The Rotary Club of Pune Central is proud to present its Robotics Lab Initiative at the Cyrus Poonawala English Medium School at Rasta Peth. It is a forward-looking project aimed at equipping students with essential skills for the future. In an increasingly technology-driven world, early exposure to robotics, coding, and problem-solving is a necessity.
We have set up a fully functional robotics lab to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in robotics. The lab will serve as a dynamic space to enable students to design, build, and program their own models and solutions.
Through this project, we aim to:
* Foster innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork among students
* Bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application
* Inspire young minds to explore careers in technology and engineering
* Build confidence and a spirit of inquiry in students from an early age
The Robotics Lab is equipped with age-appropriate kits, computers , and learning modules, supported by structured training sessions for both students and teachers.
This ensures that the impact of the project is not just immediate, but sustainable over the long term.
The Rotary Club of Pune Central (RCPC) has successfully undertaken a significant water conservation initiative with the construction of an Underground Water Retention Tank in Junnar.
Built on a hill, this large-capacity tank (30 x 30 x 40 ft) is designed to harvest and store rainwater, which will then be supplied to Kotamwadi village, a tribal community of over 1,000 residents located downhill.
For years, the villagers have faced acute water scarcity, with no reliable local source of water. Daily life has been a constant struggle, requiring long walks to distant wells just to meet basic needs.
This project marks a transformative change. By capturing rainwater at a higher elevation and making it accessible closer to the village, the initiative will significantly reduce the burden of water collection and improve the quality of life for the entire community.
With this essential infrastructure now in place, the village is well-positioned to take the next step of developing a pipeline network to ensure that water can reach every household efficiently.
Rotary Fight Night — “Knock out Congenital Heart Disease” (KOCHD) is the Rotary Club of Pune Central’s newest initiative to raise funds for undertaking corrective surgeries for children suffering from congenital heart disease. Statistics reveal that one out of every 100 children born suffers from CHD and one out of every five CHD afflicted children needs corrective surgery costing Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Children with CHD who do not have surgery rarely survive beyond the age of five. With the twin goal of raising awareness of CHD and inviting corporates to come forward and offer CSR funding for knocking out “certain child mortality” for a present-day waiting list of over 3,000 children, RCPC has combined forces with the Indian Boxing Council to hold their first Professional Boxing Championships in Pune. The evening’s two main bouts/fights were for the National Boxing Title sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Indian Boxing Council.
Empowered Women, Empowered Nation!
She Can & She Will is a project aimed at identifying and nurturing fighters, champions, and leaders.
The project provides talented young girls between the ages of 12 to 23 years with structured opportunities to develop their skills in the sport of boxing, enabling them to progress towards becoming National and International champions.
RCPC collaborates with esteemed partner organizations such as the Indian Boxing Council, World Boxing Council – Asia, OSR Sports Works Consulting, and Pune City Boxing Association, along with renowned boxing experts, to identify promising talent.
Selected participants are provided with access to:
- Professional boxing facilities
- Quality equipment
- International coaching
- Sports medicine support
- Training kits and nutritional assistance
This holistic support system ensures that more girls are encouraged to participate and excel in the sport.
The initiative was launched in 2024, with 15 girls selected for the program. Of these, two girls have already progressed to higher competitive levels, showcasing the success and potential of the initiative.
In 2026, a boxing training camp was organized in association with the Pune City Boxing Association for 60 young girl boxers from various academies across Pune, under the guidance of National Coach Mr. S.K. Pal. Based on performance, 16 girls have been shortlisted for advanced, intensive training with comprehensive resource support.
RCPC’s Green PC Project Nears Global Grant Milestone
RCPC is proud to announce significant progress on its Global Grant Project, which will soon equip tribal schools with 92 state-of-the-art Green PCs and accompanying solar panels. With an investment of US$37,225, the project is designed to provide a sustainable, low-energy computing solution for areas facing inconsistent or limited power supplies.
The Green PC Project, pioneered by Rtn Pravin Nadkarni, offers a revolutionary alternative to standard computers by consuming only 10 watts of electricity—drastically lower than the conventional 100-120 watts. This innovative approach not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances reliability in small villages and remote areas with poor or non-existent electrical infrastructure.
In his customary visit to RCPC on 5th February 25, preceding the DG visit , AG District 3131 Rtn Asis Ray has expressed strong interest for the project and requested that President Raja submit detailed performance and reliability reports, with a view toward incorporating the Green PC model as a District project in the not so distant future. This move underscores the potential impact of the project on wider community development and sustainable technology initiatives.
RCPC’s commitment to leveraging green technology for social good continues to pave the way for innovative solutions in underserved regions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
Objective:
The Satara Dam Repair Project focuses on restoring the Rajapur Dam and other earthen dams in Satara district to provide reliable water sources for local communities.
Progress:
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Repairs on the Rajapur Dam began on February 28, 2024, with a traditional Pooja ceremony.
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The work included trench digging, leak sealing, and cleaning the dam face.
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Early monsoon rains helped fill the reservoir, which overflowed by September 2024.
Impact:
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The project has provided clean drinking water to approximately 5000 people in Rajapur Village and surrounding areas.
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The community well is full, and dry wells have been replenished, significantly improving water access and quality of life.
Conclusion:
Led by Rtn. Giri Sakhrani and supported by RCPC members, the project has successfully improved water availability and inspired future dam repair initiatives in the region.
Objective:
The Rotary Club of Pune Central organized a RYLA Career Guidance and Financial Literacy Program on December 10, 2024, at Village Male, benefiting 550 rural students with essential career insights and skill development opportunities.
Progress:
The event began with a lamp-lighting ceremony by club leaders, followed by:
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Motivational Talks: Rtn. PP Madhubhau Rathi introduced RYLA, while President Rtn. Brig. Murlidharan Raja spoke on success strategies.
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Skill Development: Mr. Kandhare emphasized vocational training, with professors sharing insights on career courses.
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Defense Careers: Col. Kumar Phulay detailed opportunities, including the “Agniveer” scheme.
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Inspiration: PDG Prashant Deshmukh’s “Zero to Hero” speech left students motivated.
Impact:
The program empowered students with career guidance, financial literacy, and practical skills, helping them make informed decisions.
Conclusion:
With dedicated efforts from Rtn. PP Madhubhau Rathi and speakers, the event was a great success, leaving students inspired for a brighter future.
On Sunday, 8th December, the following projects organized, supported, and funded by PP Madhu Rathi were successfully conducted at the Primary Health Centre in Male:
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Handing Over Ceremony: The equipment, donated by RCPC and funded by Rtn. PP Madhu Rathi and Rtn. Yogesh Shah, was officially handed over to the Primary Health Centre to improve its medical facilities.
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Health Camp Inauguration: A health camp was inaugurated, providing essential medical check-ups and consultations to the local community.
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Eye Camp Inauguration: An eye camp was launched, offering free eye check-ups and screening for various eye conditions, with a focus on providing timely treatment and support.
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Blood Donation Camp: A blood donation camp was organized, encouraging and enabling local residents to donate blood, supporting the regional blood bank.
Objective:
The Rotary Club of Pune Central, in collaboration with the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), launched the ‘Cherry Blossom’ project to conduct anemia testing and treatment for young girls in 20 schools across the Mulshi area. The initiative began in December 2024 and is expected to conclude by February 2025.
Progress:
Several anemia testing camps have been conducted:
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December 10 – Rihe School: 357 children tested, 44 identified as anemic and provided with medication.
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December 10 – Marunji School: 314 children tested, 3 found anemic.
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December 17 – Pirangut English Medium School: 300 children tested, 24 found anemic.
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December 18 – Pirangut School: 420 children tested, 31 girls identified as anemic.
Impact:
Through this initiative, hundreds of students have been screened for anemia, ensuring early detection and treatment. The project is improving awareness and health outcomes among young girls, contributing to their overall well-being.
Conclusion:
The ‘Cherry Blossom’ project reflects the commitment of RCPC and FPAI to addressing anemia among schoolgirls. By identifying and treating affected students, this initiative is making a lasting impact on their health and future development.
Objective:
The Annual Christmas Party for underprivileged children was held on December 18 at Poona Ladies Club, bringing joy to 325 children from various institutions.
Progress:
In its 18th year, the event was supported by the Inner Wheel Club of Pune Central, RCPC Rotarians, and R’Anns. Former RCPC members initiated this tradition over 15 years ago, with continued contributions from generous donors like Mr. Satish Shetty.
Impact:
Children from multiple institutions, including hearing-impaired students and orphans, enjoyed gifts, games, and festive treats. Their smiles reflected the event’s success.
Conclusion:
This celebration highlighted the power of kindness and giving, inspiring continued efforts to support and uplift the underprivileged.
