Project GreenEARTH

Trees play a vital role in the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Deforestation is a process of cutting trees to make space for pastures or for industries and households of the ever-increasing human population. Excessive cutting of trees for urban use and other purposes is detrimental to the environmental balance.  Trees are responsible for drawing up water from the soil and releasing moisture into the atmosphere. Climate change is a severe outcome of the excessive cutting down of trees.

It is imperative that we humans are responsible for the state of our Planet today.  And we alone can reverse the climate change by changing our attitude towards the environment.  One of the simplest things, according to our President Anand Gupta, is to take a pledge to plant at least one tree on one’s birthday and anniversary and other celebrations at home or office.  If this thought is put into action, we can reverse the situation in the next few decades, if not years. 

With this thought in place, Anand embarked upon his first project of the Miracle Year – Project GreenEarth.  It’s been a tradition at our Club to give small mementoes to members and spouses on their birthdays and anniversaries.  Instead, he translated his thoughts into action by decided to plant a tree on every such occasion and handover a Project GreenEarth Certificate to the members and spouses while wishing them Happy Birthday or Happy Wedding Anniversary.  What a wonderful gesture!  I am sure, this Certificate brings more joy and pride to the recipients than the material gifts which they have been receiving over the years.

In association with Gokhale Education Society’s Agriculture Institute and Krishi Vigyaan Kendra, we have planted 120 Chikoo trees.  Work is in progress for planting another 90 Drumstick and 240 Kesar Mango Trees which will be completed in the next 2/3 weeks.  The project envisages maintenance and security of the trees by the Institute who have installed drip irrigation system for watering the plants and appropriate fencing to protect them from grazing cows and other animals.

President Anand Gupta, Youth Service Director Rajul Doshi and senior member Rtn.Dr.Ramesh Shah visited the site of our Project GreenEarth at Kosbad Hill, Tal.Dahanu, Dist. Palghar on Monday, 29^th October, 2018.  The entire team of the Institute was present at the venue to receive us and thank us for choosing them as the partners for this well-conceived environment project. Also present were Principals of Gokhale Education Society’s Kosbad, Waki and Talasari Ashram Shaalas. Students of the Institute performed Tarpa Dance. President Anand Gupta appreciated the efforts of the Institute in execution of the project with voluntary assistance from students.  All the volunteering students were felicitated by RCBW and a Participation Certificate was handed over to them. 

- Rtn.Rajul Doshi

Art & Craft Teachers' Training Workshop

In association with Camlin Kokuyo Ltd., the Club organized an Art & Craft School Teachers Training Workshop on 27th October, 2018 at Rotary Service Centre, Juhu.

How important is Art & Craft teaching for school kids.....they learn to think and act as artists, makers and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of and engagement in art, craft and design as critical consumers and audiences and an understanding of its role in the creative and cultural industries that shape and enrich their lives.  

When it comes to continuing education, Art & Craft Teachers are mostly neglected.  With a view to update and upgrade their knowledge on techniques and newer materials available today, this Workshop was arranged.  Over 50 School Teachers teaching art and craft subjects at the schools in Mumbai took benefit of the Workshop which was completely free for them.  The Workshop was professionally conducted by Shri S.Rajkumar, senior executive with Camlin Kokuyo Ltd. At the end of the Workshop, they were gifted with a hamper of art & craft material from the organisers.

Earlier, President Anand Gupta of Rotary Club of Bombay West welcomed the participants and wished them well in their learning initiative.  Dr.Kavita Rege, President of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay West gave a hearty vote of thanks to end the programme.

Raas & Garba Celebration with GenNEXT

Haalo Re – a Grand Garba Event of Rotarians, Rotaractors & Inner Wheel Members

Rotary Club of Bombay West (RCBW) in association with Rotaract Clubs of Andheri, Bombay West, N.M.College, UPG College and Sathaye College and Inner Wheel Club of Bombay West (IWCBW) organized a grand Garba Event – Haalo Re on 23^rd October, 2018 at Rotary Service Centre.

It was the first time ever that all its sponsored Rotaract Clubs collaborated with RCBW & IWCBW to celebrate a festival!  S.R.Hall was ethnically decorated with traditional bandhanis and chunnaris, diyas, puppets and traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani decorative festoons. The evening commenced with the Aarti of the Goddess and prayers for good health and prosperity to all.

Then commenced the garba raas and dandiya when everyone danced to the tunes of Chogada and Sanedo.  Mouth-watering chaats and desserts were served to keep the energy live.  A total of 110 Rotaractors, Rotarians, Rotary Anns, Inner Wheel Members, District Officials, Exchange Students and Guests enjoyed the fun-filled evening which was co-sponsored by RCBW President Anand Gupta, IWCBW President Dr.Kavita Rege, PE Rtn.Samapti Patel, PP Rtn.Ashok Deorah, Rtn.Dr.Paresh Dodhiwala and Director Youth Service - Rtn.Rajul Doshi.

DRR Rtr. Hansika Shashani, DRR Elect Rtr. Kushal Bhuva and Dy. DRR Rtr. Apurv Gangar from Rotaract District 3141 graced the occasion.  Rtn. Ashmi Parekh Dist.Avenue Director Youth Services judged the best dressed male and female and best dancers male and female and gave away the prizes to the winners.  President Anand Gupta & First Lady Anita felicitated the dignitaries and sponsors. 

-          Rtn.Rajul Doshi

Vocational Excellence Awards by Bombay West!

President Anand Gupta of Rotary Club of Bombay West honoured two of the stalwart academicians with Rotary Vocational Excellence Awards 2018-19 at their meeting held on Wednesday, 24^th October, 2018 at Rotary Service Centre, Juhu, Mumbai.  Both the awardees were introduced by Past President, Dr.Mohanbhai Patel, Ex-Sheriff of Bombay.

Hon.Rtn.Dr.Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS Deemed University

Hon.Rtn. Dr.Rajan Saxena was conferred with the Award for his outstanding contributions in management education, research, consulting and institution building. 

A distinguished Professor of Marketing, Dr.Rajan Saxena has devoted 46 years at renowned institutions including XLRI Jamshedpur, IIM-Calcutta, University of Calgary (Canada), Visiting Professor at Pace University, USA, Dean at NMIMS, Director of S.P.Jain Institute of Management & Research, Founder Director of IIM-Indore and now as Vice Chancellor of NMIMS since 2009.

Under his able leadership, NMIMS having 13 Management Schools in state-of-the-art campuses in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore, Navi Mumbai and Shirpur (Dist.Dhule), has earned the distinction of being one of the best Management Institutions of India.  Dr. Saxena’s contributution in making NMIMS degrees more contemporary and industry relevant is noteworthy. He is instrumental in NMIMS focusing on holistic development of students with field projects and soft skills.  

Recipient of several awards from various organizations and media and widely respected as a marketing educator par excellence, Dr.Saxena has been consulted by over fifty Indian and multinational companies, has published over sixty articles in Indian and Foreign journals and has authored two books on marketing subject, both published by McGraw-Hill.

Dr.Rajan Saxena has truly displayed an exceptional commitment and high achievement in his profession which has not only resulted in advancement of the vocation but has also positively impacted our nation.

Dr.B.A.Rajput, Principal, Comrade Godavari Parulekar College, Tal.Talasari, Dist.Palghar

The second academician to be honoured by Rotary Club of Bombay West was Dr.B.A.Rajput, for his outstanding contribution to higher education and research in rural Maharashtra. Dr.Bhagwan Rajput is successful academician who has contributed immensely towards education (an in particular higher education) of tribal youth in backward District of Maharashtra.  Associated since several years as Principal of Com.Godavari Parulekar College of Arts and & Science located at Talasari in Dist.Palghar, Maharashtra which has since stupendous growth under his stewardship with currently 4500 students studying various streams upto Post-Graduate Levels.  Not confined to academic education but his interests go much beyond the academics into co-curricular and extras-curricular activities, all in the case of the upliftment of what we know as backward communities.

Academically well qualified with PhD in Marathi Literature, Dr.Rajput has received an award from Pune University.  He was appointed  as a member of the Academic Council for 5 years.  He has received the Shikshak Shri Award from Antarastriya Samrasta Manch of Delhi.  Many times he was appointed as Vice Chancellor’s Nominee for his specialized subject.  He was the Chief Guest for Marathi Literature Workshop in 2016.  He was also nominated for Indian Leadership Award for Education Excellence by the All India Achievers Foundation in March, 2014.  He has organized many Seminars covering Marathi Literacture, focusing more on Tribal and Folk Literature.  There are several books to his credit including the historical research on Six community inhabiting Palghar District.  He is a man of multi-disciplinary achievements and was Chairman of International Multidisciplinary Conference in March, 2017.

Dr.Rajput is closely connected with one of the prestigious projects of Rotary Club of Bombay West viz. SUPA Farm Rotary Excellence Awards for students topping at SSC level in their respective Schools.  Dr.Rajput has been instrumental in organizing these Awards year after year since its inception 5 years ago.

Dr. B.A. Rajput has truly displayed dedication and exemplary commitment to the cause of educating and skill development of rural youth to earn this prestigious award from Rotary Club of Bombay West.

For photo album of the Awards Function, please click here.

Bhavishya Yaan - a Mission to a Brighter Future

 

The students of Bhavishya Yaan programme presented their learning experience by showcasing their English speaking and soft skills in the form of various theme-based skits and talks to Rotary Club of Bombay West President Anand Gupta, First Lady Anita Gupta, PE Samapti Patel, Director Naresh Merchant, Secretary Nilesh Samant, PP Sukhdev Puri and Anns Urmil Puri and Shahin Merchant on Saturday, 13^th September, 2018.  Later, President Anand Gupta addressed the students in fluent Marathi, congratulating them for their performances and motivating them to do well in life through determination and hard work.

Bhavishya Yaan is a skills enhancement programme for less privileged children studying at Municipal Schools has been acclaimed by Rotary International as the most innovative project in the field of literacy. The programme was first implemented by Rotary Club of Bombay in partnership with Vidya, an NGO which has a track record of running educational institutes for the less-privileged.

Our Club is successfully running this programme at Dixit Road Municipal School in Vile Parle East, Mumbai since 2011, funded by a UK based NGO. A batch of around 120 students are selected from the V to VIII standard and given structured coaching for two years in conversational English, Computer Education and Soft Skills outside their regular school hours.

The students who were part of this initiative have generally improved their academic performance and have become either more employable or better equipped to face the demanding challenges of a fruitful higher education. Deserving and meritorious students have also been later given scholarships for further studies to make them realize their dreams of a better future.

Encouraged by the positive results, the Club commenced Bhavishya Yaan programme at Sane Guruji Marathi Vidyamandir, Santacruz West, Mumbai in July, 2014.  And in October 2017, it extended the Bhavishya Yaan programme to their primary section

Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner at R C Bombay West

Dr.Bharat Vatwani

The Chief Guest at our regular Club Meeting of Wednesday 3^rd October 2018 was the recent Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner – Dr.Bharat Vatwani, a renowned Psychiatrist and Founder Chairman of Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation – an organization devoted to the wandering mentally ill people we often see on the streets and ignore.  DG Shashi Sharma and Dr.Mohanbhai Patel graced the occasion as Guests of Honour while Dr.Anjali Chabria and several visiting Rotarians, Rotaractors and Guests were present to hear Dr.Bharat Vatwani and get inspiration from his work.

DG Shashi Sharma

The Ramon Magsaysay awards, considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize, were established in 1957 to commemorate Ramon Magsaysay, the late president of Philippines. In the past six decades this award has been bestowed on over 300 outstanding men, women and organizations whose selfless service has provided solutions to some of the most uncivilized problems of human development. In being honoured with this award Dr. Bharat Vatwani joins other illustrious Indian awardees such as Vinobha Bhave, Mother Teresa and Jayprakash Narayan to name a few.

Dr.Anjali Chabria

The citation presented to Dr. Bharat Vatwani at the awards ceremony reads “ The Foundation recognizes his tremendous courage and healing compassion in embracing India’s mentally-afflicted destitute and his steadfast and magnanimous work in restoring and affirming the human dignity of even the most ostracized in our midst”.

Born in June 1958, the journey for Dr Bharat Vatwani, an MD in Psychiatry began in 1987, when he and his wife Smita, also a practicing psychiatrist, spotted a frail young man drinking water from a gutter. The couple took him to their nursing home in Borivali. Treated him and reunited him with his family in Andhra Pradesh. It turned out that the young man was a BSc graduate suffering from schizophrenia. Ten years later in 1988 Dr. Vatwani along with his wife conceptualized and founded Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation, to provide temporary custodial care  for road side destitute schizophrenia patients. The major mission of this foundation since inception has been the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and reunification with their families of the wandering mentally ill destitute from the streets of India. This couple also helped a well-known professor also suffering from schizophrenia from JJ School of Art, who was wandering on Mumbai roads for over two years. After his treatment, Dr Vatwani fought for him to get his job back. This triggered an overwhelming response from art students, who organized a fund raiser art exhibition for Dr. Vatwani’s cause. With the proceeds from this exhibition coupled with the help of various donors, what started as a two room tenement in 1988 treating a few destitute at a time, Dr. Vatwani now established a separate psychiatric institution with a capacity of 20 beds at Dahisar in 1997.

Dr.Vatwani being felicitated by the Club

However, not all was easy going. The residents of Dahisar resisted and took  Shraddha to court for picking up roadside, psychiatrically disturbing elements that they perceived threatened their families with a bad influence. In a landmark judgment, this much abused section of society, found its lawful place under the sun. “The mentally ill roadside destitute” - emphasized the Mumbai High Court are as much entitled to medical help as any physically indisposed person.

Finally in 2006, a separate facility in 6.5 acres was created on the outskirts of Mumbai on the undulating grassy knolls of Karjat. It currently has a capacity to house 120 patients. To ensure absolute focus, the entire activity is totally free to the patients and the institute only caters to destitute wandering helplessly on the streets. No patient brought in by relatives is accepted at this institute by the foundation.

During the last 3 decades, more than 7000 mentally-ill roadside destitute have been assisted off the roads, treated, rehabilitated and reunited with their families in far flung villages and towns of Indian stretching from Kerala to Assam. More specifically, after the initiation of the Karjat project in 2006, close to 5500 mentally ill roadside destitute have been reunited with their families.

On a more personal level, this dedicated husband & wife team are blessed with 4 children. A biological daughter named Akshaa and 3 children adopted from Mother Teresa’s home, 2 sons named Arjun and Karmanya, and one daughter named Kanika. This couple truly symbolizes Our Rotary motto of “Service above Self”.

- Report by Past President Rtn.Krishna Kejriwal

Blood Donation Camp at NMIMS

Rotary Club of Bombay West in association with Social Responsibility Forum of NMIMS organized a Blood Donation Camp at NMIMS’s Lounge on 4^th October, 2018.  Students of NMIMS responded to the appeal for blood donation in large numbers, which helped Rotary DG Goenka Blood Bank to collect 306 units of blood in a single day.

The Camp was jointly inaugurated by Dr.Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University and Dr.Mohanbhai Patel, Ex-Sheriff of Bombay in presence of Rtn.Anand Gupta, President of Rotary Club of Bombay West, Dr.Meena Galliara, Director, Jasani Center for Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainability Management, NMIMS, Dr.Yogini Patel, Director, Rotary DG Goenka Blood Bank, Office Bearers of SRF, Rtn.Y.Srinivasa Rao, Director - Medical Avenue, Rtn.Samapti Patel, President Elect and several Members of Rotary Club of Bombay West.

The Social Responsibility Forum (SRF) is the student body of NMIMS that strives to promote social sensitivity amongst MBA students by executing various short-term and long-term civic engagement activities.  According to Dr.Meena Galliara, SRF functions as a resource centre dedicated to the larger goals and objectives of social sector. SRF has also extended its active support to Jasani Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Management, NMIMS to execute the We Care: Civic Engagement Program which is an integral part of their MBA curriculum. Through the We Care: Civic Engagement Programme, MBA students are placed in various public and private sector socially oriented organizations at pan India and international level to work on various social issues and handle specific projects in the areas of education, health, energy, sanitation, micro finance, micro entrepreneurship, disaster management, resource mobilization & management and other areas.

Bombay West Celebrates World Elders’ Day

International Day of Older Persons or World Elders’ Day falling on 1^st October was celebrated by Rotary Club of Bombay West this year too.  The World Elders Day is celebrated to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.

On Sunday, 30^th September, 2018, the Club in partnership with Inner Wheel Club of Bombay West (IWCBW) celebrated World Elders Day by inviting members of Senior Citizen Organizations associated with us. Dr.Pallavi Shah, Past President of International Inner Wheel was the Chief Guest.  President Anand Gupta welcomed the gathering while Dr.Kavita Rege, President of IWCBW formally introduced the Chief Guest who gave some very useful health tips to the senior citizens present at the event. 

The highlight of the evening was music programme conducted and sponsored by Rtn.Hiroo Thadani and his band.  Bollywood melodies from the Golden Era were sung by artistes to the accompaniment of live music.  Over 200 senior citizens who were present at the event thoroughly enjoyed – most were seeing humming the popular numbers while some enthusiastic elders climbed the stage and danced to their heart content.

Earlier, around 20 Elders were felicitated for their contribution to the society.  The event was compeered ably by Rtn.Minoo Lalvani and organized by the Senior Citizens Committee of the club lead by Chairman Rtn.Mohanlal Gupta and Director Community Service I, Rtn.Naresh Merchant.  The entertainment programme was co-ordinated and compeered by PP Rtn.Chandramohan Saigal.

For more photos of the event, please click on the link given below:

Pictures of World Elders Day Celebrations

Dr.Rajan Saxena, VC-NMIMS joins Rotary Bombay West as Hon.Member

RCBW Welcomes Dr.Rajan Saxena as Honorary Member 

Rotary Club of Bombay West is proud to induct Dr.Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor of prestigious NMIMS (Deemed to be University) and Distinguished Professor of Marketing as its Honorary Member for Rotary Year 2018-19.

Dr. Saxena, who set up the IIM-Indore as its first Director, took over as Vice Chancellor of NMIMS in 2009. Under his leadership, NMIMS improved its tie-ups with reputed foreign universities and was also invited by GMAC to be its member. Dr. Saxena was instrumental in establishing School of Economics and School of Law and other NMIMS campuses at Bengaluru and Hyderabad. 

Dr. Saxena also contributed to make NMIMS degrees more contemporary and industry relevant. During his previous tenure as VC, he was instrumental in transforming students experience by focusing on holistic development of graduates through both Class Room and Non-Class Room processes including field projects & soft skills etc. He focused on enhancing quality of programmes and their delivery. Faculty development assumed high significance in his leadership. Making admission process transparent by introducing computer based tests, which were psychometrically validated, helped change the quality and profile of the incoming student batches across all schools and programmes especially at the School of Business Management. Dr. Saxena ensured significant improvement in competitive position of each school of NMIMS.

He has over 46 years of professional experience in management education, research, consulting and institution building. He is an alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi. He did Ph.D. work at Delhi School of Economics in marketing area and was awarded the degree by Delhi University. He has taught at XLRI- Jamshedpur, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai, IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore and NMIMS.  He has also taught in University of Calgary, Canada and has been a British Council visitor at the University of Sterling, U.K. where he was involved in the entrepreneurship program. He is a Visiting Professor at Pace University, New York, USA. Dr.Saxena’s teaching & research interests are Marketing Strategy, Services Marketing & Customer Relationship Management.

He is widely respected in India as a marketing educator and institution builder. He has consulted over 50 Indian and multinational companies. He has published over 60 articles in Indian and Foreign journals. He has authored two books titled Marketing Management and International Marketing Concepts, Cases and Text, both published by McGraw-Hill. 

He has been conferred several awards by different organisations and media. Some of these are Bombay Management Association’s Best Teacher of Management in 1990; Best Marketing Teacher in 1998; Shri Ram College of Commerce’s `Distinguish Alumnus’ in 2002; Higher Education Forum, Dr. Suresh Ghai Memorial Award for the Outstanding contribution to Management Leadership in 2013; ET NOW `Visionary Leadership’ Award in Education in 2013 and `Leadership Award by Forum for Emotional Intelligence Learning (FEIL)

Dr.Rajan Saxena was introduced and pinned by Ex-Sheriff of Bombay and Past President of our Club, Dr.Mohanbhai Patel in presence of Dr.Manjula Nichani, Director – Hiranandani Institute of Learning, Anand Gupta, President and Nilesh Samant, Secretary of the Club at the Club’s regular meeting held on 5th September, 2018 which is celebrated in India as Teachers’ Day.

Dr.Raghunath Mashelkar’s Most Powerful Equation – “ E = F “

It was an honour and a rare privilege for Rotary Club of Bombay West when Padma Vibhushan Dr.Raghunath Mashelkar presided over as Chief Guest at the Annual Smt.Chandaben Mohanbhai Patel Rotary Excellence Awards on Monday, 30^th July at Smt.Chandaben Mohanbhai Patel Homeopathic College Auditorium in Vile Parle West Mumbai.

Speaking to the young minds – around 200 top ranking SSC students from around 60 schools in western suburbs of Mumbai – Dr.Mashelkar (a globally recognised genius scientist himself) narrated an incident when there was a discussion on what is possibly the most powerful equation that was ever developed by scientists. Someone said that it was the equation describing Newton’s second law, giving the relationship between force (F), mass (m) and acceleration (a), namely, F = ma. Someone else said that it is Einstein’s equation linking Energy (E) to mass (m) and the velocity of light (c), namely, E = mc2. The others came out with some other suggestions.

Then they asked him as to what he thought. He said neither Newton nor Einstein. The most powerful equation is E = F. Here E is Education and F is Future! This means education is equal to the future. This equation is universal and eternal. If there is no education, there is no future. No future for the individual, no future for the nation.

He went to add that there was new challenge for education vis a vis industry.  Industry 1.0, the first industrial revolution, was mechanization of production using steam. Industry 2.0, the second industrial revolution, was mass production using electricity. Industry3.0, the third industrial revolution used ‘simple’ digitization. ‘Complex’ digitization gave birth to the terminology Industry 4.0. Here cyber-physical systems are bringing in dramatic shifts. Internet of things, advanced automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and big data analytics are going to be the major drivers.

Students need to be future ready.

Lastly, he gave 5 Mantras – what he called as Mashelkar Mantras based on his own personal experience –

1.      Your aspirations are your possibilities, so keep them always high.

2.      Like instant coffee, there is no instant success. Work hard and success will follow.

3.      But work hard in silence. Let success make the noise.

4.      Don’t wait for opportunities to knock on your door, create opportunities, build your own doors.

5.      There is a no limit to human imagination and achievement, excepting the limits you yourself put on your mind. So go limitless. Outperform yourself.

He concluded his talk by quoting the famous words of US President John F. Kennedy - ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.".  He urged the students to ask themselves every night before going to sleep as to what they did today for their country and get up in the morning with the question as to what they will do for their country today. (Read more about Dr.Raghunath Mashelkar on his official website www.mashelkar.com)

Earlier, Dr.Mohanbhai Patel, the Guest of Honour, explained what he thought was “Excellence” quoting anecdotes from Mahabharata.  He also gave recent life examples of Mary Kom, Bansal brothers of Flipkart fame and the rescue operations in Thailand to save children trapped in the cave as epitome of “Excellence”.  Rotary International District Governor Rtn.Shashi Sharma too addressed the students and motivated them to study further and achieve success in their lives.  President of Rotary Club of Bombay West, Dr.Anand Gupta welcomed the gathering, gave glimpses of the community service activities of the Club and wished the students a great future ahead.  The event was graced by several educationists and members and spouses of the Club and Inner Wheel Club of Bombay West.

The students were later handed over Merit Certificates with cash awards along with an information booklet on Guide to Education Loans & Skill Loans from Banks in India published by the Club.

-          Report by PP Rtn.Aslam Merchant

Supa Farm Rotary Excellence Awards 2018

One more year of celebrating Excellence! Excellence that would create future! On 22nd July 2018, under the presidentship of Rtn  Anand Gupta, Rotary Club of Bombay West once again celebrated the eve of excellence at Dahanu, i.e. SUPA FARM ROTARY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2018, where around 170 students from 61 schools and colleges of Dahanu, Palghar and Talasari were felicitated for scoring 1st 2nd and 3rd ranks in their respective schools and colleges in SSC and higher classes with Certificates of appreciation along with cash award of Rs.5000, Rs.3000 and Rs.2000 respectively.

This prestigious “SUPA FARM Rotary Excellence Award” is supported by the corpus created of Rs. 50 Lakh by Industrialist and philanthropist PP Rtn Mohanbhai Patel, Ex Sheriff of Mumbai.  

Chief Guest of the function was a prominent educationist Dr. A.D Sawant. Ex Vice Chancellor Rajasthan University Jaipur, Ex Pro Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University. The Guest of honour was PP Rtn Mohanbhai Patel. The meaning of excellence was explained by Dr. Sawant and Mohanbhai in such a simplified manner with examples of Ashwathama, Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel and many more those cannot be forgotten by anybody. Mohanbhai explained the importance of good company to all students and also recited the poem of famous Marathi Poet Moropanth. Mohanbhai also emphasized about the importance of learning Sanskrit and also requested all the schools principals present to make students learn Sanskrit despite being out of current curriculum so that our children can get the knowledge of rich traditional Bharat. Dr Sawant spoke about the excellence in the field of technology and all other fields. He explained about how the excellence achieved by our country in nuclear power. At the same time he also explained about the underutilized various resources and talent of the nation. He encouraged students to develop skills and excel in their fields.

The audience really got mesmerized by hearing the words of both the scholars.

The award function was held at H. M. Parekh High School, Dahanu.

Function started with National anthem lighting the lamp by all dignitaries present. Shri Rajubhai Parekh made the welcome address. At the beginning of the event Dr B A Rajput briefed all the students, parents, teachers & other audience about the history of Supa Farm Rotary Excellence Awards. President Anand Gupta astonished everyone by his flawless fluent Marathi address. President Anand Gupta expressed his gratitude towards a great industrialist , philanthropist and scholar Mohanbhai Patel for his nature of giving and contributing for the betterment of society and uplifting the lives of underprivileged.

The introductions of Chief Guest and guest of honour were given by Rtn Rajul Doshi and PE Rtn Samapti Patel. Rtn Nandivardan anchored the event. Vote of thanks was given by PP Rtn Arvind Shah. The first lady Anita Gupta, PP Shirish Rege and Rtn Mohan Lal Gupta inspired all the members with their presence.  The entire coordination and execution of the event including all background work was done efficiently by Rtn Dharmendra Sharma. Rtn Paresh and Nishant Bafana supported the smooth flow of the awards distribution. Rtn/Ann Deepali and Sonali along with kids also witnessed the event. Rotaractors Sakshi and Rishabh extended their support during execution of the event. Photographer Ajay captured all the memorable moments in his camera. 

Post event the entire team headed to empyrean land Supa Farm where Mohanbhai hosted the excellent traditional toothsome lunch. PP Mohanlal Gupta thanked Mohanbhai for his hospitality in his own style by reciting his poem.

This day of Excellence Celebration was really a never forgettable event for all.    

Report Written by Rtn Dharmendra Sharma

Yoga @ Rotary

Yoga@Rotary

Yoga is for All

Rotary Club of Bombay West in association with The Yoga Institute, Santacruz East have commenced regular Yoga Classes at Rotary Service Centre, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai.  Convenient early morning batches are being conducted by certified and experienced teachers from the Institute which is the oldest organized yoga centre in the world celebrating its 100 years.  The curriculum covers Asana, Pranayamas, Kriyas, Diet, Meditation and much more… designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your body, mind and spirit.

For Rotarians and Rotary Anns of District 3141, the Club is offering a special 10% discount on the fees for the regular Yoga Classes at Rotary Service Centre.

As a part of Rotary’s objective of promoting awareness about Yoga and its health benefits, the Club has organized two Yoga Workshops in the month of August –

1.       Workshop on Yoga for 40+ Women – on Wednesday, 8^th August, 2018 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM; and

2.       Workshop on Prayanamas (for men and women) on Saturday, 25^th August, 2018 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Both these Workshops are being held at Rotary Service Centre for a nominal fee of Rs.500/- per participant.  These Workshops are extremely beneficial and are very popular at The Yoga Institute receiving tremendous response.  It’s a great opportunity to experience the teachings by the expert instructors from the Institute which will motivate you to adopt Yoga as a Way of Life.

For further details about regular Yoga Classes, one Free Trial Session or participating in the Workshops please call Rotary Club of Bombay West on 022- 26609847 / 7217 or Rtn.Naresh Merchant on 9820381956  / 8779639583 or email to secy@rcbw.org.

Achieve your health goals…  register today!

R/Ann Shahin Merchant

Yoga Counsellor & Project Chair – Yoga@Rotary

Inauguration of lecture series : Layman & Housing Laws

One of the flagship projects of 2018-19 – a knowledge sharing lecture series titled “Layman & Housing Laws” was inaugurated on Sunday, 11^th July, 2018 by Chief Guest Past District Governor Rtn.Sajjan Goenka at Rotary Service Centre.  Speaking on the occasion, President Anand Gupta explained the need for this lecture series for the community. PDG Sajjan Goenka lauded the efforts of the Club as well as the partners in the project viz. Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association (MSWA)

The inaugural lecture on ‘Success Story of MahaRERA’ was given by housing guru CA Ramesh Prabhu, Founder Chairman of MSWA.  His talk was full of statistics about success of MahaRERA. He informed that more 20000 complaints were received in MahaRERAtill date out of which about 15000 have been resolved in forty-five to fifty days from the date of complaint. He further highlighted that there is a provision for appeal to Appellate Tribunal wherein till date about two hundred appeals have been filed out of which more than 60% appeals were decided within forty-five days. He clarified that redevelopment projects of housing societies are also covered under RERA and the housing societies are also liable jointly with the developer for obligations under the Law.

Rtn. Adv. Hiralal Suthar spoke on the “Disputes and Resolutions” under co-operative laws and highlighted the nature of disputes in co-operative housing and premises societies and the reasons for the same. He brought to the notice avenues for resolutions of these disputes. He further observed that the national policy on co-operatives formulated in 2002 has been implemented through 97^thAmendments of the Constitution. He highlighted various issues the adjudication of which comes within the jurisdiction of Registrar as well as certain other issued over which the Co-operative Courts exercise jurisdiction. He also highlighted that arbitration, reconciliation, Lok Adalat and mediation are also integral part of the dispute resolution mechanism.

The meeting was well attended despite heavy rains and there was a lively question and answers session.

Concluding the talk,CA Shri Ramesh Prabhu informed that the next topic for discussion on Sunday, 5^th August 2018 will be “Redevelopment” and Adv. Rtn. Hiralal Suthar confirmed that the next topic fordiscussions will be transfer of shares and interest in a co-operative housing and premises societies on sale, gift, release of interest or part thereof, transfer to the nominee and transfer to legal heirs on demise of member as well as transfers following the Will of a deceased member and will also analyse the Supreme Court Judgement in re. “IndraniWahi” dealing with transfer to a nominee which has gone viral on social media creating serious confusion.

Rtn. Adv. Hiralal Suthar