Rotary districts hold peace conference
Let us first realise the beneficial impact of peace in ourselves first and then we can promote it around the world, said RIDE Dr Bharat Pandya stressing the importance of Rotary’s Peace Centres which focused on conflict resolution for a better world.
He was speaking as chief guest at the two-day multi-district peace conference titled Symphony hosted by District 3150 in partnership with D 3132, 3160, 3181 and 3182 in Hyderabad. RIDE Kamal Sanghvi cited his life experiences to point out how Rotary projects and service activities have brought harmony across communities in the world. All sessions turned the spotlight on Rotary’s six areas of focus and how they promoted global peace through a range of community projects.
Conference chairman PDG Jawahar Vadlamani and Secretary PDG C Suresh took care of the arrangements including the logistics for the success of the conclave. Focus Areas Chairing the session on Basic Education and Literacy, PRID Shekhar Mehta said Rotary clubs were transforming the rural landscape with their TEACH programmes. The panelists comprising D 3190 DG Suresh Hari, PDG Prashanth Deshmukh, D 3131, and PDG
RaviVadlamani, D 3150, spoke on the importance of fundraising, CSR projects, the role of e-learning in classroom education, and uplifting school infrastructure for a holistic impact on basic education in the country.
The Water and Sanitation session chaired by PDG Ramesh Aggarwal, D 3012, discussed the nationwide WinS initiative. “Youngsters need to be educated and trained for the success of Swachh Bharat Mission. This will enhance their productivity by protecting them against diseases,” said PDG Regunath, D 3211. PDGs Ganesh Bhat and Jorson Fernandes were the other speakers.
EMGA Sam Patibandla chaired a session on ‘Disease Prevention and Treatment and Maternal and Child Health’. Rubella and measles were highlighted as the new challenges in healthcare. While PDG Sarat Babu, D 3150, explained how their Vision Project has transformed villages in Warangal district, PDG R Gopinath cited examples to show how their permanent projects in healthcare had a great impact in D 3160.
EMGA Sam Patibandla at the furniture distribution event.
In another useful session on Economic and Community Development chaired by PDG Ravi Vadlamani, speakers —PDGs Madhura Chatrapathy, D 3190; Deepak Pophale, D 3132; and DGE Ravee Dhotre, D 3131 — dwelt on the issue of empowerment through sustainable projects in the backward areas.
Related events
One of the highlights of the conference is the distribution of over 2,800 desks to 60 schools in Telangana under a global grant project. A peace walk at KBR Park in the heart of the city saw the participation of nearly 800 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, Anns and Annets holding placards on Rotary’s six focus areas.
Summing up the takeaway from the peace meet, host district DG Ramesh Vangala said taking care of the basic needs of food, shelter, education, healthcare and economic development of world community would bring in lasting peace.
RC Greater Hyderabad was the host club and was supported by Rotary Club of Chandanagar RC Puram.
