Bombay West Conducts Addiction Medicine Workshop for General Practitioners

Everything about this initiative was new- new topic, new collaborations, new numbers, new insight, new perspective.

There is no denying to the fact the addiction in our society is a huge problem and each and every strata of the society is engulfed  in it - rich and poor, young and old, rural and urban- no one is spared. As the menace is increasing with no sign of regression, it was felt that  the family physician can and should play  a crucial role to screen, diagnose, treat and prevent addiction. 

Rotary Club of Bombay West in association with PP Rtn.Yogesh Zaveri of RC Ghatkopar and Dr.Madhu Oswal of Muktaa Charitable Foundation organized a Addiction Medicine Workshop for General Practitioners.

The program was a great success. The program was planned in a series of 7 lectures, every Wednesday starting from 2nd March 2016.  Within a couple of days of firing the first SMS, we received more than 150 registrations… the response was absolutely mind-blowing. 

The programme started on 2nd March with a bang- Dr Harish Shetty, a renowned psychiatrist enthralled the crowd of 140 doctors coming from all over Mumbai and beyond. Over seven weeks all the major drugs like tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opium, mephedrone, club drugs, designer drugs were discussed in details – from diagnosis to management. There were sharing by ex- addicts, there was a session on legal aspect, there was participation by NGOs, de-addiction centres. Top notch doctors working in addiction medicine in Mumbai guided the participants- Dr Shubhangi Parkar from KEM, Dr Ashish Deshpande, President of Bombay Psychiatric Society, Dr Rakesh Ghildiyal from MGM Hospital, Dr Kiran Shandiliya, Dr Shilpa Adarkar, Head of KEM Hospital's Centre of Excellence for Drug De-addiction, Dr Avinash De sousa, etc. DCP Jayant Naiknavare from Anti Narcotics Cell, Mumbai enlightened us on the legal issues of drug problem in Mumbai.

Of course, the best part was that Department of Psychiatry and De-addiction Centre of Excellence, KEM Hospital was the official academic partner of the program. Rusan Pharma and Ariina Pharma supported the activity. Santacruz Medical Social association and Vile Parle Medical Club Public Health Trust also supported with their support in mustering registrations and also by part hosting the sessions. 

After all the workshop sessions, there was a written evaluation of all the doctors and the workshop ended with Addiquiz – an info-entertainment program. Those who satisfactorily attended the workshop were given certificates. 

The feedback given by the participating doctors speak all about this novel and noble initiative- 

“It was a wonderful experience. We learned a lot. We appreciate the hard work which you have put in”

“Thanks to all of you for organizing such a fantastic series of lectures. I am sure it has increased our knowledge about de-addiction.”

“We got an insight into a branch of medicine which is very relevant in today's time.”

“Thanks to you for arranging this workshop & giving us an opportunity to get aware of this increasing problem”

Overall, the program helped to equip 150 plus doctors learn about an untouched but crucial topic of addiction in a detailed manner. And this will go a long way to positively influence the addiction scenario in their respective communities. 

Doctors from many other areas such as  Dombivali, Thane, Nashik, Pune etc.  have requested for a similar program in their areas. 

It was one of the most innovative and impactful initiative Rotary Club of Bombay West has had in recent times!!!!!!

- Dr. Bhavna Patel

India Government Budget 2016 focuses on Stability over Growth, says Chief Economist at CRISIL

Rotary Club of Bombay West had organized a meeting on March 2, 2016 on Union Budget Analysis which featured presentations on the Union Budget by two experts; Mr. Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL Ltd. and our own Rotarian Shalin Divatia, Chartered Accountant and an expert on Taxation, M&A and ESOPs. This combination of speakers made for a valuable evening with their insights and analysis on the Budget. Mr. Joshi presented the main thrusts of the Budget and its likely impact on the economy, the global headwinds and the key assumptions on which the success of the Budget is anchored. While Rtn. Divatia talked about the important tax proposals and their implications.

Mr. Joshi said that the Budget focuses on stability over growth. Its three main thrusts are in the areas of fiscal prudence, rural focus and public investment. The success of the budget depends on the continuity of low crude oil prices and a good monsoon. And though Indian economy is in a good position Vis a Vis most other economies, a sharp turnaround in the economy looks unlikely. He also made an important observation that the importance of the Union Budget has declined with a greater devolution to the States as per the Finance Commission recommendation. What the States do is now more important for the Indian economy.

Elaborating further on the focus on stability versus growth, he said that given the global uncertainties, continuing on the path of fiscal prudence was a good choice. The fiscal math is credible and is likely to lead to a softening of interest rates and possibly spur consumption and private investment. Focus on Agriculture in the Budget was necessary as the rural economy contributes nearly 50% of GDP and has been suffering and been ignored for long. For example nearly 80% of the area is not irrigated and needs investments in irrigation. And in the absence of private investment, public investment especially in the area of infrastructure(roads, rails, ports etc.) is critical for triggering a growth momentum. He sounded a note of caution on the rising global uncertainties and their potential to derail the world economy including that of India.

Rtn. Shalin Divatia gave a comprehensive yet concise analysis of the numerous tax proposals in the Budget. Some of the changes effecting individuals are- Surcharge on income over Rs.1 crore increased to 15% from 12%, tax at 10% on dividend received above Rs. 10 lakhs per annum, TCS of 1% to be levied on purchase of motor vehicles of value more than Rs. 10 lakhs, sale of goods over Rs. 2 lakhs and provision of any service for cash above Rs. 2 lakhs. The growing digital economy is sought to be brought under the tax ambit through a 6% tax. An income declaration scheme has been offered in the Budget for undisclosed income up AY 2016-17. Other proposals include Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016, Presumptive Income, Rationalisation of Penalty Provisions, Incentives for employment generation, incentives for affordable housing and additional deduction on housing loan. Tax proposals for Recognised Provident Fund/ Pension Fund include a cap of Rs.1.5 lakhs on employer contribution. Tax exemption on withdrawal of EPF up to 40%- this is being hotly debated in the Parliament

Mr.Dharmakirti Joshi has impressive credentials. As Chief Economist at CRISIL Ltd, he is responsible for demand forecasting, assessing macroeconomic scenarios, and analysing and monitoring the impact of macroeconomic domestic and external shocks on the economy. He has extensive experience in macroeconomic analysis and medium-term assessments of the Indian economy.He was member of the Working Group of Savings for the 12th Five Year Plan. He is also a member of the industry monitoring group of Reserve Bank of India. He was the Chairman of Economic Affairs Committee of Bombay Chamber of Commerce and is currently member of Economic Policy Group of Confederation of Indian Industry and Indian Merchant Chamber. He regularly writes for leading newspapers and is called upon for his views on the economy in the electronic media.

Rtn. Shalin S Divatia is Partner of S R Divatia and Co, Chartered Accountants andDirector of Paradigm ESOP Consultants Pvt Ltd. Educational qualifications include a B.Com, LLB, FCA, and ACS. He has co-authored a book on Employee Stock Options (Esops), published by Bombay Chartered Accountants Society. He is a Director on Board of various companies and Associated with various Educational Institutions in an honorary capacity.He has been the Secretary of Rotary Service Public Charitable Trust and presently he is the Treasurer of Rotary club of Bombay West.

The evening was co-hosted by the Bombay Industries Association and the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The presentations generated a lot of interest and questions. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by the President of the Bombay Industries Association.

---Rtn. Hemant Joshi

Celebrating 111th Birth Anniversary of Rotary International

Our Club was the lead host for Celebrating World Peace and 111^th Birth Anniversary of Rotary International on Tuesday, 23^rd February, 2016 with twelve (12) other Rotary Clubs from District 3140 co-hosting the event held at Rotary Service Centre, Juhu, Mumbai.

Rtn.Shirish Rege, President, welcomed the Chief Guest District Governor (DG) Rtn.Subhash Kulkarni and Guest Speaker Ms.Neeta Kolhatkar, Senior Journalist & Rotary Peace Fellow along with Past District Governors (PDG), District Officials, Presidents of Co-host clubs and Rotarians and Guests who graced the occasion.  The event began with two students of Rotary KDN Shruti School for Hearing Impaired – the beneficiaries of The Rotary Foundation programme – to cut a cake to celebrate the 111^th Birth Anniversary of Rotary International.  President then invited Past President (PP) Rtn.Rajendra Ruia, District Avenue Chair for Peace Programmes and Convenor of the event to conduct the proceedings for the rest of the evening.

PP Rajendra Ruia talked about relation between Rotary and Peace -  one of the six focus areas of Rotary International is Promoting Peace. Through partnerships with several leading universities, Rotary Peace Fellows develop the skills to strengthen peace efforts, train local leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and support long-term peace building in areas affected by conflict. RI provides up to 100 peace fellowships per year at Rotary Peace Centers. The mission of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Fourth Objective of Rotary viz. The achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national, and international… humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs.

One of the lesser known facts in the history of Rotary International is the Rotary’s relationship with the United Nations which dates back to 1945 when some 49 Rotary members acted as delegates, advisors and consultants at the United Nations Charter Conference. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status possible with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization.

The Guest Speaker of the event, Ms.Neeta Kolhatkar was introduced by Rtn.Dr.Mona Shah, President of Rotary Club of Juhu Beach.  A photo-video grapher, writer and an eminent senior journalist, Ms.Kolhatkar has over 20 years of experience in television, print and internet journalism.  She graduated in Anthropology & Sociology with Masters in Social Work, has been associated with leading news organizations like Times of India, Aaj Tak, India.com, DNA, Rediff.com, to name a few. Full of passion and enthusiasm for life and equality, Ms.Kolhatkar is a Rotary Peace Fellow, having completed a Peace & Conflict Resolution Course at Rotary Peace Centre in Bangkok in the year 2009.

According to Ms.Kolhatkar, unhappiness leads to conflicts – be it personal, domestic, religious, political, legal or societal.  Peace is absence of conflict or in other words, conflict resolution leads to peace.  Peace leads to progress and growth.  The Rotary Peace & Conflict Resolution Course has helped her tremendously in her work as a journalist.  Her perspective of looking at situations has changed since then, bringing in rationality in her thinking about the conflicts which she reports as a journalist and at the same time bringing in positive angles to her reporting, thus giving peace a chance.  On asked whether there can ever be peace between India and Pakistan, she was quite optimistic – we need to trust the interlocutors who may or may not be people in power.  Peace can come through sports, culture or music.  People on both sides love peace and want peace but the vested interests are not allowing peace a chance.

DG Rtn.Subhash Kulkarni said a lot needs to be learnt about peace programmes of Rotary International so that they can be percolated down to the club level.  He urged all the Clubs in the District to take assistance of the Peace Programmes Committee to recommend candidates for Rotary Peace Scholarships.  According to the DG, every time we touch a life through any of our humanitarian programmes, we are promoting peace.  He complemented PP Rajendra Ruia and his dedicated team for having carried on these programmes successfully in District 3140 since over a decade.

Earlier, Immeidate Past DG Rtn.Ajay Gupta presented TRF's "Citation for Meritorious Service Award” to PP Rtn.Rajendra Ruia for his devoted and committed efforts in conducting Rotary Peace Programmes, thus promoting peace and world understanding since over 10 years for District 3140. This is the second highest award given by TRF. IPDG Rtn.Ajay Gupta also handed over to PP Rtn.Ruia the Club Trophy by Dist.3140 for the year 2014-15 for Promoting World Understanding & Peace by successful selection of a large number of candidates recommended for Rotary Peace Scholarships.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Rtn.Dr.Nandini Deshmukh, President, Rotary Club of Mumbai Shivaji Park.

Rotary Bombay West launches "Mann-Suman Geetmala"

Rotary Club of Bombay West announces the launch of a unique value education project - MANN-SUMAN GEETMALA... a collection of 11 songs with meaningful lyrics and catchy tunes to inculcate values and morals in children of all age groups in a fun way !

The entire collection of MANN-SUMAN GEETMALA is available for free download along with lyrics of all the songs. Click here to download.

This initiative is led by our member Rtn.Laxminarayan Baijal with support from his family, friends and Value Education Committee of the Club with the objective of supplementing the efforts of teachers and parents to instill values amongst children to make them responsible youth of tomorrow.

Every song of this collection teaches values like humbleness, fearlessness, commitment, love, respect for elders, honesty, compassion, say no to drugs, patriotism, etc. School Teachers, Social Workers and Parents can use these songs creatively by making children perform dance, skits or group singing at school events.  These can be supported by providing them access to a set of one hundred value education booklets published by Punaruthan Vidyapeeth, Ahmedabad or video clips available on related subjects from YouTube and other sources.

Rotaractors from Mithibai win “Yes, I am the Change” Awards

Rtr.Rajvi Mehta and Rtr.Tejas Mistry won two of the three Awards under the “Yes, I am the Change”  program of Yes Foundation for their short films on social change.  Along with a beautiful trophy, the winners were handed a cheque of Rs.100,000/- each at the Award Ceremony held before the Rotaract District Conference on Sunday, 24^th January, 2016 at K.C.College Auditorium, Mumbai.

YES! i am the CHANGE (YIAC) is the flagship program of YES FOUNDATION (promoted by Yes Bank). Launched in 2013, YES! i am the CHANGE is a nationwide mindset transformation program to drive the spirit of positive social change amongst the youth through the medium of films.

As part of YIAC 101-Hour Social Filmmaking Challenge, filmmakers and amateurs make short films of up to 3 minutes duration on social causes which form an open repository of invaluable communication resources for Not-for-Profits. Most importantly, the process of participation and exposure to various social causes leads to the inner transformation of the youth, builds association with causes and makes them agents of social change.

Program Objectives : 

·         Inner transformation of the youth through exposure to social causes resulting in youth engagement for inclusive social development

·         Inspire filmmakers to make films for social change

·         Facilitate creation of high quality, communication resources for use of Not-for-Profits

President Rtr.Tina Roy of Rotaract Club of Mithibai College reacted thus.. “Yes! I am the Change (YIAC)  was a Marvelous and Momentous Experience for The Rotaract Club of Mithibai College.  More than 1000 students participated for the spectacular challenge from District 3140 out of which 3 best Videos were given awards – and two of those Awards came in our lap.  We are very super-excited!!”

Rotary Club of Bombay West, the Sponsors of Rotaract Club of Mithibai College, feel proud on their achievements and on behalf of all the members of the Club convey our congratulations and best wishes for many more such accomplishments.

Dr.Sanjeev Mehta receives Rotary Vocational Excellence Award

Renowned Chest Physician, Dr.Sanjeev Mehta was conferred Rotary Vocational Excellence Award for the year 2015-16 by Rotary Club of Bombay West at its meeting held on Wednesday, 20th January, 2016 at Rotary Service Centre, Santacruz West, Mumbai.

Introducing him, Rtn.Ms.Rajul Doshi, Director - Vocational Services at Rotary Club of Bombay West said that Dr.Sanjeev Mehta was an internationally recognized chest physician with brilliant academics and affiliations with leading hospitals in Mumbai. He has leveraged his vast clinical experience to carry out a number of important field studies involving quality of air and its effect on lung function. It was one of his award winning studies that revealed that as many as 38% of otherwise healthy residents of Mumbai suffered from weak lungs.  As a Chair of Council of Global Governors, American College of Chest Physicians, a prestigious body with more than 18000 members worldwide, Dr.Mehta has created awareness on the imminent threat which the world faces due to respiratory ailments which is inching up to be the number one killer in years to come.

In his response speech, Dr.Sanjeev Mehta thanked the fellow members of the Club for bestowing upon him the prestigious Award and felt humbled to be in the elite list of the Rotary Vocational Excellence Awardees selected by the Club in the past.

School Students Pledge to Follow Traffic Rules

Students from various schools in the western suburbs took a pledge to follow the traffic rules and create awareness amongst their families, friends and neighbours on the dangers of not doing so at a Road Safety Seminar organized by Rotary Club of Bombay West in association with Giants International, Rotaract Club of N.M.College and Rotaract Club of Mithibai College at Rotary Service Centre, Santacruz West on Wednesday 20th January, 2016.

Sr.Police Inspector, Ms.Nashikkar of Mumbai Traffic Police exhorted the children to impress upon their parents and elders in the families to always follow the traffic rules - not because of the fines levied by the Police - but to save their own precious lives and precious lives of others on the road.  She went on to inform the young minds about the various types of road signs - particularly the mandatory ones - which everyone must follow at all times.  Majority of the road accidents happen due to human error and the resulting pain and suffering is life long.  Not only does the accident victim suffers, but also the entire family goes through difficult period due to the financial burden an accident can have on them.  Thus, it was better to be safe then sorry.

The students were shown several educative clips on road safety to bring home the message strongly along with a skit which made learning very interesting.