Issue 23 • DECEMBER 8, 2020

Rotary designated month DECEMBER 2020 Disease Prevention and Treatment Month THE LIGHTHOUSE • DECEMBER 8, 2020 2 EDITORIAL

CELEBRATING THE MIGHTY FLAME Greetings my dear Rotarians. BIRTHDAYS It has been an incredibly busy time at RCM - just the way we like it! RCM’s 2020-flagship project Covid SafeTI was launched in a grand manner at the Godrej facility in 15th Dec – Rtn. Bhaswar Mukherjee . Lake was celebrated and rejoiced over by our whole team. Bhoomi pooja for toilet 15th Dec – Rtn. B.V. Gautam construction under the Water/ Sanitation/ Hygiene team 18th Dec – Rtn. PP C.S. Devapragasam was conducted amidst smiling and effervescent Rotarians, guests and youngsters from Boys Town. 18th Dec – Rtn. Rajesh Shankar And of course, our Youth Services remains as super-active as ever; so much so that I as Editor, am struggling to keep 19th Dec – Rtn. S. Subramaniam up with Rtn. Balaji Chinni and his team’s energy and speed! Meanwhile, my editorial theme for December 21st Dec – Rtn. Dhananjaya Das continues to sparkle. The Rotary End-Polio Flame, which was born right here at RCM, but took her warmth and 15th Dec – Ann. A. Shenba (Rtn. Arvind kumar positive vibes around the world in an unprecedented Sankar) manner. The idea originally was to tell the story of the 15th Dec – Mr. Moloy Chaudhuri (Rtn. Rita Flame, some snippets of info from here and there and some Chaudhuri) delightful photos. But this series has grown beyond that, with input and anecdotes and tales from around the world! 17th Dec – Ann. Meera (Rtn. P.S. Jagdish) That only means: Special Supplement! Yes, apart from the focus pages in the Lighthouse, you can look forward to a 18th Dec – Ann. Supriya (Rtn. Vikram Chesetty) Flame-Special Supplement very soon, with a ton of amazing information - it’s mind boggling how far this movement has reached! Until then... Have a great week!

- Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish ANNIVERSARIES

20th Dec – Rtn. Mahul H. Shah & Ann. Indraprabha

SPARKING A MEMORY... GLIMPSES

FROM OUR MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2020 MINUTES

MINUTESOF THE MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

After collaring President Kapil Chitale called the Sudhakar Sankar. 23rd weekly meeting of RCM to order. Rtn. Jayshree Sridhar said that the JWD committee Sgt-at-Arms Rtn. Sandhya Sridhar played the RCM is very much active and could reach out to other theme song. JWD Clubs for further tie-up, to conduct projects. More will be updated in due course. Rtn. Hemant Chordia said that the 4-Way Test is a She also said that sister-club agreements will be fantastic piece of moral code written 65 years ago, made with RC Rapid City (lead given by Rtn. Vipin which helps handle different kinds of people in life Sachdev), RC Yerevan, Armenia (lead given by Rtn. both officially and personally. It also adds value for Shivkumar Easwaran) and RC Nairobi (lead given long-lasting relationships built over years. The Test by PP Rtn. N.K. Gopinath). can be translated into everyday life, by adopting truth and fairness in all aspects of business, from Rtn. N. Prakash invited members to the Bhoomi the way we work with clients or employees to Pooja for constructing 100-150 toilets around Boys building goodwill with them all. Rtn. Hemant at a nearby village at Gummidipoondi, on emphatically endorsed the 4-Way Test for everyone. December 10, 2020, with complete breakfast arrangements for all attending. President welcomed panelists Dr. Priyadarshini He thanked Rtn. S. Ravi and team and Rtn. Rajesh Kulkarni and Dr. Republika Sridhar, to talk about Somasundaram for making it possible to utilize the Geriatic and Palliative care, a very important part residual amount from the Global Grants, for of care-giving. constructing these toilets. He welcomed Rtn. IPP Dr. Vijayabharathi President added that the community projects are Rangarajan to conduct the panel discussion, Ms. slowly picking up and appealed to members for Usha Saraogi of IWC, Dist officials, Ms. Shoba their more participation to encourage the efforts of Gupta from IWC and all others present. the directors/ chairpersons and others involved.

President requested all to participate on the launch Secretary Rtn. PB Prasad wished members and of the RCM Safety program on 12th Dec. 2020 at spouses who celebrate their birthdays and wedding the Godrej facility at , Chennai. More anniversaries that week and thanked them for their information would be sent thru group e-mail. Sunshine. Secy announced that the next weekly Zoom At the December 15 meeting, a poll will be taken to meeting would be on December 15, 2020 and will obtain members’ opinions on resuming in-person be a Youth Service programme. meetings. ------Rtn. Rajib Kumar Hota informed members about the 4-Way Test competition on the 9th Dec. 2020 at Secy. also read out the AGM Notice of RCM/ RCMCT/ 3 pm for Interactors, hosted by Rtn. Dr. Anuradha RCMBT: Ganesan and Welcome Address by Rtn Abdul Notice was thereby given to the Members of the Kareem Sait, along with President Kapil’s Rotary Club of Madras for the Annual General participation. Meeting to be held on Tuesday, the 29th of Dec. 2020, on Zoom platform to transact the following The competition results will be announced at the business: December 15 meeting, evaluated by judges, Rtns .Jayshree Sridhar, Sandhya Sridhar and Suniel 1. To consider, approve and adopt the audited THE LIGHTHOUSE • DECEMBER 8, 2020 5 MINUTES financials of the Rotary Club of Madras for the The announcement was made by order of President Financial Year ended 30th June, 2020 Kapil Chitale and the board. 2. To appoint the Statutory Auditors for the Rotary The notice and the audited accounts of RCM/ Club of Madras. RCMBT/ RCMBT with auditor reports have been circulated via group email to members. 3. To elect office-bearers for the year 2021-22. Signed copy of Audited accounts have been circulated in the group email. 4. Any other business, with the approval of the The audited accounts books with the notice will Chair. also be couriered to members. This was announced, by order of President Kapil Announcement inviting nominations for posts for Chitale and the board. the 2021-22 term was also made, elaborated in the table below. ------Rtn. Sandhya Sridhar introduced panel discussion Notice was thereby given for the Annual General speakers Dr. Priyadarshini Kulkarni and Dr. Meeting of the Rotary Club of Madras Charitable Republika Sridhar, and they spoke about the key Trust Rotary Club of Madras & Boys Town Society medical and humanitarian aspects of geriatric and to be held on December 29, 2020, on Zoom palliative care, followed by a Q&A session. platform, to transact the following business: IPP Dr. Vijayabharathi conducted the panel discussion and also posting questions on behalf of 1. To consider, approve and adopt the audited members. financials of the Rotary Club of Madras Charitable Trust and RCMBT for the Financial Year Ended 31st Rtn. Shakthi Girish thanked the speakers for an March, 2020. informative and eye-opening meeting, showing the importance of good palliative care for senior 2. To appoint the Statutory Auditors for the Rotary citizens. Special thanks was given to Ms. Fathima Club of Madras Charitable Trust and RCMBT. Lilani for helping put the meeting together. 3. Any other matter, with the approval of the The meeting was then adjourned. Chair.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS FOR THE YEAR 2021-22 Notice Calling for Nominations Dear Rotarians, Nominations for the election of the following office bearers for the Rotary year 2021-22 are called for: Board Member and Term President Nominee - 2021-22 (President 2023 -2024) Honorary Secretary - 2021-2022 Assistant Secretary & Bulletin Editor - 2021- 2022 Treasurer – Club Funds - 2021-2023 Director – Club Service 2021-2023 Director – Public Relations & Fund Raising - 2021- 2023 Director – Rotary Foundation & International Service - 2021 - 2023 Director – Community Service Project 1 - 2021 - 2023 Director – Community Service Project 2 - 2021 - 2023 Director – Vocational Services - 2021- 2023 Director – Youth Service - 2021 -2023 Treasurer – Special Projects - 2021 - 2023 The nominations, duly proposed may be made on the floor of the house or presented previously in writing. Letters are to be addressed to the Hony. Secretary – RCM Office on or before the AGM on 29th Dec 2020. Elections will be held for the respective post if there is more than one candidate. The final list of the office-bearers 2021-22 will be announced at the Annual General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, 29th December, 2020. SPOTLIGHT

CARE THAT GOES BEYOND MEDICINE...

An incredible afternoon with two doctors who have gone beyond just administering treatment and medicine, to showing care and empathy along with medical care, for quality living, thru the little-known field called Palliative Care. A review by RTN.DR.SHARONKRISHNARAU

Most of us are in the what is called the “sandwich it a lot of attention. The importance of counselling “generation between ageing parents and children cannot be emphasised enough. who are in different time zones. A lot of us are also the only ones of our generation in the same space as Pain management, mobility assistance and just a lot of elderly relatives. The challenges faced in the someone to listen and empathise are valuable tools care of these loved ones are unique to us. We are yet in Geriatric care. Primary care givers of the elderly to be comfortable with outsourcing the care to also need to told they are valued and given the time hospices or old age homes. to take care of themselves with no attached guilt. End of life scenarios are stressful and emotional. Its The panel discussion headed by our IPP Dr VBR gave very difficult to take a rational informed decision us a road map on how to navigate these tricky regards treatment at that time. As hard and waters. With expert inputs from Dr. Priyadarshini awkward as it will be its very important to have that Kulkarni, a reputed anaesthesiologist from Pune conversation as early as possible. Equally important who now specialises in geriatric and palliative care is to communicate that decision to all stakeholders and Dr. Republika Sridhar, who runs numerous ..that is the spouse, siblings and children. hospices here in Chennai and has an army of well- trained end of life care givers, we were given a step Signing a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) for a loved one by step guide on how to manage this very difficult outside an ICU is the hardest thing one will ever do. time. Make it easy for both yourself and those you love. Give “Advanced Directives´ for yourself and ensure The first thing I learnt was that palliative care and those you are responsible for have given them to geriatric care are very different! you. Palliative care is needed when the prognosis of the The situation is slowly improving in this area of patient is very poor and is irrespective of age. The medical care but the lack of glamor and earning main purpose is to make the patient comfortable and power in this field does not make it very attractive as give them as good a quality of life as possible, right a career choice for young Doctors. However, if you through to the end. can find a trusted family doctor / GP to be there to advise from the point of no return it will make it Geriatric care is for the elderly who can no longer easier for everyone. manage daily activities and require assistance. The common factor in both that is vital is managing On a closing note, both Dr. Republika and Dr. mental health. The mental health of both the patient/ Priyadarshini gave us a point of contact if anyone elderly person AND the primary care-giver in the needed this service. family are equally important and have to be addressed as a priority. This has proven to be the The website https://palliumindia.org/clinics gives biggest challenge as both the family and the information of care givers nationwide. Dr Republika physicians taking care of the medical side don’t give is based in Chennai and can assist in the city. COMMUNITY SERVICE ANDTHEFLAGSHIP PROGRAMME BEGINS... It was a packed week at Rotary Club of Madras, heralding a steady progress back to bustling Community Service activities. One of the highlights was the launch of the first edition of President Kapil Chitale’s flagship programme for the year, Covid-19 mitigation. The programme took off at the Godrej facility at Ambattur Chennai amidst respected dignitaries and a host of fellow Rotarians. More about this in the weeks to come! COMMUNITY SERVICE RCM COVID SAFETI COMMUNITY SERVICE

THE WATER & SANITATION MOVEMENT AT RCM: BUILDINGAHYGIENICTOMORROW Keeping pace with the energetic schedules of the other Community- and Youth-Service projects at RCM, the bhoomi-pooja to build about 150 toilets at Gummidipoondi was conducted recently. The rains have gone, bringing the blazing sun back out; but that didn’t stop our RCMers from putting together a great launch programme. More on this in the weeks to come... COMMUNITY SERVICE BHOOMI POOJA

MADAMBAKKAM SPECIAL FEATURE SERIES

FIRE, FIRE, BURNING BRIGHT...

Continuing the Special Feature on one of the robust supplement in the coming weeks. most prolific projects we’ve ever done at RCM - In this supplement we will have an interesting the Rotary Flame - I’ve finally reached the stage chat with the Big Three from our RCM who were of being star-struck. behind the journey of the Flame (Rtns. PPs. Srikanth and Gopi; and Rtn. Rajesh When this series was planned, the idea was to Somasundaram); we will take a look at the bring you information of the journey of the Flame around the world, we will What-When-Who-Where-How of the Rotary recognise the various other RCMers as well as Flame, from the time of its inception to where it Rotarians from everywhere who made this sits today. amazing project possible; and we will hear from Clubs and elated, passionate Rotarians from In the process, thanks to Rtns. PPs S.N. around the world on their experiences taking Srikanth and N.K. Gopinath, we’ve unearthed a the torch and the End-Polio Flame onward. mountain of gold-standard information from all over the world and this series has garnered Photographs abound and frame these stories, so much enthusiasm from Rotarians all over the we hope you like the informative, visual treat world who were part of the Flame’s journey. coming up in the following weeks, celebrating the anniversary of the vibrant Rotary End-Polio As a result, what was planned to be a couple of Flame. pages in the Lighthouse dedicated to the tale of the Flame, it has now metamorphosed into a I leave you all, meanwhile, with some bigger and grander feature and will be seen as a memorable photos...

THE ROTARY END-POLIO FLAME ARRIVES AT EVANSTON POSITIVE NOTE

PRESIDENT Rtn. Kapil Chitale HONORARY SECRETARY Rtn. P.B. Prasad Rotary torch keeps the flame burning IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rtn. Dr. Vijayabharathi Rangarajan for polio eradication in Afghanistan PRESIDENT-ELECT by Luke Beer, president of the Rotary Club of Kabul City, Rtn. P.V. Mohan Raman Afghanistan PRESIDENT-NOMINEE Rtn. Jayshree Sridhar As some of you know, a Rotary “flame” was launched in ASST. SECY./ BULLETIN EDITOR Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish December in Chennai, , to commemorate India becoming DIRECTOR-CLUB ADMINISTRATION polio-free and to promote the need to go the last mile in the Rtn. Shanno Ann Ravi battle to eradicate this horrible crippling disease. DIRECTOR-YOUTH SERVICES Rtn. Balaji Chinni The torch has made its way through several countries already, DIRECTOR-PUBLIC IMAGE & FUND and will pass through all three polio endemic countries – RAISING Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria – before arriving at the 2015 Rtn. Hemant Chordia DIRECTOR-SERVICE PROJECT 1 Rotary Convention in São Paulo 6-9 June. Rtn. N. Prakash DIRECTOR-SERVICE PROJECT 2 I want to share with you just how inspiring it was to be part Rtn. Dr. Anuradha Ganesan DIRECTOR-PANDEMIC & DISASTER of the flame’s journey. As an Afghan club, we are so grateful MITIGATION for the energy it has given us as a club to refocus our efforts Rtn. S. Balakrishna on polio awareness, working alongside the Rotary Club of TREASURER (CLUB FUNDS) Rtn. Aditya Agarwal Jalalabad. TREASURER (CHARITABLE TRUST) We are not ignorant of the fact that Afghan organisations, Rtn. Gooch Kumar clubs, and society have done a limited amount to raise funds TREASURER (SPECIAL PROJECTS) for and truly engage the polio eradication effort. At first, we Rtn. Nimish C. Tolia were confused by the utility of the torch. But I must say, it LIGHTHOUSE COMMITTEE certainly has had a unifying effect. We’ve had two private EDITOR: Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish Rtn. Indrani Krishnaier organisations come forward with considerable donations as a Rtn. Shanno Ravi result of the torch’s visit. It has also helped us as a young club Rtn. Sharon Krishna Rau explain to our members about Rotary’s international reach and Rtn. Rinku Mecheri fellowship. Rtn. Rani Muralidharan Being involved with the torch has really helped me engage as a Send in your articles, news and stories for president. I look forward to reconnecting with the torch and its consideration in the Lighthouse bulletin to: bearers in São Paulo! [email protected] Stay updated with our very own RCM magazine!

EDITED & PUBLISHED BY RTN. ASST. SECRETARY:Rotary Club of Madras,RAYALA TOWERS, 2nd Mezzanine Flr., 158, , Chennai 600 002 Phone: +91 44 2859 1020 CONTACT THE EDITOR AT: [email protected] Bulletin design: www.studiodescience.com Visit RCM’s official website www.rotarymadras.in CONTACT RCM SECRETARY AT: [email protected]