It’s digital creativity for Mumbai Rotaractors
Here is a 20-year-old Rotaract club that has embraced digital technology to open up a platform for its members to showcase their talent in photography, art and literary work. An online student magazine, Mozaic being run by RAC
N M College, RID 3141, attracts more than 70 submissions each month for its 10-page journal which caters to Mumbai’s youth.
Over the last six months, the web magazine has gained popularity with increasing hits as the entire design and content are nicely packaged by a Rotaract team led by its Digital Communications Director Aayush Dalal, who is also the editor of Mozaic. “Dalal coordinates with Masumi Doshi, a core team member, to bring out the digital magazine. We upload the pages on our social media handles, including Instagram, which has over 3,000 followers across Mumbai,” says Prachi Jiphra, Club President. “The magazine is open to outsiders also and not just limited to Rotaractors alone. We are keen to open the digital space for those who can write, comment and analyse the evolution of technologies which impact us in many ways.” With a membership of over 300 students, the web platform has opened an effective handle for the club to present its news and views for its growing subscribers.
Rotofest show
In December, they organised Rotofest, a multi-event extravaganza attracting Rotaractors, NGOs and college students from different parts of Mumbai. “We had around 15 contingents from colleges and Rotaract clubs for this two-day conclave which had a number of programmes covering fine arts, youth contests and social events for children from NGOs,” she says.
Under the Handful of Grains project, a team of 20 Rotaractors collected foodgrains from schools, institutions and residential colonies during a 20-day special drive, and distributed it to over 30 families in Usgaon, a village in Thane district.
In another community project, these Rotaractors give micro-loans to beneficiaries to start fruitful, self-sustainable ventures like candle-making and selling edible items. “We contact sponsors, create awareness on social media and mobilise donations to collect enough money to give loans to small-time artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs,” says Prachi.
Candle-light march
The Rotaractors took out a candle-light march from the Churchgate Railway station to the CST station to mark the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. “We also performed a flash mob outside the CST station to create awareness among commuters on the 26/11 terror strike and pay homage to those killed in this dastardly attack,” she adds.
