Eye Check up Camp at Wadala

We at Rotary Club of Mumbai, Mahim organise free eye cherck up camp, every year for the benefit of economically dackward class.

This year, the camp was organised for a half day 9:30 am to 1:30 pm on 6th March, at AOTS Hall Wadala joining hands with doctors from Haji Bachhu Ali Hospital. Rtn. Anand helped in preparing hand outs which were distributed in the near by areas. Banners were put up for the people to know about eye check up camp.

Patients started coming in groups from 9 am. Rtn. Uma and Rtn. Sandhya took care of registration. Rtn. Vijay Mody visited the camp and handed over the citation to IPP Prakash. Patients were guided from one specialist to another. Initially general health of eye was noted down, followed by vision check and puttinmg down concluding remarks. Patients requiring spectacles were allowed to select the frames of their choice and required details were noted down.

Totally 120 patients took the advantage of check up. Out of these 51 patients need spectacles, which will be provided just for Rs. 50 /- and rest of the cost will be borne by the club. 12 patients require cataract operation and 25 patients need further investigations, are further referred to Haji Bachhu Ali Hospital.

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‘Save Earth’ Awareness

Pollution is one of the largest problems in today's environment. By emitting harmful gases such as carbon dioxide which are mainly released from cars and power plants, harmful gases will build up into the atmosphere. The harmful effects of gas build up in the atmosphere and can increase the temperature of the Earth which could endanger plants, cause wild weather patterns, or alter land formations (Global). There are many ways to increase the effects of global warming such as contamination, wastes, or deforestation.

It is imperative that we, the people, take action on our dying environment, for the future of our kids and generations to come. Unless steps are taken to stop this progression of events, and even in spite of such steps, the vast majority of the evidence shows that the Earth will continue to grow warmer, with widespread and even catastrophic results.

We at RCMM, decided to spread awareness and urge every one to take corrective actions. Idea clicked of preparing small pocket leaflet to have a long lasting effect. It will describe what is global warming, its effect and what we can do.

As a humble start, we distributed ‘Save Earth’ leaflets at DISCON 2011. Recipients very much appreciated contents, format and design of the leaflet. Some of the Rotarians requested for more leaflets to distribute in their clubs and to friends. We have plans to distribute the leaflets in the nearby schools and colleges.

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Cardiac Camp at Murud Janjira

The last few years have witnessed a steep rise in heart related diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, over 16 million Indian die due to heart ailments every year. Asymptomatic patients with high risk profiles must be identified, monitored and examined earlier to prevent them from suffering acute cardiac events.

In metropolitan cities of India, there are well-equipped cardiology centers, number of cardiologist are available. But in rural areas even basic facilities like ECG - electrocardiogram, 2D Echo – Two Dimensional Echocardiography are not available.

RCMM joined hands with Raigad Medical Association and organized Cardiac Camp at Murud Janjira with help of Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Anil Potdar and his team. The purpose of camp was two fold, to bring in awareness among the local doctors about newer technologies and to identify high risk patients.

Two days program was planned on 5th & 6th February. On 5th February seminar was arranged for local doctors. Dr. Anil explained how the new technologies have made the handling of heart patient simpler. Cardiac Camp was organized on 6th February from 9am to 2pm. Many patients from Murud as well as around Murud took advantage of the camp. Once patient’s registration was completed, blood pressure was checked and then ECG was taken. In case of any problem seen in the ECG, 2D Echo was done. Dr. Anil explained the problems and further course of actions to patients very patiently.

Almost 180 patients were checked and out of these about 10% to 12% patients identified as requiring immediate attention.

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Smoke Free Village by Supply and Installation of Bio Gas Generation Units

Since year 2009, RCMM has been supporting installation of Bio Gas units at Zarap, a village in Taluka Kudal, Dist. Sindhudurga of Maharashtra. Bhagirath Gramvikas Pratisthan, a local NGO is the project partner in this venture. Our intention is to make Zarap and the villages around �smoke free� in the forthcoming years. This unique project combines efforts to protect environment and ensure upliftment of financially weaker sections of the society. The Bio Gas project brings following key benefits ---

Eliminates consumption of wood as a fuel. Reduces emissions of Green House Gas (GHG) Reduces air pollution in the cooking space - protecting thereby health of women Provides manure. Serves as a source of clean fuel.

Based on in-depth study, RCMM has identified Bio Gas as a priority project and adopted Zarap village for first step for implementation. As a humble start, last year we constructed and commissioned 12 units. Based on the positive feedback about installed Bio Gas units, RCMM has resolved to continue with the project. This year we have identified 25 families. Out of this 8 Bio Gas Units are already commissioned and remaining units are in progress.

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Climate Change Communication

Global Warming is serious issue and we at Rotary Club of Mumbai Mahim decided to bring in the awareness by displaying posters at Ramnarain Ruia College.

We targeted age group of 15-25 so that the concept is well imbibed in the minds of the next generation. They realize the importance of the concept & adopt it in day today lifestyle.

Posters mainly focused on the following important concerns:

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Dental Camp at Shishu Vihar School

We selected the Shishu Vihar School for Dental check up mainly because the students are from economically backward society where normally the dental health does not get enough attention.

In continuation with July Dental Camp, we decided to extend the check up for 5th, 8th and 9th standard students. We had a team of eminent dentists consisting of Dr. Sunil Desai, Dr. Suhas Pagay and Dr. Jyotsna Galinde along with Dr. Ashish, Dr. Sasmit and Dr. Ninad from MGM Dental College.

Totally 296 students were examined. The students with bad teeth are being refereed to the near by affordable dental clinics for the further treatment.

All the students were informed about the importance of healthy teeth. To emphasize on the brushing the teeth twice a day, morning and night, Colgate tooth paste along with tooth brush was distributed to all the students and the same was sponsored by Colgate.
 

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Talent at Work � Greeting Card Competition

At Rotary Club of Mumbai, Mahim our members are from diverse vocation including Art field. Hence we decided to take a plunge into art world with the help of creative artist Rtn. Neelima Chavan. Rtn. Prtatibha took a lead in organizing �New Year Greeting Card� competition� with the theme �Waste to Creative Usage� (Takau tun Tikau) in Shishu Vihar School. Such competitions brings out budding talents, Creative Use of day to day Waste, Expression, Drawing Skills, Observation, talent for detailing.

Junior Group � 5th to 7th standard and Senior Group � 8th to 10th standard participated in the contest. Around 100 students took part in the competition. Students came up with novel ideas of using grains, beads, colour paper, cotton, pencil scrape, tree leaves, twigs, match sticks, sticks, tissues, crape papers, cloth.

Judges Rtn. Neelima and Drawing teachers from school selected three winners and two consolations from each group.

President Vidya congratulated all the participants. Rtn. Pratibha stressed upon talent is the God�s gift and can be developed and nurtured even to make a career. Rtn. Neelima explained the criteria used for selection of the winners. Also guided budding artist about the entrance exam they need to pass to take admissions in Art colleges. The information will be useful to all those who wants to pursue the career in arts.

A token school kit was distributed to all the participants.

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Making of a Rotarian

Charity begins at HOME. Our honorable President proved it by celebrating her grandson's Birthday at Balikashram and with Blind Students at Ramnarain Ruia College. We always tend to celebrate such occasions at elite places that match our status & prove our financial capabilities to the WORLD. We rarely think of a social angle, and of those who are deprived of such pleasures.

On 12th October on his birthday as per Marathi calendar, Neel visited Blind Students at Ramnarain Ruia College. He distributed the cakes to the students and also chanted Sanskrit shloka for them. All the students were very happy and in turn they gave him a nice greeting card. Neel himself felt very happy as he felt he could bring smile to their faces.

The purpose of celebrating the Birthday at Balikashram served a purpose, many folds. The main aim was to inculcate the value of Charity in Neel. Though he is too young to understand how lucky he is to be born in families who can cater to all his worldly requirements, the unique celebration will certainly caste an impression on him & as a grown up boy he will remember how others of his age are deprived of all these comforts. The girls at Balikashram were happy to receive the gift from Neel. Tanvi, Neel�s mother very thoughtfully bought Drawing Colorings Books and Pencils for the girls keeping in mind that Diwali Vacation will soon begin. All the girls wished him for his birthday. Neel chanted the shlokas. Some of the girls exhibited their dancing and singing skills.

Rtn. Varsha had brought Gajara for the girls and all of them were excited to get one. Almost 8-10 Rotarians attended the program and all had very happy and satisfying experience. We wish Neel a very Happy Birthday and are sure he will follow the Rotary Path.

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Help to Deaf and Dumb School at Wadala

There is a less fortunate section of society, consisting of poor, needy, physically/ mentally challenged children. When we came across a school of �Deaf� children at Wadala, affiliate to Sion hospital, all the members of Mahim club just could not hold the feelings and instantly decided to extend our helping hand to them. These children do communicate within themselves by sign language but they find it hard to communicate with normal children. In today�s world man is trying to get over these hurdles with innovations, for example these children are provided with hearing aids and teachers help them to learn speaking. These children are at growing age and hence the ear moulds used along with the hearing aids do not fit properly and hearing gets affected. With the help of Audiologist, Dr. Shubha Prabhu, measurements of the ear canal were completed for 42 children and moulds of good quality were ordered on Arphi Electronics Pvt. Ltd. Distribution of the moulds was done by our President Vidya.

Hopefully this Diwali gift would enable them to communicate and move in the society with confidence!!

Ms. Ujjwal Shinde, principal of the school had requested for steel cupboard to store the school material. Rtn. Dr. Lata Dhayagude�s husband, Dr. Ramesh came forward and gifted it on the occasion of his birthday. We are proud of him.

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Mid Day Meal for Blind Students at Ramnarain Ruia College

Our Club has been assisting the Blind Students at Ruia College by way of providing them food coupons for their mid-day meals. These children come from very poor backgrounds and have to face tremendous obstacles to even make some progress in life.

The Sure Vision Project at Ruia College is doing a Yeomen Service for this cause. We started our project this year by distributing Food Coupons for around 12 students. The entire amount of Rs.3,000/- for the same was sponsored by Rtn. Vinayak Sahasrabudhe. There was a simple but moving ceremony wherein students appreciated our gesture and also showcased their talents by singing songs and reciting poetry. This proves that no physical limitation can stop people in developing other talents.

Our Club is also deeply impressed by the dedication and competence of the Teachers of �Sure Vision Centre� who constantly motivate the students to be self reliant and not to be cowed down any physical handicap. In order to strengthen this aspect, our President, Rtn. Vidya appealed to the students that help from our end will be forthcoming, but will be moderated based on the performance of the students and they should not take any assistance for granted. This will also reinforce our motto to make people more self reliant. There are several such students in other colleges also and our Club plans to widen our reach. It is heartening to note that we have been fortunate to gather funds from generous donors towards this cause.

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Medical camp at Dhanvantari, on 22nd August

Your bladder, prostate, and related nearby organs are something you probably don't give much thought to - until something goes wrong. For older men, this usually means an enlarged or irritated prostate, but not always. It is very important as age advances; one should go through the checks to keep out of urology problems.

Medical camp was organized for Sr. Citizens at Dhanvantari Hospital joining hands with Dhanvantari Hospital and Ranbaxi. About 65 patients were examined for Urology problems.

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Go Green Drive at Pune, on 21st August

The former club President set the precedence by planting 10 Ashoka trees and exotic Hibiscus plants in the backyard of his Bungalow in Balewadi, Pune on 21st Aug.2010. The inaugural tree was planted by current president Rot. Vidya and rest of the Rotarians followed her foot steps. Rtn. Prakash and Rtn. Sandhya assured that the trees will be maintained well.

15 Rotarians attended the function. Trees were planted with religious mantra chanting by all Rotarians for peace, harmony and prosperity. Rotarian SV took lead in chanting the religious MANTRAS. The team declared him as an official priest for all religious function to follow.

The auspicious occasion was followed by sumptuous lunch at Sayaji, Pune & we concluded with the Weekly meeting at Rotarian Parulekar�s/ Kshirsagar�s house. Going to Pune, also offered us an ample opportunity for fellowship.

Next plantation drive is planned at Rtn. Parulekar�s farm house at Badalapur.

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Dental camp at Shishu Vihar Mandir, Dadar on 23rd July

Our club always believed in the community service and always takes all out efforts to reach the needy section of the society, particularly the children. In the growing age of 10 to 13 years, children need to understand the importance of dental care which goes long way in leading healthy life. In pursuit of this objective, Dental Camp was arranged on 23rd July, 2010 at Shishu Vihar Mandir, which mainly caters to the students coming from poor families.

Focus of the Dental Check up was mainly on students of 6th and 7th standard as this is the age when milk teeth are getting replaced by permanent teeth. We had a team of eminent dentists consisting of Dr. Sunil Desai, Dr. Aparna Desai. Dr. Suhas Pagay and Dr. Arun Garg. Totally 155 students were examined. The outcome is as follows�

20% of the students had very good teeth
30% of the students required further treatment in terms of extractions, feelings or orthodontia treatment.

Students with good teeth had special remark by the doctor on their dental check-up card.

The students with bad teeth are being refereed to the near by affordable dental clinics for the further treatment.

All the students were informed about the importance of healthy teeth. To emphasize on brushing the teeth twice a day, morning and night, Colgate tooth paste was distributed to all the students and the same was sponsored by Dr. Sunil Desai and Dr. Arun Garg.

Over all the camp was successful due the help extended by the school management, concerned doctors and dedicated Rotarians.

Our club has plans to have follow-up camp.

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Polio Immunization Drive on 18th July

Polio is history throughout much of the world�a distant memory for some, a photo in a textbook for others. For more than 20 years, Rotary International, a global humanitarian service organization, has played a major role in the fight to end polio worldwide, contributing more than $800 million to the effort through its Polio Plus program. Rotary�s involvement is also highly personal, with thousands of members volunteering to reach the world�s children with the oral polio vaccine (OPV). To date, Rotary members have helped immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries.

Today, the wild poliovirus persists in only four countries: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. However, eradicating polio requires more than just eliminating the disease in these core countries. Children worldwide must be continually protected from outbreaks caused by imported cases. Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF) use four key strategies to help nations become�and remain�polio-free:

On 18th of July Maharashtra Government declared it as Polio Immunization Day. Rotary District had distributed the campaign material to all the clubs. Our club was assigned Municipal Maternity Hospital at Mahim. Our club members gathered at the hospital to promote the Polio Immunization. Each child was given a set of pencil, whistle and the decorative cap. Every Rotarian was given the Polio Irradiation Car Sticker for further promotion.

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