Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Srinagar units
Collaboration & Networking
Friends of Nano, North India Province
Friends of Nano is an international lay movement of men and women who embody the charism and vision of Nano Nagle, the 18th-century pioneer who founded the Presentation Congregation. Formalized during a global assembly in June 2011, the movement is a collaborative framework for lay associates and partners dedicated to a more equitable and ecologically sustainable society. The Presentation Congregation is honoured to be celebrating the 250 years’ Jubilee of its initiation in 2026.
Building on the values of compassion, resilience, and devotion advocated by Venerable Nano Nagle, the Friends of Nano movement strives to foster a harmonious and empathetic world. It continues to motivate individuals and institutions to serve with kindness.
Open the illustrated booklet (PDF)
Leadership
- Link Sister: Sr. Jyoti Thomas
- Sister Coordinator: Sr. Molly Joseph
- Lay Coordinator: Ms. Dhira Madan
The Core Group looks after the activities and events of Friends of Nano across the ten units in North India, working with the Link Sister and the Coordinators.
Core Group, North India Province
- Ms. Dhira MadanCoordinator
- Ms. Leelamma JohnCore Group Member
- Ms. Brenda NoronhaCore Group Member
- Ms. Helen PintoCore Group Member
- Ms. Shobha MirandaCore Group Member
- Ms. Anna PintoCore Group Member
Where Friends of Nano are present
Members are active in Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Canada, U.S.A., Chile, Peru, the Philippines, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In India there are two provinces: North India and South India.
Units of the North India Province
Delhi
Delhi-6, Prernalaya and Bhalswa units
Haryana
Dabwali and Rohtak units
Jharkhand
Jiajor and Maharo units
Madhya Pradesh
Sehore unit
What guides the movement
The movement’s identity rests on three tenets, often shown as a triple spiral centred on Nano’s lantern.
A passion for the poorest
Solidarity with people on the margins: speaking for those who are left out, and putting first the empowerment of those denied basic opportunities.
A partnership with the Divine
A contemplative relationship with God, lived through daily spiritual practice.
A covenant with creation
Care for the earth: environmental justice and sustainable ways of living.
Life in the units
Delhi
Friends of Nano visit Mother Teresa’s Shishu Bhawan at Civil Lines.
Jammu (J&K)
Regular meetings plan future programmes and activities. Children are taught in a playful way.
Srinagar (J&K)
Christmas is celebrated with the community. “The gathering was wonderful. It was a heart-touching moment when we visited the chosen families, making the day a memorable one.”
Priorities include blood donation camps, recycling textbooks, a first-aid programme, and serving the community.
Dabwali (Haryana)
On Children’s Day, the children’s parliament decided to plant trees. On 7 and 9 November, with Sr. Anima and Friends of Nano, they went to Dabwali, Jogewala, Shiv Nagar, Chauhan Nagar and Alikan.
Sehore
Students are trained in gymnastics and martial arts.
Rohtak (Haryana)
Women’s Day is celebrated to honour the women of the community.
Jiajor (Jharkhand)
A bhandara, or community kitchen, is organised where students prepare food and share it with those in need. Friends of Nano also help the community plant crops and look into their needs.
How the work continues
- Local units, wider reach. Groups in each place turn these ideals into practical action.
- Education. In Srinagar, Kashmir, and other units, Friends of Nano help children continue school by supporting tuition and essential resources.
- Outreach. Units provide blankets, clothes, hygiene kits, rations and other help to families in hardship.
- Festivals. Friends of Nano take part in the festivals of the local community.
Friends of Nano endeavour to make a difference in the lives of those who need them most, by selfless effort and steady commitment. With God’s grace and Venerable Nano Nagle’s blessing, they pledge to continue with fresh zest and zeal.