families in Ahmednagar remains transformative. For the thousands who benefit from its programmes each year, Snehalaya is more than a shelter or support system—it is a place where dignity, resilience, and hope are not only preserved but celebrated.

The stories shared by Joyce Connolly and Dr. Priti Bhombe remind us of the importance of solidarity and sustained support for organisations like Snehalaya. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, and rehabilitation, Snehalaya is building a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose. Those interested in supporting their work can connect through Snehalaya UK, fostering a global network committed to challenging social inequities and uplifting vulnerable communities.

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