KASHI: The annual meeting of the Vishakha Committee at Achyut Patwardhan School in Sarai Mohana served as a reminder that safety and dignity form the foundation of meaningful education. The school, run by the Krishnamurti Foundation of India, functions within a rural centre that includes a dairy farm, agricultural activities, Vasanta Ashram, and a women’s stitching unit—an ecosystem designed to integrate learning with everyday life.
This was held in the school library, the meeting brought together teachers, non‑teaching staff, farm workers, security personnel, hostel wardens, and members of the stitching unit. Organisers underscored that the diversity of participants reflected a key message: safeguarding cannot be separated into departments; it is a shared responsibility.
The reconstituted Vishakha Committee was announced, comprising Smriti Verma, Papya ji, and Elsmna ji. The committee’s role—preventing physical, mental, and sexual exploitation—was discussed in depth by chief speaker Jagriti Rahi, a social activist and women’s rights defender. Drawing from the landmark Bhanwari Devi case, she stressed that institutional silence often protects perpetrators rather than victims.
Rahi highlighted that abuse frequently begins with subtle discomfort and urged greater awareness around boundaries, particularly concerning children. She also referenced TELE MANAS (14416), India’s national mental health helpline, noting rising concerns around trauma, addiction, and suicide.
Principal Er. Arjun Bhadauriya emphasised transparency, stating that committee members’ contact details are publicly displayed. He also called for similar awareness sessions for students, asserting that early education on safety is essential in preventing harm.