Transgender talent showcased in Coimbatore
As the first woman president of 20-year-old RAC PSGCAS, RID 3201, Prachi Jaiswal says, “two most important aspects of being a Rotaractor are community service and fellowship, which I really enjoy doing along with my big team of 60 members at this club.”
Recently, they staged Project Loud & Proud, an open mic event for the LGBTQ community in Coimbatore to exhibit their talent in music, dance and drama. “Around 40 transgenders came out of their closet and showcased their diverse skills which were appreciated by the audience,” says Prachi. Chief guest Kalki Subramaniam, a transgender activist, thanked Rotaract for holding a unique show that put the spotlight on the third gender. “A new stage has opened for the queer community to perform and get recognition from the people at large,” they said.
Under the district priority project (DPP), VIBGYOR, which focuses on seven focus areas of Rotary, “we are doing a monthly project, Educate. In this, we visit orphanages and government schools to hold interactive sessions, seminars on topics that are relevant and sought after by the teaching faculty.” So far, the Rotaractors had done four visits to institutions and covered topics such as peer pressure, menstrual hygiene and issues that help in in the betterment of children by honing specific skills.
The club representing the students of PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, is known for conducting its signature event, Quiz Trac, a quiz competition for schoolchildren and for the public under the open category. “We will be holding the 20th edition of Quiz Trac in March and expect at least 170–200 school students and around 500 members of the public in the two categories,” explains Prachi, a third-year student of BSc (Maths with Computer Science).
Rotaractors take part in their parent Rotary, RC Coimbatore Midtown’s weekly meetings once or twice a month. “We conducted events for school Interactors after the club was started by their parent Rotary. Rotarians guide us in our initiatives, but till now we had not sought any monetary help from them,” she says.
During the Rotaract weekly meetings, the five Avenue Committee heads for club, community, professional, international and DPPs make presentations and air their views on new projects which will be discussed and decisions will be taken after brainstorming sessions. “I would like to become a dual member, but with just one-year experience as a Rotaractor, I am looking for more exposure and project experience in Rotaract. My wish is to become a Rotarian and an active member of my parent, RC Coimbatore Midtown in the next few years,” she adds.
