"Empowering Torture Survivors: Janmitra Nyas' Trailblazing Partnership for Restoration of Autonomy and Dignity"

"JanMitra Nyas," a public Charitable Trust in collaboration with the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), has embarked on a trailblazing endeavor aimed at restoring autonomy and dignity to torture survivors. This noble initiative, supported by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) and the UN United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, involves providing goats for goat farming to torture victims, fostering economic self-reliance among them.

In a visionary program designed to empower impoverished and marginalized communities, 20 families have been granted goats for goat farming, thereby equipping them to carve out a livelihood and secure their future.

Deep within the precincts of Varanasi district, specifically in the Badagaon block and the villages of Deenapur & Bajardiha slum area, as well as the Raup village in Sonbhadra district, the echoes of compassion resonate. Families that have suffered the agonizing grip of police torture or have mourned the loss of loved ones due to custodial deaths have been extended a helping hand. Among them are also widowed women, survivors of custodial deaths, encompassing 12 torture victims and 3 individuals who met their fate while in custody in the Raup Ghasiya Basti of Sonbhadra district. These individuals have received goats, not just as livestock, but as symbols of empowerment and renewal.

Voices of Resilience: Livelihood Testimony from a Torture Survivors :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB6BqykqVw8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JkLu3V1z24

"Echoes of Injustice: A Tale of Suffering and Survival" :https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2023/08/echoes-of-injustice-tale-of-suffering.html

In alliance with IRCT, PVCHR spearheads a transformative mission that extends beyond the mere provision of goats. With endeavors such as kitchen gardening and goat rearing, they engage in profound acts of healing and rehabilitation. Recognizing the formidable challenges faced by survivors in rebuilding their lives, this joint initiative seeks to restore both their economic foundations and their sense of dignity.

The scars of torture, whether physical or psychological, bear witness to the survivors' profound suffering. This suffering often perpetuates a cycle of anguish that obstructs their participation in traditional employment avenues. Hence, the innovative practices of kitchen gardening and goat rearing are not just pragmatic solutions; they delve into the realm of psychological rehabilitation.

The act of cultivating a kitchen garden not only bestows survivors with sustenance but empowers them with agency over their nourishment.

"Transformative Testimony: A Torture Survivor's Reflection on the Kitchen Garden and Its Life-Changing Impact"

From Tragedy to Triumph: Manata's Unbreakable Spirit

Simultaneously, it becomes a therapeutic pursuit, enabling them to engage with the earth in a manner that echoes their own rejuvenation and growth, in stark contrast to the pain they have endured.

Likewise, the endeavor of goat rearing extends beyond economic prospects. Nurturing these animals imparts practical skills and, more importantly, ignites a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose. For survivors, who have grappled with eroded self-esteem and confidence due to their ordeal, this initiative serves as a catalyst for the restoration of their self-worth.

The fruits of these livelihood initiatives carry a multi-dimensional impact. While they uplift survivors and their families, they also contribute to the cause of justice. This sustainable cycle not only empowers survivors but also fuels the pursuit of justice on their behalf, thus establishing a virtuous loop of healing, recovery, and advocacy. Through such forward-looking efforts, PVCHR and IRCT illuminate the path toward reclaiming lives, building hope, cultivating strength, and nurturing resilience.

During this pivotal event, Shruti Nagvanshi, a Managing Trustee of the organization, emphasized the importance of empowering torture survivors, enabling them to live lives of dignity. She stressed that their integration into mainstream society requires dedicated efforts and specialized programs guided by human development indicators. Shirin Shabana Khan, a senior member of the management team, highlighted the organization's ongoing commitment to empower survivors through local school initiatives that enhance knowledge and behavioral practices, fostering consistent development. This approach aims to enable marginalized victim communities to achieve sustainable development and find relief from economic crises in the future. Noteworthy members of the organization, including Mangla Prasad, Chhaya Kumari, Rajendra Prasad, Jyoti Kumari, Sanjay Kumar, and Pintu Gupta, were actively present during this significant event.

Coverage by 9 Print Newspapers and 5 Online News Portals on Goat Distribution Event:

https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/08/restoring-dignity-janmitra-nyas-empowerment-of-torture-survivors/

https://livevns.news/Varanasi/the-victims-of-torture-were-given-goat-rearing-by-the/cid11904093.htm

https://gaongiraw.in/torture-victims-were-given-goats-for-goat-rearing-by-the-organization-for-economic-self-reliance-and-overall-rehabilitatio

https://sarthakprayash.com/torture-victims-were-given-goats-for-goat-rearing-by-the-organization-for/

https://gaongiraw.in/torture-victims-were-given-goats-for-rearing-for-economic-self-reliance/

जनमित्र न्यास , मानवाधिकार जननिगरानी समिति के द्वारा इंटरनेशनल रिहैबिलिटेशन काउंसिल ऑफ टॉर्चर विक्टिम (IRCT) व UN यूनाइटेड नेशन ट्रस्ट फण्ड फॉर टॉर्चर विक्टिम के आर्थिक सहयोग से यातना पीड़ितों को आर्थिक स्वाबलंबन के लिए बकरी पालन हेतु दिया गया । गरीब वंचित समुदाय के लिए आर्थिक स्वावलंबन के इस कार्यक्रम में 20 परिवारों को बकरी पालन के लिए दिया गया जिससे वे आने वाले समय में अर्थ लाभ कमा सकें । वाराणसी जिले के  बड़ागांव ब्लाक,ग्राम – दीनापुर के छ परिवारों एंव बजरडीहा भेलूपुर थानांतर्गत दो  पुलिस  यातना से प्रताडित परिवारों को बकरी पालन के लिए दिया गया | इसी के साथ सोनभद्र जिले के  रौंप घसिया बस्ती में 12 यातना पीड़ितों एवं 3 व्यक्तियों की  हिरासत में हुए मौत से हुई विधवा महिलाओं को भी बकरी पालन हेतु बकरी दिया गया | 

इस अवसर पर संस्था के मैनेजिंग ट्रस्टी  श्रुति नागवंशी ने कहाकि, यातना पीड़ितों को  समाज कि मुख्यधारा से हाशिए पर जीवन जीने को बाध्य है इनके गरिमा को बढाने के लिए इन्हें आथिक रूप से शसक्त करना जरुरी है तभी ये समाज के मुख्यधारा से जुड़ सकते है,  जिसके लिए मानव विकास सूचकाकों के नजरिए से बढ़ाने के लिए विशेष पहल और कार्यक्रम संचालन की जरूरत है | संस्था की मैनेजमेंट टीम के सीनियर सदस्य  शिरीन शबाना खान ने कहाकि, यातना पीड़ित लोगो को मजबूत बनाने के लिए उनके साथ लोक विद्यालयों का आयोजन करके उनके ज्ञान व्यवहार अभ्यास में सतत विकास के लिए प्रयासरत रहती है जिससे वंचित पीड़ित समुदाय  स्थाई विकास कर सकें और बकरी पालको को आने वाले समय में किसी भी तरह के आर्थिक संकट से मुक्ति मिलेगी | इस कार्यक्रम में प्रमुख रूप से संस्था की तरफ से मंगला प्रसाद, छाया कुमारी, राजेन्द्र प्रसाद, ज्योति कुमारी संजय कुमार  और पिंटू गुप्ता आदि उपस्थिति रहे |

 #PVCHR #JMN #UNVFVT #livelihoodprogram #LeaveNoOneBehind #StandWithSurvivors #IRCT