Beautifying anganwadis in Mysuru

Renovating run-down anganwadis is a major project of RC Mysore South East, RID 3181, for the last four decades. These days, if the government-run creches in the neighbouring Ashokapuram and Vidyaranyapuram villages sport a spanking new look, it is thanks to the efforts of the club members. “Most of these anganwadis are poorly maintained and in bad shape — the doors and windows are creaky and broken, the paint is non-existent and the buildings generally look gloomy. Right from the club’s inception, our members decided to transform these ramshackle buildings into warm, welcoming homes. This is the least we can do for the little children who spend hours here when their parents, mostly construction or sanitation workers, are out on work,” says K N Muralidhara, president of this club which was chartered in 1983. He shares that all 64 members are involved hands-on in all the service projects being done by the club.

The walls in the two anganwadis sport various infographics to attract and engage young minds. Alphabets in English and Kannada, numbers, images of fruits, vegetables and animals engage the attention of the children who are also taught rhymes and good habits by the two caretakers who manage the facilities. The club has equipped the anganwadis with colourful chairs, toys and mattresses. “There are 25 children in each of these anganwadis and they generally stay here from 9am to 3pm. Nutritious food and fruits are provided to them. We celebrate our special occasions by sponsoring ­groceries and fruits for these facilities,” he says. The Rotarians spend around ₹1 lakh for the renovation of an anganwadi.

Right from the club’s inception, our members decided to transform these ramshackle buildings into warm, welcoming homes.
— K N Muralidhara
president, RC Mysore South East

The club has constructed a dining hall with a seating capacity of 200 students at the Government Higher ­Primary School, ­Kadamanuganahalli, a tribal village in Hunsur taluk, ­Mysuru district. The children hail from the nearby Nagerhole forest area and this is the only school in the vicinity. “­Earlier the students used to have their midday meals on the open ground with no protection from the sun or rain,” says the president. DG H R Keshav inaugurated the facility at the school.

The club has adopted the ­Bhailwan Basavayya School which educates 90 children annually. “We have upgraded the school infrastructure and provide uniforms, school bags, stationery to the children every year.”

Sewing machines were provided to 17 women from underprivileged families and tailoring classes are conducted for them. “We will upgrade the machines to motorised ones, and even provide them sophisticated machines with embroidery and other functions when these women become confident in pursuing the vocation,” he says.

The club is supporting the dialysis treatment for two economically disadvantaged patients at the Sigma Hospital in Mysuru. This has been an ongoing project for eight years now, says Muralidhara. Reviving water resources is another signature project of the club. Many water bodies around Mysuru and Mandya have been rejuvenated through the club’s efforts.