I visited the project of Jnana Prabodhini at Harali primarily because my friend Shashank Vaidya insisted that I accompany him on his visit to Harali which is about an hour and half drive from Solapur. He wanted to make a donation. While at Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, Pune as a student between 1971 to 77, I had obviously interacted with Dr. Anna Tamhankar and Latatai Bhishikar but had not met them for a long long time.

The place is remote, connectivity not all that great but once you reach there all the bother is more than worth it. Anna and Latatai were very warm and spent considerable time in explaining the project and arranged for us to be taken around.

Starting from scratch in the area devastated by a massive earthquake in 1993, they have created an integrated complex spanning more than 60 acres consisting of a residential school for rural children, diploma course in agriculture, well managed farms, biogas plant, fruit processing plant to process the produce in the farms. The entire kitchen which feeds about 300 runs on solar energy. A meditation centre and a residentail facility for organising workshops is fast getting completed.

Now it has become an annual feature for me and Shashank to travel to Harali. Recently Prachee organised a residential camp at Harali for the students of class IX and their parents. Latatai made fantastic arrangements and the camp was a big success.

Those interested in social sector or volunteering should study the project at Harali. Individuals and corporates interested in supporting good projects in education and rural sectors should visit this project and understand their needs and future plans.

Know more about this project and their needs at Jnana Prabodhini's project at Harali near Solapur, Maharashtra