Thank you for giving me this opportunity called PRESIDENT-RCMJ July 1 – a new year beckons with renewed energy, hope and big dreams. As we stand at this threshold, much like the dawn of any New Year's Day, we feel a palpable excitement alongside a touch of reflective contemplation. Do we look for the pot of gold under the rainbow? Do we take the colours from the rainbow to paint? Do we sit and dream under the rainbow? What do we do? Thoughts & ideas bombarding at the speed of light, metaphorically speaking! There are two words that emerge-two words that I want us to concentrate on CHANGE and WORK. Not to fall back on cliches, but it is timeless truth that to stay relevant and thrive, we must constantly evolve and adapt. This year, I envision us as a club, as a family, fearlessly confronting areas that may be holding us back and breaking free from those constraints and change. We must commit to the focused effort needed to truly claim our place under the sun. Indeed, nothing—and I mean nothing—yields result like dedicated hard work! So, there you have it: these two words are my unwavering mantra. I promise to give my absolute best, and I hope to receive yours in return. Together, we'll march onward into our 26th year, a milestone that truly deserves nothing less than our collective best.
The July Calendar will give you information about our projects. I seek your wholehearted participation. One last word before I sign off to start on my duties, I am here to hearanything you want to discuss, decide, deliver-DM me.
Best Regards,
‘ANNA’ The First Gentleman of the Club takes a VOW….
‘First Gentleman’ – a title. I am proud of my wife and assure her and all of you that I shall play a supportive role through this year-like a true gentleman. I am also happy to serve in the board and shall work to the best of my abilities, for RCMJ.
Regards, Ramesh Rajagopal
Message From IPP
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As I pen this final message to you as President of our beloved Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu(RCMJ)my heart is a blend of gratitude, pride, and optimism.
This Rotary year has been a journey—of service, of shared dreams, of challenges embraced and milestones achieved. From impactful projects to inspiring fellowship, from quiet moments of planning to loud echoes of celebration, we have truly lived the Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.” But beyond the numbers and the achievements, what stays with me most is the spirit of each one of you—your commitment, your energy, your generosity of time, resources, and heart.
As we close this chapter and prepare to welcome a new one, I urge you to carry forward this energy, this purpose, and this unity. Let’s continue to be a club that doesn’t just do service, but lives service—with compassion, with excellence, and with joy.
Let us always remember: Every small act matters. Every project creates ripples beyond what we can see. Every New Member added is a moment for a “ Team”. Every Rotarian adds unique value to our shared mission.
To the incoming leadership- the charismatic and Tejaswani Rtn. Ananthalakshmi and her Inspired team !—know that you carry not just the baton, but the hopes and momentum of a team that believes in you. I am excited to support you in every way as you take our Club to even greater heights.
To each member—thank you. For believing in me, for walking this path with me, and for making this year truly unforgettable. I may be signing off as President, but I remain always your fellow Rotarian, ever ready to serve.
Let’s continue to be the light in someone’s darkness. Let’s continue to be the change we wish to see.
I find myself reflecting not just on the months gone by, but on the memories made, the lives touched, and the relationships strengthened through our shared journey of service. Over the past 12 months, we could launch and initiate some impactful community initiatives ,strengthened club fellowship ,engaged with the next generation, built visibility and pride in our ,adapted, innovated, and stayed resilient .
To my mentors and past presidents thank you for your guidance and wisdom.
To our newer members—thank you for your energy and fresh ideas.
To my family—thank you for your unwavering support behind the scenes.
As I step aside, I urge all of you to remember: Stay involved – You matter more than you know. Your voice, your time, your actions make a difference.
Be fearless in dreaming big – The best projects are born from bold ideas.
Lead from wherever you are – Leadership is not a title, it's an attitude. Support the new leadership team – Their success will be our club’s success. Keep the Rotary flame burning bright – in your words, your deeds, and your everyday life.
With gratitude and hope, Yours in Rotary,
Subhashish Mazumdar President 2024–25, Vibrant Year
RCMJisaPlatinumClub
Celebrating Leadership : The 26th Presidential Installation of
Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu
Monday, June 9, 2025, dawned with a palpable sense of excitement and the promise of continued dedicated leadership for the Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu. Days of fervent preparation, last-minute checks, and a shared anticipation converged into a flawlessly executed, "crisp and precise" installation program.
The pre-event fellowship hour was a vibrant affair, witnessing the early arrival of numerous esteemed district dignitaries. Chief Guest Inspire DG Dr.Manish Motwani and Inspire First Lady Dr.Mahek Motwani, alongside PDG Sunnil Mehra and DS Mahima Menda, arrived promptly at 7 PM. The next half-hour was truly electrifying as a distinguished gathering of 14 Past District Governors (PDGs), 17 district officials, 7 co-presidents, and several other well-known Rotarians joined the camaraderie, adding significantly to the evening's prestige.
Inspire District
Governor Dr. Manish Motwani and First Lady Dr. Mahek Motwani presided over the momentous Collaring of the incoming President and the Change of Guard ceremony.
The program began precisely on schedule, with the charismatic MC, Shruti Sehgal, delivering seamless connective notes and maintaining impeccable timing. Vibrant President Subhashish's farewell speech touched a chord of appreciation among his fellow members.
Following this, Inspire President Ananthalakshmi Ramesh delivered a soulful acceptance speech, eloquently outlining her future plans, which were enthusiastically lauded and received by the august audience. Inspire DG Dr. Manish Motwani's address was a profound moment, revealing the awesome personality behind his charismatic public persona. His keen observation of each speech, his thoughtful acknowledgments, and his gentle yet firm encouragement for the incoming president to commit to a broader reach demonstrated subtle leadership techniques applied with a soft touch.
Collaring The President
Handing Over The Charter
MOC Shruti
His address was, to aptly put it, truly inspiring.Principal Chief Co-ordinator KK Choudhary,CC Kanderp Khandwala,RSW Chair Indumati Gopinathan,DS Arvind Gadia ,AG Vidhi Gupta and GAH membership Saurabh Soonawala, stood witness to the ceremony.
The formal induction of the new board was conducted by Dr.Manish Motwani, who graciously shared the dais with the 14 PDGs who had honored the evening with their presence. The vibrant and memorable evening culminated in a joyous mood, complemented by a wonderful dinner and engaging fellowship.
DGE Dr.Manish Speaks Board Of Directors
1stFanilyOfTheClub College Of Governors
Pinning the Club Secretary PresentingPintotheClubTreasurer President’s Family
With Co-Presidents & Dist Team
Shukriya Nite
Shukriya at the end of a Rotary Year signifies mutual thanksgiving by the President to his team of Rotarians who have contributed to the success of the year and the members of the club thanking the President for leading the club.
Shukriya for our club was held on 19th June 2025 at our regular venue, The Club. In the absence of Club Secretary Yogeeta Khanna, proceedings were conducted by Joint Secretary Ananthalakshmi Ramesh. She began by giving her own impressions of the year gone by followed by the message for the President received from Yogeeta. All the members present were requested to come up and say a few words on the year gone by. Thereafter, Pres Subhashish Mazumdar wrapped up by sharing his experience as President and presented personal gifts to all the members. Meeting concluded with cocktails and dinner.
Dr.
Years of Service & Leadership in Rotary
A Message from Heart - In the words of her Son Dr. Seemit Dhage
This year marks a significant milestone for Dr. Shubhangi Dhage, one of the most respected and senior chartered members of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu (RCMJ). Since joining the club in 1999, Dr. Dhage has completed a proud 25-year journey, defined by tireless commitment, compassionate leadership, and unwavering Rotary values.
AJourneyRootedinServiceandPurpose
Dr. Dhage’s Rotary journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the past two and a half decades, she has served with deep dedication — not just as a member, but also as Medical Director, President (2002–2003), and a devoted participant in countless district and international programs. Her year as Club President was particularly memorable, taking place during a time when the club boasted 53 active members, each with a distinct classification and subclassification, reflecting the diversity and strength of RCMJ.
With six office bearers and 11 board directors, including roles such as Club Service, Vocational and Community Service Chairs, International Service Chair, TRF Chair and Polio Plus Leader, Dr. Dhage’s tenure was a time of great energy and unity.
APresidentWhoBroughtVisiontoLife
As Club President in 2002–2003, under the RI theme “Sow the Seeds of Love,” Dr. Dhage introduced a comprehensive Club Handbook and Roster. This beautifully designed publication gave each member a dedicated page — complete with their photograph, spouse’s photo, classification, contact details, hobbies, special interests, and even their children’s names, birthdays, and blood groups. It was a symbol of how she viewed the club not just an organization, but a family.
Notably, for over two decades of her journey, she was supported every step of the way by her husband, Dr. Sunil Dhage a man known not only for his quiet strength but also for his sharp intelligence, quick wit, and infectious sense of humour. His occasional harmonica performances during Rotary meetings brought warmth and laughter to the room, reminding everyone that service could also be joyful. His presence lit up club gatherings and complemented Dr. Shubhangi’s steadfast leadership with a touch of spontaneity and charm.
ALifelongCommitmenttoCommunityService
Throughout her 25 years, Dr. Dhage has been at the forefront of medical and humanitarian outreach. Health camps were regularly held at schools such as Rajhans Vidyalaya, MV Education School, Manekji Cooper, and others — often every three months. Her leadership extended to blood donation drives held in societies, companies, and even railway stations, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to accessible healthcare.
She also hosted IY (International Youth) students, such as Nai, who stayed for eight months and participated in many of the club’s impactful projects a testament to Rotary’s global spirit and cultural exchange.
Her involvement in the National Polio Program at May Desai Hospital and initiatives like elearning kits distribution in schools underscore her belief in combining health, education, and technology to uplift communities.
Today, fellow Rotarians affectionately call her “Tai” — not just for her age or experience, but for the warmth, wisdom, and maternal care she brings to every interaction. Despite physical challenges in recent years, she continues to attend meetings and celebrations, and is deeply cared for More Than a member — A Beloved Family Figure by members who value her presence as a guiding force.
From celebrating Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Christmas, and Eid, to participating in district conferences, training programs, and Rotary conventions, Dr. Dhage has lived the Rotary spirit of service above self in every sphere of life.
“Please continue to grow and serve the public in schools, colleges, hospitals, and with patients, doctors, paramedical workers, and even animals, whether on the roadside or in our homes. Follow the Rotary Objects and live by the 3-Way Test, and let the Rotary theme each year guide your journey.”
ALegacyofLoveandLeadership
Dr. Shubhangi Dhage’s Rotary journey is one that inspires generations — a blend of compassionat service, strong leadership, and unwavering values. The Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu proudly celebrates her 25-year legacy, knowing that her contributions strengthened by the humour, grace, and quiet support of her late husband and our dear member Rtn. Dr. Sunil Dhage— have sown seeds of love that will blossom for years to come.
An added aspect to her personality, she is also an artist -
A Charcoal art work from her collection
KNOWING OUR MEMBERS…. MUKUL JAIN
Name: Mukul Jain
Profession:
Investment
Banker, Managing Director & Founder – Redbrick
Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd
Managing Trustee – Uplift Foundation
AboutMe:
I am a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and investment banker with over 20 years of experience in financial advisory and capital raising for mid-sized companies. I run my own investment banking firm and work closely with businesses across sectors in India and abroad. I’m passionate about building scalable ideas and supporting founders with longterm value creation. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and reading. I believe in giving back to society and creating meaningful impact—values that align deeply with Rotary’s mission.
1.WhatdrewyoutoRotary,andourclubspecifically?
I was drawn to Rotary because of its long-standing commitment to service and community development. I specifically chose the Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu because of its vibrant, action-oriented culture, and the inspiring leadership and camaraderie among members.
2.Whatinfluencedyourdecisiontojoinourclub?
Fellowship opportunities
Service projects
Community engagement
3.WhatareyourgoalsforyourRotarymembership?
My goal is to actively contribute to impactful service initiatives and expand the reach of our club’s programs—particularly in areas such as youth empowerment, health, and education and lifting overall standard of living of the underprivileged. I also hope to build deeper friendships and learn from fellow Rotarians’ diverse experiences.
I’m especially keen to contribute towards education large-scale fundraising efforts, youth empowerment, education projects and health initiatives. I’d also like to explore international collaborations through Rotary.
His wife Prabha is a qualified lawyer with experience of more than 15 years and a specialization in Corporate law. Adept at handling, drafting and executing documentation for corporates, conducting legal due diligence and drafting/vetting of contracts and agreements.
Prabha worked with a couple of law firms, viz. KNM & Partners and M.V. Kini & Company before starting as an independent legal consultant in 2012. In her previous role, Prabha has advised various corporates such as DLF, Carzonrent, Delhi Stock Exchange, Gati, Hero Group, Fire Capital, Landmark Group, Sony, Sunvision, Yamaha, Vodafone, NHAI, Datacom, Picanol India and many more.
At present, Prabha advises a number of clients in various industries including Real Estate, FMCG, Healthcare, Financial, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Chemicals, Pharma, etc. Prabha has conducted legal due diligence for a number of acquisitions for her clients including acquisition of entity, assets, promoters shares, etc.
They both are blessed with a lovely 6-year daughter Ariana
RCMJ participates in District Project
District Medical camp for detection of Anaemia, Thalassemia and Sickle Cell disease was held from 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM on 19th June 2025 at Nutan Bal Shikshak Sangh, Dahanu. 264 children were tested at the camp of which 7 were detected with BThalassemia and 35 with Sickle cell trait. These positive children will be given further treatment. These children will be counselled and for Sickle-cell disease, the Local Govt authorities will be informed who will then takeover as a National directive. Camp was entirely sponsored by our club thanks to the contributions made by Rtns. Mukul, Pawan and Damanjit. Camp was a part of the series of such camps conducted by the District under the leadership of Avenue Chair Dr Nilima Inamdar. A very satisfying project indeed where we can see healthy growth of our future generation.
Three of our members – Mukul, Amarjit and Damanjit – left for Dahanu at 7.30 AM but encountered a major traffic jam. Waited just after Vasai for about an hour and decided to take detour via Wada but a call from the camp organisers not to follow that route as it is full of potholes. We had lunch on our way back and reached Mumbai by noon.
25 Years of RCMJ…..1
THE BEGINNING
Rotary Club of Mumbai Juhu has a rich history of Fellowship and Projects over the last 25 years.
Club was chartered under the leadership of Charter President Ralph Menon during the Rotary Year 1999-2000 with 59 charter members at the hands of the then DG Rajkumar Bagadia. It was a grand charter presentation with almost 250 Rotarians and their families in attendance.
Charter Presentation Night at the hands of DG Rajkumar Bagadia
As a major ongoing and sustainable project, club adopted Gandhigram Municipal School and started 2 Balwadis in the school premises during RY2000-2001. This project gave us opportunities to serve the community over the years till 2021-22 when BMC decided to redevelop the school and demolished the building. Projects undertaken during this period:
Donation of 10 Desktop computers;
Whiteboards for the Secondary section;
Midday meals to the students under the ISCKON project before the BMC started the scheme for the entire city;
Regular Health checkup, Eye checkup with free spectacles, Dental checkup, Anemia checkup, Rubella injections for girls were conducted on a regular basis; Taking the engagement further, mothers of the students were given the talk shows on general hygiene, provided vocational skills like tailoring, mehndi, beautician, paperbag making etc;
Medical Camp
MP Priya Dutt at the inaugration of renovated Balwadi
Celebrating Independence Day
Serving Meals to the adpoted school students on Club Charter Day
Making Balwadi Walls into Learning Walls
Diya and Rakhi making during the festivals alongwith the club members which were then sold and proceeds used for the student welfare; Both the Balwadis were renovated and painted with separate toilets exclusively for balwadi children. Open space infront of the balwadi was relaid with tiles with the financial support provided by the then MP, Ms Priya Dutt. Play area was made with rides like Merry- go- rounds, Monkey bars and swings for the balwadi children sponsored by Rtn Ashish Aggarwal; Initially, children used to sit on mats and later on, chairs and benches were provided for their ease of sitting; Learning walls were made for the students where we roped in the members of Interact Clubs of Rajhans Vidyalaya and Maneckji Cooper who were made responsible for each of the balwadis; and Balwadi teachers were provided curriculum-based training for the playschool children so that a structured learning could be provided to the students. Even after the shifting, we continued our Balwadi support at the new location in Vile Parle where a whole-lot of furniture like Chair-bench sets, cupboards etc were donated.
Making Balwadi Walls into Learning Walls
Making Balwadi Walls into Learning Walls Created Play Area for Students
Inaugration of renovated Balwadi
ROTARY INFORMATION
Birth of The Rotary Movement!
Date : 23rd February 1905
Venue : 7th Floor, Unity Building, 127 Dearborn Street, Chicago
Members : Only four founder members, namely Paul Harris, Silvester Schiele, Gustavus Loehr and Hiram Shorey
Each one introduced himself, telling the others about his vocation, background and other varied interests. Paul Harris shared with them his sense of emptiness at having no true friends in the city and uncertainty of knowing whom to trust in his personal and commercial dealings. They all felt a need to have a club with a motive of ‘Business Reciprocity with Friendship.’
It was proposed to invite one member from each profession, whose integrity could be vouched by existing member. Silvester was chosen to lead the club as Paul decided to strengthen the club from behind the scene.
In the third meeting on 23rd March 1905, they had 15 members who decided on giving the club an identity. Lots of suggestions came towards naming the club, which were: Chicago Circle, Chicago Fellowship, Windy City Roundup, The Lake Club, FFF (Food-Fun-Fellowship) Club, Trade and Talk Club, Friends in Business Club and more.The roundtable earned several votes but not a majority. Paul Harris then quietly made a suggestion. Since we have agreed to rotate meeting between members how about calling it a Rotating club? Since it sounded clumsy Paul himself suggested again, “Why not call it a Rotary Club?” The suggestion was unanimously accepted. And so the Rotary club name came into existence…
Contributed by
Rotary and Gates Foundation extend partnership to end polio
CALGARY (22 June 2025) – Rotary and the Gates Foundation are renewing their longstanding partnership to end polio, announcing a joint commitment of up to US$450 million to support the global polio eradication effort at the annual Rotary International Convention.
“While historic progress has been made toward defeating polio—90 percent of the world’s population is free from the wild poliovirus—we’re facing significant challenges from competing financial priorities to fragile health systems. Furthermore, the detection of polio in places like Papua New Guinea that were previously polio free demonstrates that polio anywhere is a threat everywhere,” said Rotary International PolioPlus Committee Chair Mike McGovern. “The extension of our fundraising partnership with the Gates Foundation allows us to reach children around the world with lifesaving vaccines, keeping every child and community safe from this preventable disease.”
Rotary will continue to raise $50 million per year, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. This renewed agreement will translate into up to a total of $450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
"Rotary was the first to envision a world without polio—and today, we have the tools and knowledge to make that vision a reality,” said Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. “If we all maintain our commitment and keep funding the solutions we know work, then soon, no family will have to live in fear of this horrific disease ever again."
The funds are used to support everything from vaccine delivery, surveillance, and community engagement to the implementation and maintenance of polio eradication programs in affected regions, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, the only countries that continue to report cases of wild poliovirus.
The funding also allows Rotary to help aid emergency response for polio outbreaks, and in late 2024, Rotary committed US$500,000 to support the first round of a tworound polio vaccination campaign in Gaza following confirmation of a 10-month-old child who contracted polio in the region.
District News
Laxmi Singh has been installed as the 56th Inner Wheel District Chair of Inner Wheel Dist 314 for the year 2025-26. Congratulations!
Second Presidents Meeting for 2026-27
Subsequent to the First Presidents meeting hosted by our club on 28th Feb 2025 for the Rotary Year 2026-27, Second meeting of the Presidents was held at The Club, Andheri (W) on 15th June 2025. Event was ably hosted by RC of Mulund, ably led by the Pres Seema Joshi and Convenor PP Rajesh Gupta.
Main purpose of the meeting was to introduce the District team to the Presidents and the Presidents to meet & greet their co-Presidents of the other clubs in the Dist. Also, allocation of clubs to each DS and AG was announced. DS for our club will be Rtn Suketu Jariwala of RC of Bombay Airport and AG will be Rtn Mahendra Joshi of RC of Mumbai North-West Malad.
DGN Rajan Dua unveiled and presented Dist logo and Dist Anthem for the RY 2026-27 – designated as Regal. Our club was represented by PN Mukul, Amarjit and Damanjit. Total attendance was 200+.
Celebrating International Yoga Diwas with Yogis of the Club
My experience at Elephanta
Drive to Nhava - boat to Elephanta - drive to the Admin office in a luggage tempo - walking towards the office was the multi-discipline journey to the caves and by the time we reached, it was quite dark and we had the company of lots and lots of glowing fireflies. We revisited the caves by night which was extraordinary - one has to see it, experience it, and believe it for oneself.
We had dinner and we stayed at a very humble but very neat and tidy staff residence. Next morning, we got up at 5 AM and had a quick hot water bath which was kept ready for us and we left the place with lots of gratitude. Walking towards the caves, it was total bliss - just chirping birds and water dripping here and there, maybe from the mountains and lots of greens. Reaching the caves, we sat down for meditation. A 10-minute meditation felt like 4 to 5 hours. So energetic, so refreshing all thanks to the Archaeology Department who made us very, very comfortable.
Our yoga session started with playing the PM‘s speech followed by our protocol Yoga session. It was definitely once in a lifetime experience cannot thank God and NAYI enough for everything. Gratitude
Contributed by Rtn PP Varsha
Knowing the Great Heritage of Mumbai
Mid-19thCentury.India,Bombay(Mumbai).
ViewsoftheBycullaHotelandthe“KhadaParsi”Monument.
The statue atop the pillar is Seth Cursetjee Manockjee (1763-1845), a nineteenth-century Parsi businessman and education reformer. Built in the 1860s, the monument was commissioned by Cursetjee’s youngest son Manock Jee Cursetjee as a tribute to his father, at a cost of Rs 1 lakh.
TheRestoration
The monument was in desperate need of attention as it had acquired a reddishbrown patina of dust and had numerous parts missing or stolen over the years. The four-foot-tall lamps were stolen in the 1970's and the fountain at the base of the Corinthian column had also almost disappeared. The lamps have now been replaced and the fountain has been repaired. Over 400-odd pieces, which were lost from the original figure due to corrosion and damage, have been restored. The stones used for restoration were brought from Rajasthan, Mangalore and Nagpur.
The monument is now standing tall at the busy Byculla flyover junction.
10 th July SnehaJanaki d/o Ananthalakshmi & Ramesh
19th July Yesha d/o Jagruti & Piyush
Engagements for July 2025
The Last Word
A New Chapter for Our Club as we embark on this exciting journey of publishing our Breezy News for the Inspire Year and I am filled with enthusiasm and anticipation. This inaugural issue marks a significant milestone in our efforts to share events happening in the Rotary World both within the district and globally. Some interesting stories about us and our achievements in person and as we serve our community with passion and diligence
Having completed 25years of RCMJ, its story will be shared through the year, the diverse range of projects and initiatives that our club undertook to make a positive impact in our community from supporting local charities to organizing community events, our club have always been dedicated to serving others and upholding the Rotary ideals of Service Above Self.
This Breezy News is more than just a publication – it's a platform for us to share our experiences, showcase our accomplishments, and inspire others to join us in our mission. We hope that it will become a valuable resource for our members, a source of pride for our club, and a beacon of hope for those we serve.
As we look to the future, we are excited to share our stories, highlight our achievements, knowing our members better and celebrate the spirit of Rotary that binds us together. I invite each one of you to join together on this journey, to share your thoughts and ideas, and to become an integral part of our Rotary family.
