Making communities happy
Makar Sankaranti (Jan 14) is celebrated as harvest festival across India when the Sun moves from the zodiac Sagittarius to Capricorn. On this day, Rotaract clubs of RI District 3120 observed Daan Utsav and were engaged in various service projects to extend cheer among the less privileged.
The Rotaract Club of Gorakhpur Yuva distributed khichdi, a nutritious, balanced meal made with rice, lentils and spices, among pavement dwellers and children residing in patashalas. “We prepared it in our homes, pooled it all together and gave it to few community kitchens and schools in the city for distribution. We all felt that this was a satisfying and a wholesome way to celebrate the festival — spreading joy among our community, as festivals are meant to be,” said club president Abhishek Kumar Singh. The club members collected sparsely-used, neat clothes from members, their friends and family, and distributed them among children in various localities.
RAC Mirzapur Gaurav led by its president Ritika Agrahari, distributed blankets to 50 individuals to protect them from the chilling cold. The Rotaractors observed Gandhi Jayanthi (Oct 2) by organising an awareness campaign at the city’s market places, against use of plastic bags. “We provided bundles of cloth bags to shops to be given to their customers to pack their fruits, flowers, vegetables and groceries. We highlighted about how plastics harm environment to shopkeepers and the public visiting shops,” she said.
Volunteers from the Rotaract Club of Pride Mau, led by its president Akash Jaiswal, distributed blankets to homeless individuals residing at railway stations, bus stands and roadside dwellers.
The Techno Rotaract Club of Barabanki celebrated Christmas with students of the Bachpan School. “We had organised fancy dress competition and a variety of games and fun activities for the children. It was a joyous and memorable experience for everyone,” said club president Durgesh Kumar Sahani. The children were delighted to receive gifts from the club volunteers who played Santa in line with the Xmas spirit. They had also decorated the school with the traditional Christmas tree and festoons, adding to the excitement and joy.
On the eve of Diwali, members of RACs Prayagraj Sangam City, United, Prayagraj Platinum, Allahabad Midtown and CMP College organised a fun programme at the Ravindra Nath Gaud Anand Old Age Home in Tagore Town, Prayagraj. “We had a wonderful time with the senior citizens present there. We played games, distributed sweets and fruits, lighted diyas and burst firecrackers with them. It was great to see the participation of Rotaractors of all the clubs of Prayagraj,” said Diksha Chandra, the project contact. Rtr/Rtn Garima Singh coordinated with all the clubs for the joint activity, which “further strengthened the bond among Rotaractors of the city.”
RAC Vindhyachal celebrated the festival of light with children at a slum colony. “We visited the locality and got the children together. We burst crackers with them and distributed hampers to make their festival a little happier. The joys and smiles were mutual and it was the best Diwali ever for all of us,” said club president Abhishek Gupta.
RI District 3120 designed Project Natkhat to celebrate Children’s Day across the district. The Rotaract E-Club of Inspiring India organised a special event for the children of Sewa Basti at Gurgaon Sector 31. “We distributed pizzas, fresh fruits and munchies among them and engaged them in some games,” said club president Vaishnavi Saxena. DRRE Mahi Bhan participated in the festivities.
The Techno Rotaract Club of Barabanki and RAC Rae Bareilly celebrated Children’s Day with children in their respective localities. The Rotaractors of Barabanki organised a sports festival for the children, distributed snacks and juices for them, and sat with them to relish the feat while listening to their innocent banter.
