Building bonds

The Rotaract Club of Bombay Hills South, RID 3141, marked World Population Day (July 11) in September by organising an impactful series of events targeting children, adults, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds under their Project One Earth, Many Lives.

Club volunteers began by visiting a local government school, encouraging children to express their thoughts on population through art. “We were moved by their perspectives on population growth and its challenges,” said club president Shubham Kumar Yadav. “Some students observed that overpopulation could lead to resource depletion and food scarcity.” He also recalled a poignant moment when a child mentioned that his family of 12 shares a cramped two-room apartment, leaving no room for even one more person.

The club members then engaged with college professors to gain academic perspective. “They consider surging population as an asset to a nation. More people mean greater human capital, which could, in turn, foster economic growth, they say.”

The team also spoke to a beggar who shared a startling view. With four children, he saw any addition to the family as simply another pair of hands for begging.

The third component of the project brought club members to slum areas to understand the perspective of daily wage earners. “Many expressed that overpopulation has led to fewer opportunities and exacerbated their struggles,” shared Madiha Mujid, the club’s international service director. During their visit, the team also spoke to a beggar who shared a startling view. With four children, he saw any addition to the family as simply another pair of hands for begging.

“The project was an eye-opener for us. We were able to get so many perspectives and some of the views, especially from the children, had us overwhelmed. It reminded us of how blessed and privileged we are,” said the club president.

This is the second year the club has conducted this project. “Last year we focussed on equity and inclusivity, sensitising school students and slum residents on gender equality and fairness,” said Yadav who is pursuing a degree in advertising at Lala Lajpat Rai College. A Rotaractor for three years, he transitioned from his college Rotaract to this community-based club which was chartered in 2009, and now has a membership of 53 Rotaractors.

Ganapati Glory is another project executed by the club for the second year now. Under this project, the club members visit Om Creations, an NGO supporting children with mental disabilities, to celebrate Ganesh Chaturti festival with them. “We encourage the children to create an eco-friendly Ganesh idol and during the festival, we visit the institution in batches of five, and participate in the worship, along with them,” said Yadav. The Rotaractors volunteer in making the offerings for Ganesha, perform puja and aarti, and partake the food along with the inmates. On the final day, after a grand aarti the idol is immersed in a well on the premises, with the participation of all the members.

“These five days are filled with joy and emotional fulfillment for us with music, dance, and shared laughter,” Yadav added. “Our parents visit on the last day, witnessing the vibrant bond we Rotaractors share with these children.”