Project Tarang, a show-stealer in Bengaluru

For the first time after the then RID 3190 (Bangalore region) was split into two as RIDs 3191 and 3192 in 2023–24, Project Tarang was held with pomp and glitz at the PES University, Banashankari. As a showpiece event for students to display their extracurricular talent, the one-day cultural expo staged by the Rotaract District 3191 saw 700-plus youngsters and children from 20 government schools contesting in a number of competitive genres.

A string of exciting stage shows that had group dance, solo dance and singing, mono acting, short plays and fancy dress pinned the audiences to their seats all through the day, while literary and artistic sessions like rangoli, drawing, quiz, Spell Bee and science exhibition provided intellectual fodder to the visitors at the PES grounds.  “Around 80 Rotaractors worked hard for the success of Project Tarang, and DG Satish Madhavan appreciated their work and urged the youth to take part in such cultural events to hone their skills in his motivational speech at the end,” says Madan Mohan B, project chair. DRR Abhay Lohia thanked the sponsors and 25 Rotarians who had made the cultural medley a “a grand success in its maiden version.”

Cash prizes, medals and certificates were given to the winners of all competitive events, and “the 700-plus students were given stationery kits consisting of exam pads, books, geometry boxes, pens and pencils,” says Mohan, also chair of district ­public image. “In the coming years, we will expand Project Tarang to make it bigger in its reach and appeal for all government school students in and around Bengaluru.”

Ganesh visarjan

In September last year, RACs ­Bangalore Highgrounds and South West, along with 12 other partner clubs, celebrated Ganesh Utsav with day-long programmes.

Following an early morning puja at a Ganesh pandal, Jay Nagar, Rotaractors staged a cultural show of music and dance (Sandalwood). “We served a delicious lunch to all the participants including 140 Rotaractors, a few Rotarians and other volunteers. Later on, we felicitated Rotaract and Rotary club presidents with mementos for their support in holding Ganesh visarjan,” explains Mohan who is a director, member retention, at RAC Bangalore Highgrounds. A grand procession was conducted with the Ganesh idol in the lead accompanied by music and dance, before the clay statue was dissolved in Ulsoor Lake with tamte (drum beats).

As a Rotaractor, Mohan says, “I have won many friends, acquired leadership skills, and become a good speaker now, thanks to the eight-year grooming through event management.” Employed as a senior administrator at TESCO, a global merchandise retailer, he will be joining a Rotary club after a gap of one year or so, he smiles.