DD Correspondent
Srinagar, The JK Centre for Peace and Justice Foundation (JKCPJ) marked the first anniversary of its community initiative, Let’s Connect, with Chapter 5 of Season 2 held today at the Kashmir Arts Emporium Garden, Srinagar.
The anniversary edition brought together participants for a day centred around connection, creativity, emotional well-being and community, reflecting on a year of creating safe and inclusive spaces where people can come together, express themselves and engage in meaningful conversations.
Since its inception, Let’s Connect has grown beyond being a monthly gathering. It has created a space where participants can pause from the pressures of everyday life, meet new people, explore their emotions, express themselves creatively and build meaningful connections.
Across its chapters, the initiative has incorporated a range of experiential activities, including emotional check-ins, Butterfly Hug, River of Life, clay art, Ice Water, Letting Go activities, storytelling, games and peer-support conversations. Rather than relying solely on formal discussions around mental health, Let’s Connect uses creativity, play and shared experiences to make conversations around emotional well-being more accessible and engaging.
Speaking on the occasion, Nadir Ali, Director, JK Centre for Peace and Justice Foundation, said, “When we started Let’s Connect a year ago, the idea was simple, to create a space where people could come as they are, without judgement, and connect with one another. Today, as we mark one year through Chapter 5 of Season 2, we are celebrating not just an initiative, but a community that has grown around it.”
He added, “What we have learned over this year is that connection itself can be meaningful for our well-being. A conversation, a game, a creative activity or simply being present with others can create a sense of belonging. That is what we hope Let’s Connect continues to offer.”
Participants have also described the initiative as a space where they can interact without the pressure of expectations or judgement.
Aleena, a participant at Let’s Connect, said, “What I like about Let’s Connect is that you can simply come as yourself. You meet people, participate in different activities, talk, laugh and sometimes discuss things that you normally don’t get the space to talk about. After a year, it really feels like a community rather than just an event.”
The initiative’s approach is rooted in the belief that mental well-being is also shaped by the quality of our everyday relationships and communities. Let’s Connect therefore focuses on creating opportunities for people to listen to one another, build trust, express emotions and develop a stronger sense of belonging.
The use of gardens and open community spaces has also remained an important part of the initiative, allowing participants to engage in conversations and activities in relaxed, informal environments.
