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