Letters to the Editor – December 2022
I became emotional while reading the article by PRIP Rajendra Saboo in the November issue about his medical missions to African countries. Having worked as a volunteer in adverse situations, Saboo is an inspiration for all Rotarians. The work done by Mumbai Rotarians in partnership with the Indian Army in a remote area in the Kashmir valley is commendable. Congratulations to Dr Bharat Pandya for his appointment as TRF vice-chairman.
Omprakash Rawat, RC Nasik — D 3030
Rasheeda Bhagat’s editorial, Service at its best, was superb. Kudos to the editor for such a marvellous note. Also, her article Taste & flavours of Kerala cuisine was fantastic.
Daniel Chittilappilly, RC Kaloor — D 3201
The article A mega empowerment project for 80,000 girls is an excellent project and a very good initiative.
Dinkar B Palaskar, RC Pune Sahawas — D 3131
The initiative to empower so many girls is really a fantastic and impactful project. Hearty congratulations to Rtn Jignesh and RC Bibwewadi Pune; all the very best for their upcoming projects with unique ideas.
Shailesh Nandurkar, RC Pune Westend — D 3131
Rotary’s great work in Kashmir
The cover picture of Kashmiri children at an Army Goodwill School, Kupwara, in the November issue is superb. Kudos to leaders and members of RID 3141 for carrying out welfare projects in Kashmir. Rotary President Jennifer Jones has urged us to share our Rotary stories with others to take the organisation forward, and chart out a much better future for it. The Editor’s note, Service at its best, describes how Rotarians from Mumbai assisted the people of Kupwara during Eid.
RI director Mahesh Kotbagi explains the major role played by Rotary in the eradication of polio. RI director A S Venkatesh has asked us to be generous in our TRF contributions. The cover story Mumbai Rotarians help Kashmir villagers at behest of Indian Army is readable and interesting. Articles like India celebrates TRF, When the Rajkot Peda and Bhamarda fetched Rotary a bounty, Rotary transforms a government school, A mega empowerment project for 80,000 girls, The magical weave of the Sambalpuri saree, Taste & flavours of Kerala cuisine, and A cool mind and active body can work wonders are all excellent to read. Club Hop photos and their descriptions look good. Well done, editorial team!
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
The attractive cover picture egged me to read the story of DGE Arun Bhargava, RID 3141, and his team reaching out to Kashmir villagers and making efforts to improve their lives and livelihood. Also, the role played by Brig Vinod Negi who briefed Rotarians about the plight of the villagers is noteworthy. We can take pride in the fact that the RID 3141 team has decided to continue their welfare programmes in Kupwara village.
P P K M Shamikumar, RC Vellore South — D 3231
The sky is the limit for Rotary’s service to humanity. I am referring to the Mumbai Rotarians who reached out to Kashmir villagers at the behest of the Indian Army.
When an Indian Army officer Col Pranay Pawar approached DGE Arun Bhargava to improve the lives of villagers living close to the LoC in Kupwara, 16 Rotarians from Mumbai flew to Kashmir and plunged into action. Since healthcare was important to the hill people, two motorcycle ambulances were donated by the Mumbai clubs. It is a matter of pride that RC Mumbai Parleshwar has sent 300 solar lamps to the Bhakarwals, a nomadic tribe, to improve their life. Surely, Rotary connects the world.
N Jagatheesan, RC Eluru — D 3020
RI President Jennifer Jones rightly says people’s views on Rotary will shape the organisation in the future, thus urging Rotarians to share their Rotary moments with rest of the society. Editor Rasheeda Bhagat’s write-up Service at its best has turned the spotlight on violence in the world including the Ukraine war. The work being done by RID 3141 Rotarians in Kashmir is commendable. They have taken up projects related to women’s empowerment, healthcare and education which will go a long way in lifting their livelihoods.
S Muniandi, RC Dindigul Fort — D 3000
The cover story was really moving and heart-rendering. The very fact that Kashmir, which is embroiled in political turmoil and drastic violence, gets this kind of support from the rest of the country is something that deserves credit and needs to be publicised. It is the need of the hour to support the development of a good rapport between the security forces and people in the valley and Rotary has created a fertile field for making a good beginning. Fellowship which nurtures care and offers unconditional love can bring about change in hearts and minds.
Unfortunately, one fears that an atmosphere of peace and amity might not last too long in a region like Kashmir. So it is best that organisations like Rotary do some solid work to bridge the gap and lack of trust between our soldiers and the local people. Let us do our bit to promote harmony and peace.
Dr Jayasekharan V P, RC Payyanur — D 3204
This is indeed a very noble project. Hats off to DGE Bhargava and his team for the work that they have done in Kashmir.
P V Vijayalakshmi, RC Tiruchirapalli Sakthi — D 3000
