Archives: Projects

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.

She Can & She Will is a project aimed at identifying and supporting a fighter, a champion, a leader! Empowered Women, Empowered Nation! The Project will provide talented young girls between the ages of 12 to 17 years with opportunities to improve their skills in the sport of boxing to go onto become National and International Champions. RCPC to work with partner organizations (Indian Boxing Council, World Boxing Council – Asia & OSR Sports works Consulting) and renowned Boxing Experts to IDENTIFY TALENT with the aim of providing access to boxing facilities, equipment, International coaches, Sports Medicine support and encouraging more girls to participate in the sport. Offer costs to cover COMPETITION EXPOSURE at City, State & National boxing competitions, helping them to showcase their talent, and gain recognition for their achievements Partner organizations to support CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES- Ensure Basic School Education is not affected – also provide mentorship and life skills training, such as leadership development, financial literacy, and communication skills, to help girls build self-confidence, develop resilience, and prepare for future success.

Objective:
RCPC visited Ghorpadi village to assess community needs and explore ways to support local development through Rotary’s assistance.

Progress:

• In October, RCPC met with local social workers to form a Rotary Community Corps (RCC).

• The team visited a Primary school, a school for mentally challenged children, Anganwadis, and Ghorpadi Secondary School to understand their needs, including uniforms, fans, and educational resources.

Impact:

• Identified key needs such as uniforms, fans, and basic educational materials.

• Explored the creation of RCC to implement sustainable solutions for the village’s growth.

Conclusion:
RCPC is committed to empowering Ghorpadi village, addressing its challenges, and making a lasting positive impact in the community.

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:

• Repairs on the Rajapur Dam began on February 28, 2024, with a traditional Pooja ceremony.

• The work included trench digging, leak sealing, and cleaning the dam face.

• Early monsoon rains helped fill the reservoir, which overflowed by September 2024.

Impact:

• The project has provided clean drinking water to approximately 5000 people in Rajapur Village and surrounding areas.

• 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:

• Motivational Talks: Rtn. PP Madhubhau Rathi introduced RYLA, while President Rtn. Brig. Murlidharan Raja spoke on success strategies.

• Skill Development: Mr. Kandhare emphasized vocational training, with professors sharing insights on career courses.

• Defense Careers: Col. Kumar Phulay detailed opportunities, including the “Agniveer” scheme.

• 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:

1. 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.

2. Health Camp Inauguration: A health camp was inaugurated, providing essential medical check-ups and consultations to the local community.

3. 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.

4. 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:

• December 10 – Rihe School: 357 children tested, 44 identified as anemic and provided with medication.

• December 10 – Marunji School: 314 children tested, 3 found anemic.

• December 17 – Pirangut English Medium School: 300 children tested, 24 found anemic.

• 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.

The Maharashtra Wheelchair Cricket Association (MWCA) approached the Rotary Club of Pune Central (RCPC) in 2023 for assistance to acquire Sports Wheelchairs for their team, since they were not in a position to do so themselves. Heeding to their request, 12 Members of the Rotary Club of Pune Central contributed the necessary funds required to provide them with 12 Sports Wheelchairs in November 2023.

The Maharashtra Team has been practicing at their ground in Wanowrie, using these wheelchairs. During the month of January 2023, they visited Mumbai, and played a match against the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team. They played valiantly but ended up losing the match by a narrow margin.

MWCA approached RCPC to sponsor the return match against the Mumbai team. This time too, RCPC agreed to do so, and with the kind courtesy of The Poona Club Ltd. got permission to use their Cricket Ground. The Poona Club Limited agreed to have the Match at their ground, without charging any ground hiring charges and further offered to sponsor the lunch for all the players. They also made the pavilion wheelchair accessible.

RCPC on their part provided the Maharashtra Team the Kit for the match, including Jerseys, Bats, Pads, Gloves etc. and other facilities required for the Match.

The Match, was played in the T20 Format at the Poona Club Cricket Ground and commenced at 10.00 am on Sunday 10th March 2024. Mr. Sunil Handa, President of Poona Club and Mr. Munir Chinoy, Past President of Poona Club, and RCPC were present at the Inauguration of the match. Also present were Rtn PP Dr. Nasir and R’Ann Noorjahan Kazi, Rtn Oni and R’Ann Nafisa Kakajiwala, Rtn Shirsh Nadkar, Rtn Arun Shroff, Rtn PP Ajay Dubey, Rtn PN Lekha Nair, and R’Ann Dipti Chitnis, and a number of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Poona Downtown.

Commodore Ajay Chitnis, President of Rotary Club of Pune Central and Mr. Omkar Roundale, Captain of the Maharashtra Wheelchair Cricket Team, welcomed all the guests and members at this unique event, which was taking place for the first time in the City of Pune.

Vishwanath Gurav, Captain of the Mumbai team won the Toss, and elected to Field first. The Maharashtra Team, batting first got off to a reasonable start, and were going along smoothly, powered mainly by Ravindra Baravkar, who scored 74 runs off 54 Balls. Vishwanath Gurav and Dinesh Metupalli, scalped tree wickets each and eventually restricted the Maharashtra Team to 127for 9, off 20 overs. In reply, the Mumbai Team lost three early wickets, raising the hopes of the Maharashtra Team. The hopes were short-lived since Santosh Ranjgane, 45 off 19 balls and Dinesh Mettupalli, 32 off 26 Balls, ensured that their team romped home for a comprehensive victory. Mumbai Team scored 128 for 4off just 12 overs and stamped their class over the home team. It was evident that Mumbai was a well-knit unit with a lot of experience, with two of their players in the current India Wheelchair Team, and their Captain, a former India player. It was a great exposure for the young and newly formed Maharashtra Team, and this will stand them in good stead as they strive to make a mark at the National Level.

Commodore Ajay Chitnis, President, Rotary Club of Pune Central congratulated both the Teams for their heart-warming performance, and spirit of sportsmanship, while giving away the prizes. Ravindra Baravkar, Maharashtra, was adjudged the Best Batsman, Vishwanath Gurav, Best Bowler, and Dinesh Metupalli, Man of the Match. The Mumbai Team took away the Glittering Winners Trophy and the Home team had to be satisfied with the Runners up trophy. All players were given gold and silver medals, respectively. The event was widely reported in English and Marathi Newspapers.