ECHO, The official newsletter of the Rotary Club of Pune Baner

AA ROTARY ROTARY CLUB CLUB OF OF PUNE PUNE BANER BANER INITIATIVE INITIATIVE

CSR-1 Registration No. CSR00012822

Form 12 & 80G Approval No. AACTR8255QF20206

ROTARY CLUB OF PUNE BANER R.I. DISTRICT 3131, MAHARASHTRA , INDIA

PRESIDENT Rtn. Sanket Saraf

SECRETARY Rtn. Aniruddha Joshi

Year 2021-22

Bulletin 02

February 10, 2022

EDITOR Rtn. Surhuda Kulkarni

For Private Circulation Only

RCP BANER ALL SET TO HOST THE DG VISIT The month of February brought in cheer. It began on a happy note at the Rotary Club of Pune Baner, as the date for the District Governor's visit was announced. Certainly, the most awaited of all events, the DG visit is an important happening in the yearly calendar of any Rotary Club world wide. Likewise, members and BOD at RCPB, got on with the preparations to receive the honourable DG, Rtn. Pankaj Shah and First Lady Priya Shah.

The DG visit is scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Hotel Sadanand Baner, Pune. Rtn. Balvir Chawla, AG, is also goint to be present on the occasion. This year, RCPB has embarked on many meaningful and imactmaking projects in all the seven areas of focus of Rotary International. The Club is all set to present its work and showcase the achievements to the DG. Speaking about the valuable work being carried out by the Club, President, Rtn. Sanket Saraf says, “We are working in all the areas of Rotary focus. Namely, Basic Education and Literacy, Maternal & Child Health, Peace & conflict Prevention/Resolution, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Community & Economic development and Environment. With

lofty goals in front of us and so much to do, we go by the Rotary vision of fellowship and teamspirit. Our members and BOD are working tirelessly to complete project tasks on various fronts.”.

The President further adds that the Club is inspired by the energy and zeal of the DG, who is also known as a Bahubali. The President says, “DG Rtn. Pankaj Shah leads by example and is a true visionary. His vision for the development of memebrship, for the growth of each club and his valuable support and involvement in our projects and initiatives has added to our zeal for work.”

RCPB has witnessed a remarkable growth in membership this year and has carried out many significant and unique projects like, Epilepsy surgeries for the under priviliged, a dense eco forest and Nakshatravan at government ITI, Aundh, a Water ATM at RCC Kemasewadi, an obesity awareness workshop, a Happy School etc. among others.

The club has earned certificates from the Dist.for various achievements. One such is, the club's contribution to the Avenue of Environment.

President Welcomes the DG Rotary Greetings On behalf of our Club, I welcome DG, Rtn. Pankaj Shah in this special DG Visit issue of our Club Bulletin. He is known in Rotary Circles as Bahubali DG for his tireless efforts to raise the bar of all that a District enables. Kudos to him for being so down to earth and approachable inspite of achieving so much in the six months as DG. I also welcome the charismatic First Lady, Rtn. Priya Shah to our club.

Yours in Rotary, Yours in Rotary, Sanket Saraf.

Rotary Club of Pune Baner DG visit Time: 7.30 P.M. Venue: Hotel Sadanand, Baner, Pune Day and Date: Thursday, 10/02/2022

RCPB Welcomes DG. Rtn. Pankaj and First Lady Rtn. Priya Shah.

February 10, 2022

RTN. PANKAJ, A TRUE VISIONARY

Dear President and RCPB members, Heartiest Congratulations to the all the Club members and the President. Rotary Club of Pune Baner has taken up the challenges that came with the pandemic and kept going miles despite the limitations. The pandemic has severelyimpacted our lives, but we have always risen to the occasion, adapted to the situation and given ourbest so we could “Serve to Change Lives” following the principle of “Service Above Self”.

We, as a team would definitely do wonders in our respective roles as leaders as we work by followingthe principle “Keep it Simple!” A lot is to be worked on to take Rotary Programs to each and every member of the Club. Equally important is that they reach Non – Rotarians as well. We need to grow membership; our Rotary International President has given a wonderful formula of “Each One Bring One” which we have to sincerely implement. We expect that your club has a positive growth at the end of year.

The Rotary Foundation, through its various programs has worked for community at all times. May it beeradicating polio from the world, supporting the world through COVID (Disaster) Grants, or various service projects under the Six Areas of Focus where now “Supporting Environment” is added as 7th Area. We should also support our Own Rotary Foundation by contributing to Annual Program Fund, Polio Fund, Endowment Fund and various other options. The amount can be of your choice but contribute handsomely and ensure that your each and every member contributes. Hundred percent contribution from each and every member of club is expected.

“Do More Grow More”: Our Vision is “Rotary to be most preferred choice of all stakeholders”.

At District Level, we have adopted a new system of empowering enthusiastic Rotarians and Rotaractors to work in various committees of their choice, thus developing new leadership with as pecific focus on women leadership working at various key positions. When Rotary Work is done with Passion, Dedication, even while “Keeping It Simple!”, you will Realizethat “Nothing is Impossible !!”

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Pankaj Shah is happily married to Rtn. Priya Shah.

l

Pankaj is a successful business owner.

l

He is the charter member of the Rotary Club of Sarasbaug.

l As a District Governor, Rtn. Pankaj Shah is committed to strengthen Rotary through transparency in administration, sustained membership growth and impact making service projects. l Rtn. Pankaj has used his office to facilitate several impact making projects. He signed an MoU for free Covid vaccination thereby ensuring vaccination for all the needy. l His untiring efforts have propelled the RID 3131 to the second position globally in membership growth and second position in India in Rotary Foundation donations.

Rtn. Pankaj Shah District Governor 21-22, RID 3131

KNOW OUR PRESIDENT President Sanket Saraf, is a second generation educationist and has contributed to modernizing infrastructure and processes at the flagship K-12 school in Nagpur that operates in the affordable quality education segment. He is the founder of the Tender Steps preschools in Baner, Balewadi and Vishrantwadi in Pune. Sanket is also the founder of the first Waldorf inspired school in Nagpur – the Nagpur Waldorf Inspired School, which is now in its second year.

Sanket is happily married to Richa, a home maker. Richa is afitness enthusiast and loves going to the gym. The couple is blessed with a son.

Sanket has also served as Area Director in Toastmasters International in 2018-19. He Initiated and organized the first Toastmasters youth leadership program in Pune and initiated the formation of the Aundh toastmasters club in December 2018.

An active Rotarian, Sanket initiated the formation of Rotaract Club of Indira College that is now in its third year, doing several social activities of its own and producing a new generation of leaders. As a Rotarian, Sanket has been in several club roles.

He was awarded the Times of India inspiring men of 2021 in Maharashtra state.

February 10, 2022

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RCPB MAJOR PROJECTS AT A GLANCE The Rotary Club of Pune Baner conducted projects in all the seven focus areas of Rotary.

A look at some of the major projects Epilepsy Surgery Project: In the current year, RCPB launched Dense eco forest & Nakshatravan at ITI Aundh: In this its signature project, 'Epilepsy surgeries for the underprivileged; a project, the club has embarked on planting and nurturing a unique project for adults and children.' The project cost is valued forest and a nakshatra garden at the ITI Aundh. at over Rs. 2 crore and is expected to reach nearly 50 beneficiaries in the coming period. Three surgeries are successfully carried out. The surgeries were conducted by Dr.Kurwale of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

Reusable sanitary napkins project: The Club has lent an active support to the Rotaract Club of Indira College for carrying out a 'Reusable Sanitary Napkins Project' in some slums in the city.

Obesity Awareness Workshop: RCPB conducted an online workshop for obesity awareness.

Tw o s p e c i a l i s t s i n o b e s i t y management conducted this workshop simultaneously in Marathi and English for an online audience. This was a synergy project jointly conducted by many clubs. The participants were Rtn Jaywant Nalode President Rotary Club of Lonavla, Rtn Sachin Khole President Rotary Club of Walhekarwadi, Rtn Pawan Joshi President Rotary E Club Of Pune Diamond, Rtn Mangesh Meher, President, Rotary Club Narayangaon, Rtn Sunil Kulkarni, President, Rotary Club Pradhikaran, Rtn Vinay Patil, President, Rotary Club Pune East, Rtn Pramod Dokania, President RC Pune Amanora, & Rotaractor Rohit, President Rotaract Club of Indira College

Clean Water project at Kemsewadi RCC Village: The club has initiated the setting up of a water filtration plant at Kemsewadi village. Seen here our club members at RCC.

E-Waste collection drive: Electronic waste was collected and thus sent for disposal in a special project. This project aimed at helping the environment by way of reducing the toxic impact of electronic waste.

February 10, 2022

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RCPB HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Membership Growth : The club membership witnessed a phenomenal growth after July 1. It rose from 30 as on July 1,2021 to 38 members on February 10, 2022.

A totally CSR compliant club : RCPB can conduct corporate and global level projects and can avail of CSR grants and global grants as the club is a totally CSR compliant club with all the compliances in place.

Cultural Projects: The Club participated in some exciting projects conducted by the Dist. Cultural Committee. These projects were; a monsoon music concert Barkha Ritu, Atharvasheersh Chanting, Dandiya during Navratri etc. All these projects added to member assimilation. Seen here in the photo is an entertainment program put up by the cultural committee for orphans at St. Crispin's home. RCPB was one of the sponsors for this show.

Fellowship Development: Many meetings and special gatherings fostered fellowship development during the year.

Such as, Ganesh pooja at Rtn. Karia's residence, a barbecue party hosted by the President and a bonfire and new year celebration on December 31, 2021.

Mementos given: The club gave away mementos to some outstanding persons on various occasions such as; a memento was given to the Principal of Indira college for coordinating Rotaract activities, a memento was given to Dr. Kurwale for his epilepsy surgeries and also a memento was given to PDG Deepak Shikarpur for being the chief guest at the Happy School project.

Charter Night Celebration: RCPB celebrated its Charter Night on Oct 22, at a restaurant in Baner. A music session and Zumba dancing activity took place on this occasion.

Media Coverage : RCPB has enjoyed media coverage in various News papers & Rotary publications.

Code for sexual harassment : This year, the Club adopted the Rotary code for zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Our members working at Dist. Level : The club has six people working at the district level this year. They are Rtns. Unmesh Risbood, Snehal Bhat, Priya Karia, Shekhar Shet, Nitin Wagh and Satyajit Wale.

Our RCC and Rotaract: RCPB has an active Rotaract Club and an active RCC at Kemasewadi.Our new generation activities have taken a great shape this year as our young Rotaractors proactively carry out various projects.

We meet at Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Aundh Pune every Friday at 7.30 pm Send your contributions to Editor - 9922408893 Editorial Advisors : Rtn. Priya Karia, PP Rtn. Shekhar Shet For CSR / Individual Donations/Membership Contact President: 9371018575 Secretary : 9822203558 Mem. Dir. : 9860661111