Jagrutitun Jagrutikade

Jayashree Kale began her social work through the organization “Jagruti”, and by February 2023, she had completed 25 years of service. On this occasion, she has presented an  account of the organization’s work, her personal experiences, and her overall journey in this book. Her father is the Jnanpith award-winning Marathi poet Vinda Karandikar. Early in her life, Jayashree imbibed from her parents a sense of  social responsibility and the habit of helping others selflessly, which was further encouraged and supported by her in-laws after marriage. She acknowledges the influence and guidance of her family throughout her life in the book.

In the subsequent chapters, Jayashree Kale reviews the work of Jagruti and the various  issues the organization has addressed, through concise essays. The narrative is free from any attempt to claim credit or show self-glorification; it reflects a spirit of altruism. At the end of the book, photographs and statistical information about various initiatives undertaken by the organization are also provided.

The book features a foreword by senior writer and computer expert Achyut Godbole. At  the conclusion of his foreword, he writes: “On one hand, this can be called Jayashree’s autobiography, on the other, it is the  story of Jagruti. Both are true, but at the same time, this book presents a vivid picture of society — its joys and sorrows, its needy people, the challenges faced, and those who stand up to help solve them. Jayashree paints this living picture for us.”