Connecting Trust is a Pune-based NGO specializing in emotional health and suicide prevention. Founded in 2005 by Arnavaz Damania and concerned citizens, the Connecting Trust has created mindful, non-judgmental, non-advisory listening spaces for individuals and communities facing emotional challenges for over two decades. The organization particularly focuses on high-risk communities, families affected by suicide, suicide attempt survivors, and individuals in stressful vocations.
To commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, Connecting Trust is conducting a special month-long initiative titled “Care for the Caregivers – Listening to the Voices of Women”
The “Care for the Caregivers” initiative consists of two main components:
Listening Circles
This four-week program brings together small groups of women workers from NGOs working with women and children, caregivers working in homes, and hospital staff from Pune city. Participants are attending weekly listening circles throughout March at the office of the Connecting Trust in Camp, Pune. Trained volunteers facilitate these circles in Hindi and Marathi, focusing primarily on participants’ feelings and emotions rather than workplace narratives.
The focus of these circles is on self-care, laying boundaries, challenges faced by the care-givers in self-care, and exploring possible ways of including self-care in their daily routines.
Exploring these thematic issues in an environment of non-judgmental, non-advisory facilitation, along with mindful engagement in art activities enabled the participants to experience a safe space for emotional expression and community building.
Seminar: “Listening to the Voices of Women”
On the 29th of March, a special seminar has been organized that will highlight unheard voices of women from various spheres. This seminar will feature industry stalwart Meher Pudumjee (Chairperson – Thermax Limited) as Chief Guest and will also bring together women leaders from diverse fields including legal, research, media, and marginalized communities.
Adv. Archana More (Trustee, Samajvadi Mahila Sabha (Maharashtra)), Barkha Bajaj (Founder Director- AKS Foundation & Clinical Director- Unalome Therapy), Corina B. Manuel (Editor-in-chief Pune Times Mirror & Civic Mirror), Kadambari Shaikh (Transgender Social Activist, Actor, Model, Make-up artist & Dancer) and Sr Lucy Kurien (Founder – Maher NGO)
The event will include a panel discussion highlighting insights from their experiences as women and with women.
Faculty and students from the Psychology and Social Work departments, Women’s groups, police representatives, NGO staff as well as the general public, are expected to attend.
“In our experience, those who care for others often neglect their own emotional well-being,” says Arnavaz Damania, Founder & Managing Trustee of The Connecting Trust. “These listening circles provide female caregivers with a confidential space where they can express themselves freely and feel genuinely heard, perhaps for the first time in their lives. When we empower women to prioritize their emotional health, we strengthen not only individuals but entire communities. This Women’s Day, we’re honouring caregivers by caring for them.”
Pranita Madkaikar, CEO of Connecting Trust, emphasizes that “listening circles offer numerous benefits for women, including empowerment, connection, validation, personal growth, stress relief, and community building. When participants take turns speaking and others actively listen without interrupting or offering advice, these circles create opportunities for authentic self-expression and emotional support.” People can reach out to The Connecting Trust @+91 9136240820
