A Post graduate with Philosophy as a principal subject from Bombay University, Renu Gavaskar is also the President of a trust "Amhi Yuva" situated in Mumbai. She is an avid reader of classic literature and has studied celebrated writers like Chekov, Tolstoy, Ravindranath Tagore and many Marathi Scholars. It is her sensitive, intelligent mind that first drew her into the field of community work, which is now her life. An apparently normal situation that most of us would take in our strides (loss of both her parents one after another) was enough for this highly compassionate lady to mould her ways of life and be a part of a world that was so different from hers. She could feel the pain and helplessness of the orphans that she started dealing with.
She is the recipient of many awards given to her in recognition of her social work. To list a few:
Renu Gavaskar has authored many books namely:
‘Renutai’ as she is affectionately called by the children is their friend, philosopher, mentor guide and also… their "Mother". Like any other mother in this world she will settle for nothing but the best for her children.
Ekalavya Nyasa is the brain–child or rather the "heart–child" of Renu Gavaskar (president). The trust is currently running a school with Standard 8th, a Kindergarten and a bridge school for those children who never went to a school. The trust is striving to provide all possible facilities to the children who are deprived of even the most basic needs – food, nutrition, education and most importantly, a "CHILDHOOD".
Renu Gavaskar in the myriad roles that she plays is also a story therapist. She considers story as an effective medium of Education and she is currently writing a book on her experiences while dealing with the children. She conducts workshops for the students as well as for the teachers in various schools & colleges in Maharashtra.
Renu Gavaskar has written a book in Marathi titled "Amcha Kay Gunha?" (What is our crime?). This book discusses at length the problems faced by institutionalized children.
At present Eklavya Nyasa runs a night shelter for the street children in association with Pune Municipal Corporation.
Renutai has also translated a book titled "Difficult Daughters" authored by Ms. Manju Kapur.
To understand her work, her commitment, her philosophy, one has to visit the School; one has to meet her children. She can only be seen through their eyes.
Do visit us at the School, meet our children; they need your support, understanding and compassion.
