Introduction:
- Jyotisangh is an organisation, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and founded by Ms. Mrudula Sarabhai. It was the first women’s organisation encouraging women to actively participate in the freedom movement of India. Way back in the year 1934, Jyotisangh espoused the cause of improving the lot of women through various endeavours. At a time when women led relatively sheltered lives and hardly stepped out beyond the boundaries of their homes, Jyotisangh attempted to solve their problems, address their needs and to some extent fulfil their dreams.
- Over the years under the leadership of various stalwarts like Shardaben Sumanbhai Mehta, Leelavatiben Hariprasad Desai, Arunaben Ramnikbhai Parikh, Charumatiben Yoddha, Urmilaben, Padmaben Jaykrishna, various activities like providing creches for working women, providing skill upgradation for economic independence, organising programmes for mentally challenged girls, and providing relief through legal recourse for distressed and harassed women were undertaken. Jyotisangh has steadfastly attempted to uplift the condition of women coming from the lesser privileged section of society.
- Jyotisangh attempts to address basic issues but with a different focus. When more and more women are sharing the economic responsibility of the home, the focus shifts to helping them move towards self-empowerment and economic sufficiency through skill upgradation. Jyotisangh attempts to introduce newer and dynamic programmes to make women contributing members of society. Jyotisangh’s activities are carried out in two well-appointed buildings; one at Relief Road, Pathar Kuva and the other at Bhimjipura, Vadaj.