​​Dear Friends of Jagruti,
 
Our Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on Friday, February 5th at noon EST.  We hope you can join us from the comfort and safety of your own home. If you wish to join us, please email us for the Zoom link.
 
Some years ago, the Indian government brought in new regulations governing foreign donations to registered Indian charities. Last fall the laws were tightened. The new restrictions add layers of bureaucratic and practical complexity to the ability of small organizations such as Jagruti Seva Sanstha to accept donations from abroad. You can read more about the restrictive new laws here.

The new law, along with our inability to hold fundraisers, and a drop in our board’s energy, has led us to the difficult but carefully considered decision to wind down Friends of Jagruti after the February AGM. We have stopped accepting donations, and will move ahead on completing the paperwork to officially close the not-for-profit corporation.

 During the last 12 years (we were incorporated in July 2008), I’ve traveled to Pune, India regularly to study Iyengar yoga and to visit Jagruti Seva Sanstha. I’ve reported back to you on the powerful grassroots work done by Jagruti to nourish and empower women, their families, and their communities. 
 
The connection with Jagruti and with you has been a source of great joy and fulfillment to me personally, and to all our board members. Our thanks cannot be expressed adequately in words, but words are what we have. And so, thanks to all of you for the unflagging support!
 
With your amazing contributions in 2020, our donation to Jagruti Seva Sanstha will be over $16,000, and so we are leaving on a high note! 
 
The board of Friends of Jagruti wishes you peace, good health and happiness in the year to come.
 
Barbara Young
Chair – Friends of Jagruti