Under the ‘Each One, Plant One’ initiative, more than 1,200 fruit-bearing saplings were planted by Rotarians and Ryan students this week at campuses in The initiative comes under the 12-point vision of Dr. A.F. Pinto, Chairman of Ryan Group of Institutions, based on the international theme: “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” — emphasizing the crucial importance of afforestation and nature restoration efforts in halting climate change and land degradation.

This school philosophy of environmental stewardship is already well ingrained at all the Schools. From planting saplings on birthdays, to working actively on recycling and e-waste management, the school makes sustainability a part of everyday learning.

“At Ryan Schools, environmental responsibility is woven into our everyday culture. Inspired by our Chairman Sir’s vision for a greener, safer planet, we have made planting not just a symbolic act but a meaningful habit. From asking students to plant saplings on their birthdays to making it a point that all the events including external guests are started with the planting of a tree, we are teaching our students the importance of giving back to nature. Whether it’s managing e-waste, recycling plastics, or simply nurturing green spaces in and around the school, we are committed to raising environmentally conscious citizens who grow up with purpose and empathy for the planet.” John Alex, Vice President, Ryan Edunation Services Pvt. Ltd.

This week’s Pune plantation drive across campuses in Wagholi, Hinjawadi, and Bavdhan saw fruit-bearing saplings such as Mango, Jamun, Jackfruit, Guava, Rose Apple, Star Fruit and others. All 1,200 saplings were donated by Mr. Ravishankar Dakoju, and notable Rotarians helped plant them on the four campuses.

Mr. Neil Michael Joseph—Director, Baghirathi Group and Happiness in Transit mentioned, “This initiative, inspired by Rotarian Ravi Shankar Dakoju’s vision, is rooted in gratitude — a way to thank nature for all that it provides. Through ‘Each One, Plant One’, we aim not only to plant trees but to sow values of responsibility and environmental consciousness in young minds. When children nurture a sapling, they form a lifelong bond with nature, understanding the true meaning of sustainability. With a target of planting one crore saplings across India and having already created the 1,500-acre Dakoju Rotary Forest in Challakere, this is more than a green mission, it’s a movement to build a generation that grows up with both roots in the earth and responsibility in their hearts.”

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share

The post CSR News: Ryan International Academy and Rotary Club Plant 1,200 Saplings Across Pune appeared first on The CSR Journal.

आर्थिक और मानसिक तनाव से परिजनों को मिलेगी राहत

मुंबई जैसे बड़े शहर में इलाज कराने आने वाले मरीजों के परिजन अक्सर दूर-दराज से आते हैं। इलाज के दौरान वे अस्पताल परिसर में ही रहकर मरीज की देखरेख करते हैं, लेकिन खुद के भोजन की व्यवस्था करना उनके लिए एक बड़ी चुनौती बन जाती है। कई बार उनके पास न तो पैसे होते हैं और न ही समय कि वे ढंग से खाना खा सकें। ऐसे में यह सेवा उनके लिए किसी वरदान से कम नहीं।

KEM, नायर और सेंट जॉर्ज अस्पताल में चल रही सेवा

इस पहल को फिलहाल मुंबई के तीन प्रमुख सरकारी अस्पतालों में शुरू किया गया है। KEM अस्पताल में हर दिन सुबह 9 बजे नाश्ता 200 लोगों को दिया जाता है, जबकि दोपहर 11 बजे 250 लोगों को भोजन मिलता है। नायर अस्पताल में दोपहर 12:15 बजे 150 लोगों को खाना वितरित किया जाता है। सेंट जॉर्ज अस्पताल में सुबह 11:15 बजे 100 परिजनों को भोजन दिया जाता है। यह भोजन अन्नामृत फाउंडेशन के सेंट्रलाइज्ड किचन में तैयार किया जाता है, जहां साफ-सफाई, पोषण और गुणवत्ता का विशेष ध्यान रखा जाता है। खाने को समय पर और सुरक्षित तरीके से अस्पतालों तक पहुंचाया जाता है।

सिर्फ खाना नहीं, करुणा और उम्मीद भी देती है Annamrita Foundation

Rotary Club और Annamrita Foundation की यह साझेदारी सिर्फ भूख मिटाने तक सीमित नहीं है। यह उन लोगों को सम्मान देने की कोशिश है जो अपनों के इलाज के लिए संघर्ष कर रहे हैं। इस सेवा के जरिए उन्हें यह एहसास कराया जा रहा है कि वे अकेले नहीं हैं। समाज उनके साथ है। इस पहल को और अस्पतालों तक भी ले जाने की योजना है, ताकि ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोगों को इसका लाभ मिल सके। यह एक ऐसा उदाहरण है जो दिखाता है कि जब सामाजिक संगठन साथ आते हैं, तो मानवता की सबसे सुंदर तस्वीर सामने आती है। इस सेवा से हर दिन सैकड़ों लोगों का पेट भर रहा है, लेकिन उससे भी ज्यादा उनका दिल भर रहा है, उम्मीद से।

The post रोटरी क्लब और अन्नामृत फाउंडेशन ने मिलकर शुरू की मानवता की मिसाल,  मुंबई के अस्पतालों में मरीजों के परिजनों को मुफ्त भोजन सेवा शुरू appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The tournament saw the participation of 36 visually impaired players, providing them with a world-class sporting experience. In a heart-warming awards ceremony, the winning team was presented with Jyoti AI Glasses, an innovative assistive technology designed to enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals.

Distinguished Guests & Award Presenters

The event was graced by eminent personalities from the fields of sports, social service, and leadership. The award distribution ceremony was conducted by Femina Miss India World 2023 Nandini Gupta, President of Kalki Foundation Shalini Jeetendra Thackeray, President of RC Mumbai Elegant Dr. Nidhika Bahl, and Directors of RC Mumbai Elegant Ruchika Suri and Dr. Arlene Ghosh.

Adding to the prestige of the event, Former Indian Cricketer and Founder Director of the International Institute of Sports Management Nilesh Kulkarni, renowned sportsman, cricketer, and entrepreneur Jeetendra Thackeray, Secretary of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Mr. Abhay Hadap, and MCA Coach Nilesh Bhosale attended as Guests of Honour, further elevating the significance of the initiative.

A Platform for Talent, Inclusion & Inspiration

The event underscored the power of sports in fostering inclusion, resilience, and self-confidence among visually impaired players. Pankaj Chaudhari, President of CABM, expressed his gratitude, stating:“With 36 visually impaired players participating, we truly appreciated the excellent facilities and the opportunity to play on a historic cricket ground. This event was not only a platform to showcase our talent but also a great source of motivation and inspiration.”

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Nidhika Bahl, President of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Elegant, said:“True empowerment is not just about providing opportunities but about breaking barriers. Through Project Jyoti, we are not only celebrating the talent of these extraordinary players but also redefining what is possible. Every boundary crossed today is a step toward a more inclusive and compassionate world. At Rotary, we believe that when you uplift one life, you create ripples that uplift an entire community.”

Additionally, Femina Miss India World 2023, Nandini Gupta, delivered an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with the players, encouraging them to push their limits and excel not just in sports but in every aspect of life. As part of her charitable initiative for Miss World, Nandini is dedicated to empowering the differently-abled, fostering confidence, promoting inclusion—a mission that aligns seamlessly with the spirit of Project Jyoti.

Commitment to Empowering the Visually Impaired Community

Project Jyoti is a testament to the Rotary Club of Mumbai Elegant’s commitment to service and social impact. By leveraging technology and community-driven initiatives, the club continues to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The Kalki Foundation, known for its dedication to social welfare, played a crucial role in making this initiative a reality.

The success of Project Jyoti reaffirms the belief that disability is not a limitation, but an opportunity for extraordinary achievements.

The post CSR News: Cricket Tournament for Visually Impaired Players Organised at MCA Ground, BKC, Mumbai appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The project is a joint initiative by Chandigarh administration and Rotary Club Chandigarh, which is being funded by the Government of India. The Central Government has provided an initial funding of Rs 50 lakh to the project for FY 2024-25 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, while Rotary Club Chandigarh is providing equipment and training worth around Rs 1 crore.

No admission fees will be charged from the students for the Centre which is completely free. Students studying in classes 3-10 will have to visit the centre at least once a year.

Subjects in focus

At the Health Education Centre, knowledge will be imparted on topics like General Health, Oral Health, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Abuse, Pregnancy and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

Talking about the project, Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, Director School Education, Chandigarh said, “This centre will create a cycle of learning. Children will be educated about healthy practices and they will in turn educate their parents and relatives. Teachers will also educate other teachers. Our aim is that the learning shouldn’t be just a one day visit to the centre but it should continue in the school curriculum as well, while the practical experience from the centre visits will enhance its understanding.”

Infrastructure

The project started in 2017-18, when Rotary International Chandigarh submitted a proposal for establishment of a Health Education Centre. As per the proposal, health education should be imparted to at least 1.5 lakh students of government schools every year at the centre in its initial phase. There should be at least six class rooms with a capacity of 75 students each and an auditorium with a capacity of 150 students for the Health Education Centre.

The tender has been finalised, and construction is set to commence in a few days for the project which is collaboration between Chandigarh Union Territory Administration and Rotary Club Chandigarh. The Government of India plans to replicate this project across the country.

Cashless fees in Chandigarh Govt schools

Meanwhile, in an attempt to enhance transparency and save time, Chandigarh Education Department has decided to provide the facility of online fee submission in government schools. The facility will be provided to students of classes IX to XII. The department is planning to collect fees online using the govt gateway. The digital fees collection facility is expected to commence from July this year.

The post Chandigarh Govt school students to be educated at Health Education Centre appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Designed and patented with Indian infrastructure in mind, Rut3’s unique wheel design features suspensions within the wheel’s rim, significantly reducing the unwarranted vibrations impacting wheelchair users. Tested rigorously in partnership with IIT Madras innovation centre, this Made in India innovation reportedly reduces spinal vibration by an impressive 60% and can cut Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) by up to 11 years.

“At the heart of this innovation is a compassionate understanding of the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users, who often endure discomfort akin to truck drivers. Rut3’s technology focuses on reducing both the physical strain and the economic burden, significantly decreasing chronic medical expenses, maintenance costs, and the overall economic loss.” said Shubham Sutar, Co-Founder & CTO Rut3.

Rut3, the Delhi Government and the Rotary Club together distributed state-of-the-art wheelchairs to end users. Rut3 will be seeking real-time feedback from PWDs about their experience using the Rut3 wheelchairs in coming months. Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, Delhi Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare, Labour, Employment lauded Mitesh Rasal, Founder of Rut3 for his active participation and contribution towards PWDs and endorsed the company’s efforts towards the cause and the Make In India initiative undertaken by the Rut3 technology team.

Rut3 Founder, Mitesh Rasal, stated, “Wheelchair users face a tremendous amount of fatigue, stress, and discomfort due to the absence of suspensions, leading to chronic backache, spine injury, and issues with neck ache. Our unique suspensions help focus on the healthcare and mental state of the PWDs and on reducing out-of-pocket expenses for users. The Rut3 wheelchair is an innovative product which will help PWDs save precious income and also enable them to participate in many more in daily activities like a job, family events, etc. Thus alleviating both the family’s and the government’s health burden.”

The impact of this unique technological advancement extends far beyond mere comfort. One user at the event highlighted how inadequate last-mile infrastructure had restricted his movement, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and substantial economic loss. With the helps of Rut3 technology he will be able to overcome these challenges in the future.

Rotarian Mukesh G Gupta, speaking at the event, reinforced Rut3’s commitment to uplifting the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly; by allowing them to travel confidently across diverse terrains. “With the Rut3 aesthetic design, the wheelchair appeals to the end users. It is focused on encouraging PWDs to embrace life and use wheelchairs in public. Thus it helps PWDs bypass the social stigma around wheelchair use in society,” he said.

According to studies conducted by Rut3, the data collected paints a staggering picture, suggesting that an average person in an ill-suited wheelchair tends to lose 11 economic years, equivalent to a loss of 57 million years across India. Rut3 aims to turn this grim statistic around with its cutting-edge technology. Supported by the Government, Rut3’s product development involves extensive research, including inputs from over 200 users, rehabilitation centres, and wheelchair manufacturers.

Rut3 is one of India’s top startups and a winner of prestigious awards like the Atal New India Challenge 1.0 and the Prosus SICA Challenge 2022 (India), in partnership with Social Alpha. By marrying technology with empathy, Rut3 are crafting a path towards an inclusive and compassionate world.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

The post Delhi Government Joins Rut3 and Rotary Club to Uplift Lives of PWDs with Cutting-Edge Wheelchair Technology appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The collaboration seeks to address the critical need for quality healthcare and ensure access to essential cardiac care services for children from low-income families. Philips and Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar has already partnered with Jayadeva Hospital, Manipal Hospitals, and Fortis Hospitals in Bangalore to conduct these surgeries at a subsidized cost.

In India, the estimated number of children born with congenital heart defects (CHD) is over 200,000 per year. Over 70,000 are diagnosed with critical CHD and need specialised medical intervention even before they are one year old. This inherited heart muscle problem can result in sudden death or progressive heart failure. Awareness amongst the underprivileged about genetic cardiomyopathy is also low.

Early symptoms are mostly subtle and are mistaken for common new-born conditions like infections and maladaptation to life outside the mother’s womb. With most of the paediatric cardiac expertise located in urban centers, it is not unusual for paediatricians especially in rural settings to consider alternative diagnosis for a sick baby with CHD. This results in precious loss of time before the condition is detected and the baby may deteriorate and even die during this period.

This joint effort between Philips and Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar demonstrates the commitment towards humanitarian needs and wellbeing and it resonates deeply with Philips’ purpose that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. This partnership is intended to make an impact on the overall well-being of underprivileged children in India and aims to set a precedent for future partnerships that prioritise inclusive healthcare.

The post CSR: Philips partners with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar to provide free medical assistance to underprivileged children appeared first on The CSR Journal.

This programme was conducted by Bhal Shekhar Chilana President of The Cause Travellers Social Welfare organisation who is dedicatedly working for the cause of Organ Donation across India.

We are thankful to the Management of Inorbit Mall especially Ravi Sibal, Shivansh Kottary and Rasika Kale for making the program successful and providing us with the platform free of cost.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

The post CSR: Organ donation awareness campaign at Inorbit Mall Vashi appeared first on The CSR Journal.

On 1^st May this year, India recorded over 4 lakh daily cases for the first time, surpassing its daily tally during the peak of first wave in 2020, in terms of the number of new cases and deaths per day. While the vicious suddenness of the second wave has left us confused and terrified, there are lessons to be learned from the past few weeks of our fight against coronavirus.

In such a scenario, we must remember that vaccination is only solution to control the pandemic, achieving herd immunity, and protecting a population from a repeat outbreak. As questions and inquiries about the vaccines proliferate, it’s more critical than ever that people have regular and easy access to current, accurate information from reliable sources that will allow citizens to confidently make timely decisions about taking a vaccine. The opening up of the vaccination for all its citizens above 18 years to get COVID-19 vaccination has come timely. Now we have to ensure that the vaccine is made available to all across rural and urban areas.

Till the time everyone is vaccinated, it is necessary that COVID appropriate behaviours (or CABs) and guidelines are strictly followed. Public health experts believe it is possible to bring down the positivity rate to less than five per cent in India in the next three weeks, if we all take responsibility and abide by COVID appropriate behaviour.

The second wave has underlined the urgent need to focus on preparing for the next wave of pandemic.

This will include – ramping up COVID-19 testing, devising mechanisms for equitable distribution of the vaccine, combating misinformation and partnering with private sector and civil society organizations to effectively respond to people’s needs during this pandemic.

We know now that this is not the first time that mankind has had to deal with a deadly pandemic. Like coronavirus, the fight to end polio also involved combating misinformation and conspiracy theories for nearly a decade. For instance, in certain areas, many people were opposed to the oral polio vaccine (OPV) in the early 2000s as they thought it might cause infertility. Fear and rumours about the vaccine spread even though this was in an era before the advent of social media. And so Rotary engaged with trusted religious and community leaders to form a committee that combatted misinformation, encouraged vaccine acceptance and advocated for polio vaccination.

Seven years ago, as part of WHO’s South East Asia Region, India acquired a polio-free status, thanks to the efforts of Rotary, its Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners, and the Indian government. This global health milestone is proof that vaccines work.

As a matter of fact, Rotary was the first organization to have a vision of a polio-free world. In 1988, we became a founding partner of the GPEI, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Later, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance joined our efforts. Each GPEI partner brought unique skills and leadership to the Initiative, and in particular, Rotary focused on fundraising, advocacy, raising awareness, and mobilizing volunteers.

As Rotary brings multiple stakeholders together for polio eradication, India must apply this approach to a COVID-19 vaccine: the Indian government must work with organizations such as GAVI, the WHO, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, as well as the private sector, in order to establish protocols to ensure our population has quick, cost-effective, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Today, Rotary India’s COVID-19 task force is empowering its 1.2 million members in 36,000 clubs around the world to connect with local health authorities to support coronavirus vaccine rollout. For instance, Rotary clubs in the state of Kerala, which, only three years ago was devastated by floods, have risen to the occasion by setting up free COVID-19 vaccination centres all over the state. Similarly, the Rotary Club of Madras (RCM) has partnered with the state government to assist with last-mile delivery, procurement and delivery of vaccines and suitable cold chain equipment. Specifically, the club will assist in vaccine management up to the point of service delivery, will work to strengthen logistics services and will provide material donations such as refrigerated trucks and vaccine carriers.

Although we’re at a turning point in the global coronavirus pandemic as vaccines become available, a year into the pandemic, we’re not yet near the finish line, and a post-pandemic world still seems distant. Yet, India’s history with ending polio has prepared us for today’s battle against the coronavirus, and by continuing to leverage at large the infrastructure and expertise that Rotary and its GPEI partners established for polio eradication, we can overcome any number of COVID-19 vaccine challenges, from combatting misinformation to storage and delivery challenges to monitoring and tracking and continued prevention efforts.

Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.

Mr Ashok Mahajan is a Former Rotary International Director and is currently leading as the chair of Rotary’s India COVID-19 task force. He is a member of the International PolioPlus Committee. He was also a member of the National Committee for almost ten years and now is the Chairman Rotary’s Ulema Council in India. He has received the RI Service Above Self Award as well as the Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service Award, and Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World. He is a Major Donor, Benefactor, and Paul Harris Society member.

Thank you for reading. Please drop a line and help us do better.

Regards,
The CSR Journal Team

Subscribe

The post Combating COVID-19 with Vaccine and Know-How from Ending Polio appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Speaking on the occasion of installation Dialysis machines, President of Rotary Club of Mumbai Royales, Rtn. Prakash Ramgopal Ruia mentioned that, “we are happy to see this Club’s flagship project contribute to the poor sections. About 12,000 treatments each year and about 80,000 treatments over the lifespan of this project is envisaged to assist needy patients of Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar belt. Gaur Gopal Das lauded the selfless service efforts of Rotary Clubs, particularly during the pandemic times. While doing the physical inauguration District Governor Sunnil Mehra detailed how the funds were generated by the Club with the help of international grants.

Present for the inauguration ceremony were First Lady of District 3141, Shilpi Mehra On *Zoom* First Lady of Rotary Club of Mumbai Royales, Sangeeta Ruia, Dist. Governor Elect Rtn. Rajendra Agarwal on Zoom, Club Trainer Rtn. Chandra Mohan Dawar, Medical Director Rtn. Jai Kumar Gupta On Zoom and Rtn. Raj Kumar Gupta, Club Advisor & GG project team coordinator Rtn. Krishna Kumar Choudhary and GG team Member Rtn. Balmohan Agarwal, Club Secretary Rtn. Aashiesh Agarwaal, Club Treasurer Suresh Bajaj, Charter President Rtn. Brij Bhushan Gupta, Past presidents Rtn. Paritosh Rungta, Rtn Sanjay Gupta. PDG Gopal Mandhania, Rtn. Shivketan Gupta, IPP Rtn. Arvind Gadia, Rtn. Ashok Saraf, Rtn. Kiran Poddar, Rtn Vinod Jain, Ajay Lohia attended on Zoom

Our major donors of project were also present in meeting were  Suresh Bajaj, Ramprasadji Agarwal, Sanjay Agarwal,  Pradeep Pansari, Shrikantji Tibrewal, Kirti Shambu Dayal Gupta,  Sunil Khandelwal, Deepak  Gupta and President Prakash Ruia, Sangeeta Ruia, Aneesh Ruia and Harsh Ankita Choudhry.

Mr. Ruia further said that Bhakti Vedanta Trust was their obvious choice for setting up these two Dialysis Centres as these areas lacks modern Dialysis Centre specially for the treatment of the poor and underprivileged segments of society who cannot afford the expensive dialysis treatment. Doing dialysis every week would put lot of monetary strain on the poor segments living in these areas of Thane and Palghar districts. Bhakti Vedanta Trust is a renowned Charitable Organization who will be providing free Dialysis to underprivileged Section of the area or would charge nominal per dialysis.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content

The post Rotary Club of Mumbai Royales donate Rupees One Crore to install 12 Dialysis Machines for poor appeared first on The CSR Journal.