Moulding global citizens at IRYLA
District 3131 hosted a three-day International RYLA in Panvel on the Pune-Mumbai highway. This dream project of DG Prashant Deshmukh was jointly hosted by RCs Pune East and Panvel with an objective to groom young, able leaders, foster goodwill and understanding and help the youth realise their potential.
The 232 participants came from 30 countries, including the African countries, Afghanistan, Brazil, Bangladesh, Iraq, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Saudi Arabia and a few from the US and France. Also, the Rotaractors from Pune and Raigad formed a sizeable contingent.
Shaping a bright career
“The focus was on offering innovative skills to cover the syllabus through which noticeable leadership skills can be imbibed among the students. And this will go a long way in making their careers prospective and fruitful,” said Deshmukh. DGN Shailesh Palekar, IRYLA convener Manjoo Phadke, Youth Director Shital Shah and DRR Arjun Dev worked for this event.
Speakers from the corporate world and Rotary motivated the youngsters, said Pankaj Shah, District Secretary. An icebreaking session enabled students to bond with each other and share notes on current social issues. On day-two, four parallel sessions moderated by eminent persons on subjects like public speaking, the power of happy thoughts, effective communication, etc were organised.
PDG Mohan Palesha gave a peek into the world of Rotary to the young participants.
Giving thumbs up to the youth camp, the foreign students were happy to learn new concepts and modules in leadership skills. “I learnt to be a good leader, to coexist peacefully and work on myself to achieve my goals. Most importantly, this RYLA taught me the importance of service to humanity,” said Rasheedah Adisa from Nigeria. For Rohullah Hassani from Afghanistan, it has been ‘the best workshop’ that he had ever participated. “I will try hard to put into practice the concepts taught at the sessions,” he said.