JUly 2023                                                         WORKSHOP 4

In July 2023,  artist Girija went to the community to spend time with our participants, check in with their lives, learning and sharing and offering support and solidarity. We also had a sharing circle, somatic humming and chanting, discussed upcoming August Workshop before we divided into two groups and set off to enjoy Mumbai Monsoons.

Girija met and interviewed every participant one on one, over chai and home visits. A lot of their issues circled around health of Self or family member, or loss of property or a loved one. Mental health was an important element that cropped up in each discussion. A lot of the conversations were hopeful.

We went to the Gateway of India and Bandra Band Stand, along with lunch at good restaurants. There were curious glances from onlookers, blatant questions about whether they were sex workers, and refusal to ply autos to them. We also drove on the Worli Sea Link, and many participants were excited to see the large structure looming in between their Mumbai and the affluent Mumbai of Film Stars. 

The Participants enjoyed taking in the sights of Gateway of India, and felt free and experienced wide open space in Bandra. Just meeting as friends and eating out and roaming freely in public spaces provided them a lot of peace and happiness, in their own words.