Jai Bhim International is an evolution of community.  

Ann Dennehy, who practices Buddhism at The San Francisco Buddhist Center and teaches ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) at City College, was invited to lead ESL workshops at a Buddhist Youth Conference in central India in December 2007, and again in northern India in June 2008. There she collaborated with Buddhist Order Members from The TBMSG and Youth Leaders from The NNBY.

Back in The U.S., Ann shared what she was learning about the injustices of the caste system and the inspiring work and vision of the Buddhist Youth Leaders she had met, and founded Jai Bhim International. Since its founding, she has returned twice to India, and traveled to Hungary to connect with The Jai Bhim Network of Hungarian Gypsies and teach English at Ambedkar High School, in northeast Hungary.

How to further encourage the growth of the Jai Bhim movement? There has been incredible enthusiasm for these youth-led projects, and desire from Buddhist sanghas, church groups, educators and social activists to learn from these Youth Leaders, keeping alive the vision of Dr. Ambedkar for a caste-free India. We envision sharing resources by financing projects, while deepening our friendships across cultures through mentoring and the exchange of what we value. 

Read more about our Board of Directors and Advisory Boards. 

Jai Bhim International provides Indian Buddhist youth with the spiritual, educational, and emotional tools to create personal and social change, for a culture freed of caste prejudice and discrimination.

We collaborate with organizations and individuals in India to implement projects that include  youth conferences, communicative English workshops, leadership training, and cross-cultural mentoring.