Doing good in Matunga
Size does not matter, it’s only the determination and efforts that usher in change at the grassroots-level that make an impact, says Akshay Sunil Salvi, President, Rotaract Club of King’s Circle, Matunga, that comes under the aegis of RC Mumbai Mahim, D 3141. The community-based group of 66 Rotaractors put their club in the limelight through various activities such as book donation drive, campaigning for LGBT rights, awareness rallies for leprosy and organ donation and other service projects.
Over 30 children living in the neighbouring hutments in Matunga got an opportunity to showcase their drawing skills in a contest on the occasion of Mandela Day (Jul 18). “These children had never had a platform to display their extracurricular skills,” says Salvi. He is a final year B Tech student at the Institute of Chemical Technology.
Leprosy Awareness Rally was held in Dharavi with 20 Rotaractors leading from the front. They visited 350 houses in the region for a survey on the disease. “We found that most of the respondents were not aware how leprosy occurs or its early stage symptoms for timely hospitalisation,” he says. The survey report was submitted to Chota Sion Hospital, Dharavi, and free treatment was given to few patients as part of the drive.
Most of the respondents were not aware of how leprosy occurs or its early stage symptoms for timely hospitalisation.
On Guru Nanak Jayanthi, 15 Rotaractors served food at the langar in a gurudwara at Vidya Vihar. “We washed utensils, cleaned the kitchen and dining hall and helped the gurudwara staff in reaching out to over 500 devotees,” says the club president.
Annual projects
The club members make it a point to visit at least two old-age homes every year. This year they engaged with the inmates of St Anthony’s Home, Bandra West, and Shree Manav Seva Sangh, Sion, with fun activities and lively interaction.
Gandhi Jayanthi was marked with a major clean-up drive by the Rotaractors at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali and Dadar beach.
Jeevan Daan and Mahadaan — two massive blood donation camps were held jointly with other Rotaract clubs.
A meet titled Catenate (chemical term for bonding), organised by Rtr Atharwa Thigale, had the members interact with Rotarians from their parent club. The Rotarians, drawn from various professions, gave a detailed case study on skill orientation and personality development to chart out a successful career. “It was a four-hour presentation that benefitted 30 Rotaractors. Another meet on investing wisely in share markets and financial instruments was led by an expert Rotarian and turned out to be useful for us,” says Thigale.
The parent club provides t-shirts, souvenirs and other merchandise at events, besides offering logistic support. They are ready to offer all resources including finance, “but we first approach private sponsors for hosting major events and only when we don’t have options, we turn to our Rotary club,” says Salvi, adding that with good sponsorship this year, they were able to save over ₹10,000 for the next season.
