Fundraisers to stem dropouts in RID 3141

All the 146 Rotaract clubs in RID 3141 were instructed by DRR Gemin Shah to conduct as many fundraising events as possible in the first six months from July so that “those Rotaractors unable to pay the newly introduced RI dues will get financial assistance from their clubs,” says the DRR. Despite having 14,000 Rotaractors doing high-visibility projects, “we do face retention issues in our clubs which we are addressing now.”

So far, around 16 fundraisers were conducted, and under Project Umeed (hope) a live concert by Hindi pop singer Arjun Kanungo hosted by RAC Mumbai Downtown was a roaring hit among the audience. Over the years, the district Rotaract has got patronage from McDonald’s, Red Bull (energy drink) and Athena School of Management and “we rely on them for sponsoring our programmes, service projects and stage events,” says Shah who is in Rotaract for eight years now.

Project RED (Rotaract Entertainment Destination), the annual two-day cultural fest of RID 3141 held in December, is the most awaited razzmatazz for Rotaractors. “We get around 3,000 footfalls in those two days in which literary sessions, fine arts, drama, musical shows and skits blend seamlessly to offer a mosaic of entertainment,” he says. Rotaractors get an opportunity to exhibit their skills in music, dance and other performing arts at RED platform.

Project Arogyam

General health camp under Project Arogyam is a signature programme of the district clubs which has earned them goodwill among the communities. “We have done 18 health camps so far this year reaching out to 3,500 people who were screened for chronic ailments such as BP, blood sugar, obesity and heart problems,” he explains. He has a target to conduct 40 Arogyam camps touching at least 8,000 lives in the current year.

Expressing his gratitude to DG Sandip Agarwalla, the DRR says, “whenever he visits a Rotary event or programme, he interacts with Rotaractors and offers support in whatever way possible.” DG Agarwalla never fails to mention that “Rotaractors are the future of Rotary and an important pillar of strength in Rotary’s growth.”

Shah runs a family business which includes steel manufacturing and trade. His parents — late Chirag Shah and Sejal — are Rotarians and his brother is a former ­Rotaractor. A member of RAC Mulund Hills, “I want to join my parent Rotary and support all their community projects as an active member.”