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