Small Acts, Big Impact in Ranchi
Often when we brainstorm about big ideas, we miss out the smaller but significant things. That’s what struck us when we provided the basic necessities to small vendors,” said Vaibhav Kumar, president of RAC Xavier’s College, Ranchi, RID 3250, describing Innovation Oasis, one of the club’s most impactful service projects. Through this initiative, the club provided essential tools and equipment to small-scale vendors to help them improve their livelihoods.
Among the beneficiaries were a woman skilled in tailoring who received a sewing machine, a young laundry cart operator gifted with an iron box, and a cobbler equipped with footwear repair kits. A grocer was given containers and water jars, while a food cart vendor received cooking vessels and a large umbrella. “We identified over 15 such small vendors, assessed their needs, and provided resources that could enhance their income and bring more comfort to their lives,” explained Kumar.
The project included items like banners, plastic stools, benches, tube lights and groceries, all procured at a total cost of around ₹40,000. The Rotaractors of this institution-based club involved 85 student-volunteers from the college, met vendors across Ranchi, understood their requirements, meticulously sourced and distributed the materials to the beneficiaries. The entire project was executed within just two weeks. This is the second consecutive year the club is executing this project; last year’s edition supported 12 vendors.
The club’s other significant service projects include Project Vayumandal where saplings are planted every year in selected locations. “We place tree guards to protect the saplings and nurture the plants until they grow.” The environment drive also includes clean-up drives to remove plastic, glass and other waste thrown from public spaces.
The club supported its parent club, RC Ranchi, in organising a large-scale medical camp in the city. “We helped doctors conduct tests for blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia and other health parameters, and assisted with crowd management,” said Kumar.
One of their most ambitious feats came during Project 3250 Infinity in January. “We created a record by completing 50 projects worth ₹5 lakh in just 3 hours and 2 minutes,” said Kumar. Over 10,000 people benefited from activities like dress and footwear donation, distribution of stationery and lunch boxes to students, labour safety kit donations, fruit distribution to senior citizens, wheelchair donations to people with disabilities, and awareness street plays on AIDS and substance abuse.
Another annual activity of the club is Project Arogyam, a medicine distribution project through which the club members pool funds to purchase medicines that are donated to government hospitals, helping underprivileged patients. “This year we donated medicines worth ₹8.25 lakh. We have a good rapport with these hospitals and they have agreed to provide free treatment to patients referred by us,” he said.
As part of Project Shiksha, the club has adopted Tharpakaa School which caters to children from underprivileged families. Every weekend, the members visit the school to conduct digital literacy sessions, cultural activities and academic support classes. This is a long running project of the club, said Kumar. All 25 members of the club, along with 800 volunteers from the college, participated in Project Road Guardians to sensitise schoolchildren about road safety and traffic rules.
