Rotary Club of Bombay The Gateway DISTRICT 3141 BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY | FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY | WWW.ROTARYCLUBOFBOMBAY.ORG VOLUME NO. 62 ISSUE NO. 28 FEBRUARY 02, 2021

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FEED THE HUNGRY We are taught from True Hunger is a condition where one does not just give up on life and accept it as fate. But a very young age get one’s basic nutritional needs. We see so give them a simple meal or even just a small that Food is a Basic much of it around us that it’s become part of snack and see the smiles radiate from their Human Right. Words our daily lives and unfortunately we ignore it faces and I guarantee that a feel-good shiver that we just parrot completely and we become immunised to it. will run through your body and your heart will in school and then swell with joy. accept as adults to But when one sees close-up a hungry human be true. We have no – man, woman or child – the desperation so The recent District Food Distribution Drive actual appreciation deeply etched in their eyes (as I did a couple has been an experience that has added as for the privilege of never knowing true of weekends ago at the Khadi slum, in the much value to my life, as it has helped feed hunger. upscale Cuffe Parade area), it is but natural the hungry. to feel sympathy (we can never feel true Hunger, if we skip a meal, makes us cranky empathy having never been in their place). or fussy or angry or makes us unable to concentrate. These are all symptoms of Along with hunger, the living conditions are privilege. so pathetic and miserable that one seems to President Framroze Mehta

#tuesdaythoughts “There’s enough on this RENOWNED SPORTS JOURNALIST, planet for everyone’s needs but not for everyone’s COMMENTATOR AND AUTHOR, AYAZ greed.” Mahatma Gandhi MEMON DEBATES WHETHER CAN #numbercrunching BE A TOP SPORTING NATION OR IS A 690 million The number of people who ONE-SPORT COUNTRY go to bed hungry every day. In India alone, the most It is important to understand To take you back seven decades, great incentive to be a cricketer recent data shows that the sense of actualization of there is a lot of data available, except one thing, which is quite 189.2 million people, about potential that this country there were, perhaps, more remarkable in the Indian context 14% of the population, has in terms of sports. registered footballers in India that in terms of proving to our remain undernourished. In Demographic advantage can than cricketers. There were colonial masters, the British, many other countries, the be of great help in multi- enough first-class teams but then, cricket was seen as a far income gap between the discipline sports and events, there were more footballers better platform to prove a point. haves and have-nots has provided things are done right in India, perhaps even more Indians are dextrous and we widened. which is actually happening hockey players. That was for were good at thinking up lines in cricket. I’ll continue to two reasons, football is an and angles and therefore we #caughtintheweb draw parallels between cricket inexpensive game played across produced some great spinners because I think it is crucial to all schools and institutions, as and not much fast bowlers understand why cricket has was hockey, which was a little because constitutionally become such a huge game more expensive since you had to we weren’t very strong and in India and why India is in buy hockey sticks and you had therefore, what you see in the vanguard of popularising to buy a pair of shoes. Certainly, Lagaan, in a sense it is allegorical cricket all over the world. this was more expensive than to the Indian sentiment at that Without India, the world athletics in which you could just time. Agar angrez ko sabak would be poorer not just in run in canvas shoes. Cricket, sikhana hai toh kahaan sikha terms of the money that India too, was a slightly expensive sakte hain? It emerged more, generates but also in terms game because you had to get firstly in the Parsis because of talent. Then, of course, to gear, you needed a bat, pads, they were closer to the British see how we can expand our gloves, ball, you needed a politically and for business horizons to other scopes. pitch. And, therefore, it wasn’t a reasons. But through them and

TODAY: IQBAL SINGH CHAHAL, MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER OF MUMBAI 2 THE WEEKLY MEET February 02, 2021 THE WEEKLY MEET 3

IPP Preeti Mehta PE Shernaz Vakil PP Dr. Mukesh Batra President Framroze Rtn. Dr. Aashish Rtn. Anand Parikh Mehta Contractor later from other people, cricket miserably and then they went World Cup in Cricket which gave in medal wins in 2008, 2012. There became popular. The exploits back behind the bamboo curtain, cricket a massive steroid boost, are other countries like Germany of the very early cricketers who didn’t participate in international with people saying, ‘If we do as well which are again mix and match. didn’t actually play for India such events at all till they had fortified as cricketers, maybe we will get But in India, what has happened as Ranjitsinhji and Duleepsinhji themselves and their talent through enough bhaav and money’. is that it has been a complex issue: showed that the Indians’ talent government support. And, when there has been a government grant, quotient was high. they emerged in the 1980s from I think livelihood is crucial in as I understand it, the last grant behind the bamboo curtain, they achieving sporting experience. You disbursed to federations was about The defining push that cricket were a nation of champions: look at all the countries, US which Rs 450-500 crore by Mr Jaitley, got vis-à-vis the other sports was badminton champions, swimming is a free country or China being when he was the Finance Minister. royal patronage in feudal India, champions, diving champions, totalitarian and State-sponsored, This is one aspect; the other aspect before Independence, from almost gymnastics champions and you find but unless there is incentive of is what you do after giving money? all the principalities and small now that they are competing with livelihood, sustenance and security, How good is our understanding kingdoms because again they the US in most Olympic medals and you will not get sporting excellence about sports? wanted proximity to the British only in recent years has India been clearly. I think that has been one of and sort-of show them that they able to challenge the hegemony of the biggest issues in India because In real terms, despite globalisation were also involved with what the Chinese in badminton. You can even now we fall between two and showing an upward trend, the English were doing. They see their excellence across sports. stools. In US, there is no sports there was one Sports Minister patronized cricket more than any ministry, the sports federations about 20 years back who publicly other sport. The only exception was The point I am trying to make is have to fend for themselves, as proclaimed that this was a squash because it was more or less that when India was emerging also the athletes. I did a session punishment posting, and if they a fitness regimen for the raja and from a mixed economy, post- with Michael Phelps, the greatest had made him a sports minister, maharajas. Therefore, it (squash) Independence, maybe the priority Olympian of all time, perhaps, he it meant they had not found him was adopted more readily by the was not sport at all as it was a poor has won more medals than India good for any other posting. If that defence forces than the aam janta. country. Therefore, resources had has won in total in Olympic history. is the mindset of a Sports Minister, to be allocated for other things, He says, when he started out and then there is no accountability of Gradually, you could see the government support was meagre in when he was very promising, the the federations. That was reflected wearing down of interest in football fact even the amount of grant given swimming federation backed him in how the feds worked. I’ll give you and hockey at the elite level. If to sports institutions was poor. So, but not the US Government. They an example of hockey around late you look at what happened in you have instances of Khashaba said you will have to find your own 1980s. I was sitting in Professional hockey, we won Olympic golds in Jadhav who won our first-ever money, and he went personally to Management Group, a company 1928, 1932 and 1936, 1948, 1952, Olympic medal, a bronze medal, if patrons who could support them floated by Sunil Gavaskar because it 1956, 1964, 1980. Why didn’t we you read his story, you’d know all in his quest to become a world was next to my office in Mid-Day. I cash into that? We could have the hardships that he had to do to class swimmer. Then there is China, used to go in around noon but they built a super structure on which get into the Olympics. Dhyan Chand once they start focusing on sports, had got a sponsorship from ITC, I Indian hockey would survive. In playing barefoot in Germany in they put their might behind it. think, of Rs 20 lakh for the Indian football, we finished 4th in the 1956 1936 and impressing the world with Then there are mixed systems like hockey team. Some officials came Olympics, we actually did well in his speed and talent, Milkha Singh Australia where the government from Indian Hockey Federation the Asian Games and yet, right after in 1960 running in Olympics, a supports sports, identifies priority to the office, Gavaskar wasn’t the ’60s, we couldn’t make it. We champion runner, running barefoot sectors, sets benchmarks and if the there, but his partners were and I stagnated or plateaued in football most of the times, remember he benchmarks are not met then the happened to be there. And the first and the reason it happened was was in the Army yet he could not fund is pulled out. The federation thing the officials were discussing that the Federation was inactive, afford running shoes. The issue doesn’t get the funds, so, there is was, where shall we go now and the government itself did not see being sports was never seen as no freebie. There is also the English get blazers made for us? They were sports as a priority sector. That is a priority sector. There are two-three system: England had a big surge of not thinking of the hockey players, very huge reason why we languish reflection points, opening up of the Olympic medals starting from the that was not priority at all. Pehle behind many countries. economy in 1991 has made a big late ’90s and it came through the apna socho! Why? We spent 25-30 difference, disposable income has funding of the British Government years in the federation and this To give an example of what this gone up, there is far more wealth not their Chancellery but by is what we deserve?! So, it was a means, China participated in the amongst Indians, we can look at starting a lottery targeting money combination of these attitudes at first Asian Games held in India, sports as a high priority pursuit. for Olympic and elite-level athlete the very top and the attitude at didn’t do well at all, was also I think this has opened up many development. That worked well the Federation level and the third part of Olympic Games, failed vistas, and then the triumphs, 1983 because Britain saw a huge surge aspect which is equally crucial is 2 THE WEEKLY MEET February 02, 2021 THE WEEKLY MEET 3

Rtn. CS Lodha Rtn. Farhat Jamal Rtn. Jagdish Malkani Rtn. Kasimali Merchant Rtn. Pradeep Chinai Rtn. Rajas Doshi

the Indian people. I think Indian across the country. There has been classical dance more than sports, Now, having appreciated all this, people also did not care much fantastic young talent coming the next year the funds will go what happens to the community about the sporting excellence. We from the most remote parts of the there. So, it is important for the and social sector? I think sports were happy to bajao taali and we country and unorthodox thinking government to make the sports should be made mandatory, I don’t all said waah, we were by and large talent. Rishabh Pant or Dhoni, if space wide and provide tax mean lakdi leke maaro but we happy that we had given a good they had to come from a Bombay benefits for more people to get need an ethos where everybody fight because we didn’t have the school, they would play cricket involved. Right now, there is a is saying, ‘when I am not playing incentive and the killer instinct, the differently, they would be less risk huge interest in sports among the sports, I am actually missing fighting roar. All these things were takers because Bombay’s cricketers young people. Of course, cricket something’. not part of the Indian psyche and are more khadoos type. All this is like Amitabh Bachchan in the the mental makeup. is changing because of the IPL. 80s, Hero no 1 from 1 to 10 and I have been to Australia a few The other thing happening due then the other actors follow. So, times; it is a great country for That transformation has to IPL is that it has inspired other cricket is from number 1 to 10 but sports, as we know. Kids in school happened over the years. I think federations to look at how best they the other sports are offering great are exposed to seven-eight sports. in last 20 years, there has been a can do things to grow their own opportunities for people who can If you find that Steve Smith is an fundamental change in the Indian sport. And the livelihood factor, the excel. If you excel in sports, there excellent cricketer, he might be psyche, it is a far more confident idea of people making life in the are going to be more avenues an excellent golfer already, not and young country that thrives sport, has taken firm roots. opening up. It is about what post-retirement. Viv Richards on success which fills our chest happens in the whole eco-system, was not only a great cricketer with pride. It is of more value that I’ll give you a classic example of more jobs, more coaches, more but also a great swimmer and a uplifts our country, it has great . When, in 2012-13, when support staff and then you extend terrific footballer. So, exposure to health dividends which is now I was doing commentary on Star it further and further, there are multiple sports is very important. being understood through sports Sports for cricket and this came teams managing players, social Something needs to be done. What science, sports medicine, it is also a about that most Indian kabaddi media managers for players and we can do in our homes, families, great psychological boost. If India players were either from Defence, all. The whole eco-systems offer a communities, and societies – we wins the Test match today, I think quasi-Defence or public sector livelihood not just to the players cannot be a sporting nation if we we all will be singing tomorrow undertakings, sales and etc, their and I think that is a huge benefit keep 50 per cent of our population morning. So, these are the things mean salary must be Rs 25-35000. that we must look at and explore out of sports and by that, I mean, that are emerging now and they Star Sports and promoters, kind and that also comes through the girl child. You cannot! If you need to be pushed further down of raved it up, made it exciting to if there is more money flow look at China and US’s medals in for understanding of the Indian watch, made it television-friendly. available. It can be facilitated by Olympics, 50 per cent are coming people. The young, especially, but And they are not coming only from the government. from them. In India too, women also the older people who may not India, from only PSUs or Defence are the best performers, Saina, be able to play sports but have a or quasi-Defence or BSF but they Then, at the societal level, it hardly Sania, Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, the big role to play in promoting or are coming from all aspects and needs to spelled out that sports , the shooters, even facilitating improvement in sports. all walks of life. Today, the mean promote good health. One of the the cricket team is doing extremely salary of a kabaddi player in Rs great things that sports has taught well, the hockey team is doing so So, say for instance IPL that has a 6-8 lakh a season, even a rookie. me is that you fall down, you well. But if you pull out the girl roaring success and a lot of talent The best players must be getting fail, you stand up and you walk child from school at the age of you see has emerged from IPL. It over a crore. Now you may not and run again, there is a sense 10-12, when they reach puberty, is not just about the talent – what compare it with a Kohli or a Dhoni of optimism. There is a self-belief and I understand the hardships, Indian cricket has done is that but the absorption level in sports which is forged that tomorrow some of the villages don’t even BCCI, for all its problems and all for money to go up and higher has or next day, next month will be have toilets, so, it is not easy for the its faults, has spread the gospel become huge. Business houses better. girls or parents but this is a malaise of cricket across the length and have been coming in, Reliance has and if we can fight it, India can be breadth of the country. Punjab, been a big mover in sports, table Then, of course, there are a sporting nation in fast track. the bastion of hockey, now mostly tennis and so many other sports, accolades, there is pride, a sense of plays cricket. Even in the East, JSW also. achievement which is so great that We cannot say football and hockey in Bengal, cricket has become one of the riches that one can get and all other sports should be as number one, in Kerala cricket has Why isn’t sports treated as an out of life and it is something that popular as cricket, at par, but I become huge, this is because BCCI industry? Why should it be part holds a person’s life, mind, and think there will be more avenues has generated a lot of money but of CSR? CSR can end up being equilibrium right through even if for young boys and girls to they have also spread the money whimsical – the MD or CEO likes you stop playing, that remains over. actualise sports. There is also an 4 THE WEEKLY MEET February 02, 2021 ANANDA YAAN 5

Rtn. Sabira Merchant Rtn. Satyan Israni Rtn. Sheila Bulchandani Rtn. SV Prasad Rtn. Tanya Sood Rtn. Zenia Lawyer aspect of the media, kya tum 2-2 say you become Dhyan Chand. much of an issue but the problem mammoth betting and let us face it pages cricket ke baare mein likhte When I was growing up, when is assuming power and misusing India is a betting country, we bet on ho, aur koi sport nahin hai kya? I used to read the matrimonial that, that hurts the sports. Sport anything and everything. But media reflects what society columns, so and so BA BCom, 4 needs to be evangelised in India wants. If everybody wants to read figure salary so, he would be most because we are 130 crore but our For newspapers, we used to have cricket and imagine if we gave eligible. Things are changing. In views are even less than four crore, a full page on racing, it is getting two pages on Judo, the paper is cricket, I see there has been a so, you are talking about 3 per cent less and less now and patronage going to take nose-dive, but I do Tendulkar phenomenon, at the age – we need to harness that resource. is also getting less and less, there know from the studies made by of 16 he became a global star and We need guys like Dravid and Gopi is not many people going to the London Times and some other young mums and dads would go Chand, they are dedicated and race course. I personally feel that sources, there are surveys and to Shivaji park and Azad Maidan they understand the sport well, the on a broader platform betting research done, the biggest pusher and tell the coach aap kuch bhi teachings that they impart in the needs to be legalized in India. of circulation growth was sports, karo par isko Tendulkar banado. youngsters is helping them grow The Government is losing a lot of neck-to-neck with entertainment. So, that shift has happened, the not just as players and athletes but revenue. point is that it involves a lot of hard as mature human beings What do you think the In India, we are lagging behind in work not just from child but also government needs to do at the entertainment because we are still the custodians of the child. That Any thoughts on future of school and college level? enamoured with only celebrity, not can be done, it is not as simple as basketball in our country? I am not in favour of a complete seeing the sportspersons perhaps teaching maths and science, but Yes, I think basket ball and football totalitarian system like China where as better celebrities because I know it because my daughter is are two sports that have greatest everyone is forced to do something remember no sportsperson has a swimmer, you have to take your opportunity. They are cheap to because so many stories come up a privilege of a retake which child out to the club for swimming play. Imagine every housing colony with injecting them with steroid and every actor has. So, they are, training at 4.30 or 5.00 in the has a hoop, you get an easy access in my opinion, more relevant morning day after day for 6 months and it is fitness driven. It can be drug abuse, we still need to have celebrities that one should look and then again start after vacation. played at the basic level and it choice. But we should think about up to. So, this needs to be done. That onus, if it is tackled well, will is also very gender friendly. On why should schools not have basic At the government level, see lead to more and more people television, women’s basketball is as facilities? You cannot encourage sports as priority sector, we will doing sports. attractive to watch as men’s tennis. kids to do sports at the age of 16-17 get more elite athletes at the top, The quality keeps on improving – it has to be done early. the federation needs to pull up The growth of the economy unlike the football where pace is their socks and be focussed on and the growth in sports slower. So, I think they have a great All Olympic sports ultimately excellence and not on themselves. is a clear link, many of our future, cost is a factor and interest have to go through federations Business houses should take sports Federations are full of is another one. to have athletes represented, so, interest in sports, may include politicians – how is it that in you need corporate sponsoring, sports within the culture of the cricket these seem to be doing Why is horse racing as a sport so, any thoughts on how that can company and then of course, there a good job while in other not covered by newspapers be revamped? is the society and community sports the results are pathetic? and nor does the government Well, it is not easy to revamp, aspect where all of us have to push Secondly, I would like to know, has looked at it favourably, SC it is deeply imbedded, more our children to sport and especially from you, the evangelance in has labelled us as a sport of and politicians have taken the girl child. sports like Rahul Dravid or Gopi skill and not of chance but still control. There should be a Chand, do we need more such somehow any thoughts on how sense of commitment which Indians who have done so, well evangelance for other sports to it can grow? is very necessary because the in the west and have become flourish as well? There is a stigma to horse racing, development otherwise can be CEOs of biggest companies, they In both instances, you are right. I it has come down as a legacy. At lopsided. The elections have to be have focused on the academics, think the answer is obvious, sports one point of time it was equated vibrant. The other option is, like US, do they have a method shift for is very mass related so it is a lust to matka except that different money is given to federation only if getting sports for their children? for power. At one level it helps in category of people played it. That they reach global standards in the Your comments. a complex bureaucratic scenario was the perception. I think a lot set timeline. We should be very firm Traditionally, Indians have tried – for instance you want a facility has changed. I think what can be in awards and acknowledgements. their hands with academic exploits to be built, you get in a logjam done is to make horse racing as a You cannot have 5 Rajiv Gandhi rather than sports. Sports was from but politicians can do it easily. sport of pleasure watching horses award winners; it was meant for afar; they would say well done Politicians can be enlightened run and jockeys showing their skill the one and most excellent award Dhyan Chand but nobody would about sports and then it won’t be rather than betting. So, there is person. ANANDA YAAN 5 AY ENDS JAN ON ANANDA SEVA A HIGH NOTE ON R-DAY On January 28th, 2021, Ananda praying for their husbands. This Yaan (a senior citizen activity event used to make women free Rtn. Sherebanu F Baldiwala Along with Rtn. Sherebanu’s centre in association with Dignity from daily work, family tensions, arranged to celebrate her birthday, members also celebrated Foundation) celebrated Makar and other negative thoughts. birthday with our elderly Republic Day. Members came in Sankranti, and Haldi Kumkum Knowing the benefits of the members of Ananda Yaan. attire that represents our nation’s at both centers. Makar Sankranti celebration of Makar Sankranti and The senior citizens had a Flag, they sang the National is the first festival of the Hindu Haldi Kumkum we, at AY, celebrated festive time with a dance, Anthem and National Song to show calendar, based on the position this event in an inclusive way. We lunch, ice-cream and games. respect and solidarity. of the sun. It is believed that did not restrict it to married women gifting anything around the time but made it open for where all male Rtn. Sherebanu was showered A flower-making craft activity was of Makar Sankranti is auspicious and female members, who came with blessings and wishes also conducted in which members and akin to receiving grace from dressed in their finery. through beautiful video and made beautiful flowers, some the Divine. photographs of our members. of which were representative of Money was collected to distribute Ananda Yaan in association with the colours of the National Flag. Haldi Kumkum is a tradition that gifts for everyone. Snacks and Dignity Foundation appreciates They decorated the centres with comes with Makar Sankranti from sweets were provided, members her contribution in making our a festive vibe, dressed up, learnt the Peshwa time. It is a women- played traditional games, folk members happy through this craft skills, danced, and sang songs. centric social gathering where songs, danced, and enjoyed good deed. Altogether, it was an enriching married women dress up, meet their time together. They shared experience for all. other women, friends, and relatives, happiness and positivity through have fun, singing, dancing, and this event. 6 LIGHTHOUSE February 02, 2021 A TREAT FOR THE FLAGGING OFF CHILDREN CELEBRATIONS

Flag From Home, an RCB event The movie starred the famous in collaboration with RCISME, twins of RCISME, Manav and celebrated Republic Day with Pranav Agarwal and another Lighthouse kids. This project was Rotaractor Payal Rupani. organised for children ranging from Sr. Kg right up to the grade The next segment was a fun game 5. It was a one-day project filled based on India. It had general with fun, laughter and a lot knowledge questions about India of learning. While the project and the children answered all the was held for kids, many elderly questions with enthusiasm. RCISME people from Ananda Yaan joined also saw how bright these children too, to encourage the children. were because of how quickly they answered all the questions. 70 participants had a Zoom celebration together with patriotic The last segment was a virtual songs playing in the background flag hoisting ceremony where and welcoming everyone. All the Rotaractor Tulasee Nagpal sang the National Anthem for everyone The lockdown and hardships life. Till then, RCB brings tasty kids wore traditional clothing a present there and a virtual hoisting faced by many made Rtn. Kirit snacks to their doorsteps. colour from the Indian Flag and was displayed. and Rtn. Ptn. Damini Kamdar were accompanied by their parents. These small interventions keep the plan their wedding anniversary The Republic Day celebration children motivated for their online Next, a skit was presented by with a difference this time ended with a pre-recorded dance classes. Lighthouse is an RCB project RCISME students with three of them around. They celebrated their video for the children to learn in association with NGO Vidya dressed up as freedom fighters special day on January 24th some easy steps. Everyone present which enrols children from Sr kg to Jawaharlal Nehru, Rani Laxmi Bai by showing genuine care and in the audience danced to the grade 5. and Bhagat Singh. concern for the needy. song “India wale”. All Next, was a fun activity of making the Rotaractors, Rotarians, Ananda The tasty chola-kulcha lunch with We do need these occasional treats the Indian Flag where the kids were fruit cake and chocochip brownies from our generous Rotarians and Yaan and RCISME members had a was a treat for Lighthouse students Child Welfare Committee of RCB taught what the different colours blast dancing! thanks Rtn. Kirit Kamdaar for represented. A Rotaractor instructed of the fishermen community At the end, Mr Rajesh, Chairman the same. The children join us in the children in the steps in making who, like many others, are hoping of Lighthouse, praised RCISME for sending their wishes, greetings and the Flag. We used the digital white that this phase passes soon and raising the benchmark that RCISME normalcy is restored in everyone’s big hugs. board on Zoom for the flag-making activity and our RCISME Rotaractor had set for themselves and the assisted the kids. At the end, the enthusiasm shown by each and kids merrily showed us their flags every member. and it warmed our heart seeing Rtn. Ptn. Ekta Shah, project their excitement. mentor, Manisha Ahuja from A short film was played for them NGO Vidya and PE Shernaz Vakil after this. This movie had a fairy attended the programme. explaining the concept of God, Rtn. Shernaz Vakil attended with giving negative and positive points her grandson, our youngest and for actions. The children were most adorable guest. RCB thanks taught about how eve-teasing is the RCISME team: Fiza Shaikh, Yash wrong, how one should not pollute V Shah, Tulasee Nagapal, Devansh one’s surroundings and lastly Jain, Swetha Sheth, Anukul children should always respect their Kamalia, Murtaza Kagalwala, Payal parents. The children saw the movie Rupani, Manav Agarwal, Pranav intently and were asked to share Agarwal, Dhwani Shah, Sakshi their learnings. Chauhan & Riya Jain. LIGHTHOUSE, BHAVISHYA YAAN 7 STORIES FOR BY CELEBRATES LIGHTHOUSE REPUBLIC DAY

On January 26th, BY teachers different classes performed after and students of the NMJ Centre this, giving speeches on Republic Many fairy tales begin with it with crumpled balls of coloured celebrated a virtual Republic Day or freedom fighters, singing ‘Once upon a time’. This popular paper. What Happened to the Day from standards 1 to 10. patriotic songs and showcasing beginning was used for a series Shawl?, a thought-provoking tale, The session began with a arts and crafts created for the of story sessions conducted for was selected for the oldest students occasion. It was a successful Lighthouse students recently. aged 8-11. As part of the pre-reading rendition of the National programme and students activity, children were encouraged Anthem by all, followed by a enjoyed the session. The sessions were the outcome of to display and talk about a recycled welcome speech. Students of online workshops conducted by Ms. item they had at home. The Jayshri Murali previously, to help youngsters listened with interest as teachers hone their storytelling skills. teacher Ms. Ivaz narrated the tale The sessions began with the KG tots and, at the end, it was clear the listening attentively as the teacher students had absorbed the concept Ms. Priyanka narrated the lively tale of recycling and its importance in of The Little Blue Truck. As part of today’s world. The session concluded the post- reading activity, the little with a tutorial on creating a gift bag ones were shown how to draw a using old newspaper. simple motor car. The Drawing A big thanks to our co-ordinator Ms. Game, a story about shapes, was Manisha Ahuja, who has worked selected for classes 1 and 2. The silently in the background doing teacher Ms. Anuradha started the everything – from scheduling session by reciting poems on shapes teacher workshops to guiding the to build interest. After the story, each teachers – to ensuring that sessions child was encouraged to design his/ functioned smoothly without a her own shape rocket and decorate hitch. 8 SALAAM BALAK February 02, 2021 RCB LENDS A HAND TOWARDS FOOD, HEALTH & HYGIENE As part of the District’s 3H day care centre in Jogeshwari Project which encompasses amongst others. Hunger, Health and Hygiene, RCB undertook to feed 6000 Jt. Hon. secretary Rtn. Natasha beneficiaries across Mumbai in Treasurywala was in charge of January. the project and Rtn. partner Ekta Shah arranged the entire Food was distributed to tribal distribution effort. Thanks also to people in Jogeshwari, children in ex-BY students and Rotaractors Geeta Nagar and Ganesh Murthy for assisting in the effort. Nagar in Colaba, children in Thanks to President Fali Mehta various Salaam Balak centres, the and Hon. Secretary Rtn. Satyan Byculla and Worli Ananda yaan Israni for attending some of the centres and senior citizens at a distributions SPORTS COMMITTEE 9 FITNESS. CHECK.

Arenja Anuj Dave Poonam Dushyant Khubchandani Mahesh

Lal Dinesh Lal Padma Mehta Bimal

Ramaswamy Aparna Sanghi Akhil Shah Anar

RCB’s 30-day Fitness Challenge ended successfully last week. In all, we had 59 participants. Here is how each one of them fared. They have now earned bragging rights upon successful completion of this challenge. On behalf of the Sports Committee, we would like to thank everyone for participating in this unique challenge. We would also like to thank Rtn. Satyan Israni for his initiative, monitoring it all along and making it a success. Upon popular demand, we will soon announce and arrange for more interesting challenges. Shah Nirav Sheth Kastur Treasurywala Natasha 10 RCJC February 02, 2021 RCJC PROVIDES COVER

The Community Service Avenue understand the importance of of Rotary Club of Jai Hind College isolation covers and handed it out (RCJC) organised ONE METRE to them. APART, an event that aimed to provide isolation covers to The participants also helped the rickshaw drivers who could not drivers to put up and arrange the afford one. The isolation covers covers in the auto. The best part would act as a shield for both the about this event was that it was not driver and the passengers and limited to on-ground volunteers protect them from the spread of who bought and distributed coronavirus disease. the covers, there were other participants as well who could not The project began on January go on ground but contributed to 14th, 2021, with participants and this initiative by donating money to volunteers shopping for the best buy the covers. isolation covers available at the lowest price, so that maximum The money donated to the numbers of covers could be organisers was raised by selling donated. newspapers and scraps. The event was a small but significant After buying the covers, step to ensure the safety of the participants went around in search auto rickshaw drivers as well as of auto rickshaws that did not travellers. The team hopes to have one. They approached the keep organising similar projects to respective owners and made them positively impact society. RCB 9 RCB MEDICAL CLINIC REPORTS

A charitable dispensary Indian Institute of Continuing & maintenance fund trust, this is Education Research run by our the work done at Cotton Green Rtn. Swati Mayekar. Clinic from October 2020 to December 2020. 4. Optometrist Ms. Mital Lalan. The Rotary Club of Bombay runs Clinic facilitates Homeopathic a charitable clinic along with Department, Eye Clinic, Dental Bombay Cotton Merchants & Department, Child Care and Muccadams Association Ltd in General Physician now. The Cotton Green. All the treatments clinic, which was closed due to are done free of cost, by the lockdown from March 2020 to following doctors as below, on September 2020, has restarted every Tuesday and Friday. (Twice since October. a week) An eye department has been 1. Dr. Rekha Dhandhukia from Dr. started in January. The Pathology Batra’s Homeopathic Clinic. department (N.M. Medical) will restart soon. 2. Dr. Atique Ahmed (Paediatrician/ G.P.) The above-mentioned facilities are given to needy people from 3. Dentist Dr. Malika Thanawala the lower strata of society. and Dr. Chetana Bindrani from

DEPARTMENTS OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER CHILD CARE/ GP 25 23 47 HOMEOPATHIC - - 136

DENTAL - - 39 EYE - - - ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY 2020-2021 TRUSTEES 2020-2021 PP Dr. Rahim Muljiani PP Arvind Jolly PP Dr. Adi Dastur PP Arun Sanghi OFFICE BEARERS 2020-2021 President Rtn. Framroze Mehta Immediate Past President Rtn. Preeti Mehta President-Elect Rtn. Shernaz Vakil President-Nominee Rtn. Vineet Bhatnagar Hon. Secretary Rtn. Satyan Israni Hon. Jt. Secretary Rtn. Natasha Treasurywala Hon. Treasurer Rtn. Kirit Kamdar SPECIAL DIRECTOR PP ASHISH VAID DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE PE SHERNAZ VAKIL Classification, Membership & Information PP Nandan Damani Fellowship, Assimilation & In-Camera Rtn. Ritu Prakash Desai Sergeant-At-Arms Rtn. Hoshang Nazir DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. MEERA ALREJA Skill Development Rtn. S V Prasad Gender Equality Rtn. Varsha Daiya Child Welfare Rtn. Rajesh Shah ROTARIAN BIRTHDAYS The Rotary Foundation & Global Grants PP Vijaykumar Jatia DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. RAM GANDHI Programme Rtn. Farhat Jamal Public Awards Rtn. Swati Mayekar Young At Heart PP Rajnikant Reshamwala Rotary Vision Panchatattva Rtn. Poonam Lalvani DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. PETER BORN FEBRUARY 4 FEBRUARY 6 FEBRUARY 7 Attendance Rtn. Mudit Jain Rtn. Madhusudan Daga Rtn. Ashok Gokal Rtn. Ravindra Fotedar RCB Medical Centre, Mumbai Rtn. Manoj Patodia International Service Rtn. Christopher Bluemel ROTARIAN PARTNER BIRTHDAYS DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. AJIT LALWANI FEBRUARY 2: Rtn. Ptn. Nirmala Banaji Ananda Yaan Rtn. Madhusudan Daga Scholarships Rtn. Zinia Lawyer FEBRUARY 4: Rtn. Ptn. Sangeeta Mansharamani Fund-Raising Rtn. Pradeep Chinai

FEBRUARY 6: Rtn. Ptn. Ummehaani Bagasrawala DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. PRATAP PADODE Bulletin, Social Media & Website Rtn. Rhea Bhumgara FEBRUARY 7: Rtn. Ptn. Zarine Davar Water Resources Rtn. Abhishek Saraf FEBRUARY 7: Rtn. Ptn. Honey Harish Bhavishya Yaan Rtn. Manish Reshamwala DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. DR. ROHINI CHOWGULE PP Dr. Rahim Muljiani, RCB Medical Centre, Talwada (PRVEC & ADMC) ROTARIAN ANNIVERSARIES Rtn. Homi Katgara FEBRUARY 4: Rtn. Ptn. Nandini & Rtn. Vikram Kamdar Cotton Green Medical Centre Rtn. Manoj Patodia Cancer Aid Rtn. Dr. Ian Pinto FEBRUARY 5: Rtn. Ptn. Kamal & Rtn. Sam Katgara DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. JAMSHED BANAJI

FEBRUARY 6: Rtn. Ptn. Chetan & Rtn. Varsha Daiya Urban Heritage Rtn. Samir Chinai Animal Welfare Rtn. Hiren Kara FEBRUARY 8: Rtn. Ptn. Dr. Narges & Rtn. Dr. Sam Mahaluxmivala Environment Rtn. Priyasri Patodia Sports Rtn. Hiranmay Biswas Printed and Published by President Framroze Mehta for Rotary Club of Bombay, DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. BIPIN VAZIRANI [email protected]; Editorial Content, Design & Layout by The Narrators, [email protected]; Printed at Indigo Press, [email protected] Rotaract Rtn. Murad Currawala Regd No. MCS/091/2015-17; R.N.I NO. 14015/60. WP P License No. MR/TECH/WPP-89/South 2015 Interact Rtn. Gautam Doshi Vocational Training & Night Study Centre Rtn. Mehul Sampat