The Success Story of Rotary Club of Sangli...
Rotary came to India in 1919 with the formation of the Calcutta club just after 14 years after its founding in the United States of America. Thereafter it started growing all over in India mainly in big cities. It was in December 1948 that little after India's independence the first Rotary Club was established in Sangli as Rotary Club of Sangli and it was sponsored by Rotary Club of Kolhapur. The charter was presented on the 4th February 1949 at the hands of the Late Rtn. Behram N. Karanjia, the then Governor of Rotary District 92. Late Rtn. K. A. Chougule became the Charter President and late Rtn. Rajabhau Desai the Charter Secretary. The number of charter members was just 14. Today the membership has grown to 100, a growth almost 7 times.
Our various successfully sponsored and commissioned projects in last 72 years like
- Remand Home 1952
- Chintamanrao College of Commerce 1960
- Mrs. Tarabai Paranjpe Eye Bank 1971
- The Nitish Lahiri Irrigation Project at Taradgaon, Dist. Satara, State. Maharashtra.
- Deep X-Ray Unit at Civil Hospital Sangli
- Rambhau Bhide Deaf and Mute School at Miraj
- Dr. Shirgaonkar Blood Bank 1974
- Rambhau Bhide Swimming Pool at the Rotary Complex. 1981
- Dr. M. A. Paranjpe Health Club at The Rotary Complex
10. Yoga Hall at The Rotary Complex
11. Community Hall at The Rotary Complex 1994
12. Crematorium at Kawathe Ekand
13. Trade Fair : 1997
14. Jogging Track : 1998-99
15. Ushamohani Vikalang Punarvasan Kendra : 2000-01
16. Rotary Nagar - 40 Low Cost Shelters 2001-02
17. Rtn. Kantibhai Shah Rotary Lawns.
18. Matchning Grant Project – Solar lights in Jalihal
19. RO Drinking Water Facility at Rotary Complex
20. E learning facility at eleven schools in Sangli district
21. Sanitary pad vending machines at three schools
22. Rotary Skin Bank 2017-18
23. NICU at Vivekanand Hospital 2019-20
24. Laboratory, library and sanitary facility at Bhilawadi education society. 2020-21
etc. prove that our club is one of the leading clubs of this region and we are proud of it. These various milestones themselves speak about our tremendous and successful achievements. Some of the major projects so far undertaken by our club and the activities are listed below.
The club has been undertaking different projects with commitment and social responsibility to improve the quality of life for those who live in this community and to serve the public interest, which encourages and fosters high ethical standards in business and professions.
Remand Home Project, 1952.
“Every thing is good as it comes from the hands of the author of Nature, every thing degenerates in the hands of man” it is said. When born growing up, the small children are like the buds of flowers, full of beauty, tenderness, innocent promises and hope. May be in the rare cases of misfortune, but in the majority of the cases it is the society of the adults that takes some of these innocent children on the path of misery, insecurity and homelessness, leading to the criminal world. Who would do the thankless, unrewarding and often neglected job of becoming the foster parents of this unfortunate lot and provide it the much needed sympathy and love? Who would guide them tenderly to the path that would lead them to happy, responsible and useful citizenship? Normal none. It was Late Rtn. Rajabhau Desai, a founder member of our club who came forward to show these neglected, homeless wandering children a ray of hope. Rotary Club of Sangli under the guidance of this devoted Rotarian, started Remand Home in 1952 in a small rented building. Subsequently funds were collected by Rotarians and now it is sprawled over a plot of 2.5 acres and provides shelter to nearly 200 boys and girls who are the victims of circumstances. A small light kindled by a visionary Rotarian and the Rotary Club of Sangli has truly become a beacon for those youngsters who are drifting aimlessly in dark towards sure disaster.
Chintamanrao College of Commerce., 1960
Until late fifties, there was no provision for commerce education in Sangli, which otherwise had always been regarded as an important centre of education in South Maharashtra State and North Karnataka State. This was accepted as a challenge by the members of Rotary Club of Sangli. The then office bearers of the club and some other citizens of Sangli decided to commemorate the 71st birthday of the then Ex. Maharaja of Sangli His Highness Chintamanrao Patwardhan. The Rotarians of Sangli Club collected Rs. 1,11,000/- in 1960, a huge amount during those days and came forward with the proposal of starting the first Commerce College at Sangli and persuaded the Maharaja who contributed equal amount and the college came in to existence at Sangli through Deccan Education Society. The college was formally declared open by the then Vice President of India Late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on 12th September 1960 and was named as “Chintamanrao College of Commerce. The college provides degree and post graduate courses and is treated as centre of excellence. Really a matter of great pride to all of us as Rotarians.
Mrs. Tarabai Paranjpe Eye Bank Trust and Research Foundation, Sangli.
Rotary Club of Sangli has sponsored and promoted this Eye Bank and this bank has the unique distinction of being recognised as one of the first eye banks in private capacity by Government of Maharashtra State. Under the noble leadership of one of our Past President Rotarian Dr. Y. M. Paranjpe this eye bank is working since 1971 in Sangli City. The Trust Hospital is not only recognised eye care centre in India, but the techniques developed by Dr. Paranjpe and the team of doctors with him are very useful and economical not only for the third world but for everybody.
The Nitish Lahiri Irrigation Project at Taradgaon, Dist. Satara, State. Maharashtra.
A Bold New Project Aimed At A Comprehensive Programme For An All Sided Integrated Rural Development In Maharashtra, Through Practical Application Of Principles Of The Rotary International. Two of the members of Rotary Club of Sangli, the Chafalkar brothers, who hail from the village of Taradgaon, became painfully aware of the widespread suffering and hardship caused to their fellowmen at their village and decided to do something to relieve their plight. They realised the bad economy of the vast majority of the poor peasants whose plots of land are situated in the scanty rainfall belt of Maharashtra . The Rotarian brothers thought of a plan to lift the water flowing through river Neera and to rescue their fellow villagers permanently from the recurring problem of a poor monsoon. The brothers put their heads together with others and formulated their proposals for a definite plan of organising the villagers in to a Self Help Co-Operative Lift Irrigation Project which they placed before their fellow members of the Rotary Club of Sangli to be discussed and adopted as an extension of their work of community service and development in the true tradition and sprit of the Rotary ideas and ideals. A great project of agricultural development and is in action even today. The project received the Service Above Self award from Rotary International. Bank of Maharashtra helped in initial stage. A cement pipe factory was specially set up by Rotarians to serve the purpose of irrigation.
Deep X-Ray Unit at Civil Hospital Sangli
The Club donated more than Rs. 10,000/- to the Indian Cancer Society District Branch Sangli to install Cobalt therapy Deep X-ray Unit in the Civil Hospital, for the first time in Sangli, more than 50 years ago.
Rambhau Bhide Deaf and Mute School at Miraj
To crown the activities of our club, our club sponsored a school for the Deaf and Mute children at Miraj. The Deaf and Mute children are first examined by expert and then they are given admission to this school for treatment and training. It is one of the model school in south Maharashtra.
Dr. Shirgaonkar Blood Bank : 1974
In spite of the prevalent popular belief based on the experience then, that blood banks do not thrive solely on voluntary blood donations, a bunch of enthusiast and optimistic Rotarians and Red Cross workers launched a joint project of a Blood Bank in 1974. It was firmly decided by this bank that under no circumstances, paid or professional donors would be bled. The initial small project has taken firm deep roots and has grown in to a full fledged, well equipped blood bank that works 24 hours a day. It is a project which seemed impossible initially has blossomed in to first rate community service project that is life saving to many. From a modest beginning of supplying about 1500 units of blood in 1974 the bank supplies more than 12000 units per year now. The bank has adequate stock of blood of even rare groups for supply at any hour of the day and night. The administration, records and accounts are computerised and a steady supply of electricity is guaranteed by generator. The bank has acquired a well-equipped van to collect blood at blood donation camps even in small places in and around Sangli. The blood unit costs $ 8.5 which includes the cost of disposable, testing for major and minor groups, cross matching, diseases such as malaria, syphilis, hepatitis, and HIV. The blood bank is under the strict vigilance of state and central drug controller and is in fact considered and lauded as a model blood bank in this part of Maharashtra State. This was also a most needed facility provided by the club.
Rambhau Bhide Swimming Pool at the Rotary Complex.
The Rotary Club of Sangli completed 25 years of fruitful existence in 1974. A Rotary Silver Jubilee Trust was formed and decided to have our own multipurpose Rotary Complex consisting of a Community Hall, Sports facilities, Garden and a Swimming Pool. The Sangli Municipality appreciating the need for such a complex for the city and having great faith in us, very generously gave an area of 3.5 acres near the Civil Hospital. Today the Swimming Pool complex with a modern filtration plant is a landmark and great asset to the city of Sangli. Training of youngsters and regular swimming competitions are now usual features. The surrounding area boasts of about 1500 trees, different species of trees and plants. The total cost of the entire complex is more than Rs. 75,00,000/-
Dr. M. A. Paranjpe Health Club at The Rotary Complex
The Rotarians of our club realised the need for a modern Health Club and took a decision to have one in the Rotary Complex. One of our Rotarian Rtn. Uday Paranjpe donated a handsome sum and the remaining was contributed by our Rotarians. This Health Club has many modern equipment and it is recognised as one of the leading health clubs in this area..
Yoga Hall at The Rotary Complex
A small hall is constructed in the Rotary Complex where Yoga Education is imparted and Yoga therapy clinics are regularly organised. The same hall is also being used by a school for the Deaf and Dumb Children, basically mentally retarded children and also for other educational purposes by needy people.
Community Hall at The Rotary Complex
The Rotarians of our club donated Rs. 5,000/- each and within a years time a community hall was constructed. The hall was completed in 1994. Our weekly meetings are conducted here. The total project cost was Rs. 6,50,000/-
Crematorium at Kawathe Ekand
Kawathe Ekand is a nearby small village where this year we have sponsored a R.V.C. About 15 years ago the villagers of that place had expressed the need of a Crematorium and our club members decided to help them have one. With the guidance and sponsorship of Rotary Club of Sangli the crematorium was completed and handed over to the villagers. Rtn. Bhide with the help of “Shivasadan”, contributed a sizeable amount. It is model crematorium for villagers as this saves a lot of wood.
Trade Fair : 1997
The club had organised a Trade Fair in January 1997, wherein 140 participants had displayed their products ranging from Computers to Cutting Tools, Music Systems to Kitchenware, Saris to Trousers, Tractors to Two Wheelers, News Media to Finance Facilities, Solar Batteries to Solar Heaters, and much more. This fair received a stupendous response from nearly 1.5 Lac people from all walks of life. And we are proud to say from the feed back we received from participants that lot of business was generated and transacted. The Trade Fair was appreciated by famous personalities
Jogging Track : 1998-99
The general awareness about health and fitness amongst the Rotarians of our club made us think of laying down a Jogging Track in the Rotary Complex. The family members of our Past President Rtn. Dr. P. G. Purohit generously donated Rs. 1,25,000/- and as usual the remaining amount was came from the contributions from Silver Jubilee Trust and Rotarians. The track is being used by sizeable number of walkers and joggers right from dawn to dusk.
Ushamohani Vikalang Punarvasan Kendra : 2000-01
In the year 2000-01, Rtn. Mohanichandra Desai came forward with an idea of establishing a permanent centre for "Jaypur Foot" . He donated a sum of Rs. 2,50,000/-, the remaining contributions came from Rotarians and Rotary Silver Jubilee Trust and this centre was established at the Rotary Complex during May 2001. All the required machinery for making the Jaypur Foot in house is installed. At present we are offering "Jaypur Foot" free of cost to the needy patients.
Low Cost Shelters. 2001-02
To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our club during 1998-99, a project under Matching Grant was undertaken to construct 40 Low Cost Shelters for the Poor People. The project cost is around Rs. 25,00,000/- . The money required for this project has been contributed by Rotarians of our club and at the same time generous donations also have come from Rotary clubs of Singapore, Kuching Central, Raffles City, Novi, Nairobi and Rotary Foundation. The Construction is over and the project was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of the then District Governor Rtn. Pratap Puranik on 30th June 2002. The allotment of the shelters to the needy is also done. The project site at village "Sawali" opposite Latthe Polytechnic at Kupwad MIDC.
Rtn. Kantibhai Shah Rotary Lawns.
It was suggested by the members that the open space adjacent to the Meeting Hall be developed. After discussing various possibilities, it was decided that the open space be developed in to a Lawn which could be rented out for variety of functions and money can be generated which can be used to support the other Silver Jubilee projects. Rtn. Mahesh Shah came forward and generously donated Rs. 5,00,000/- for this project. Now this open space is converted in to a beautiful lush green lawn.
Matchning Grant Project – Solar lights in Jalihal
We have provided solar light systems to the needy farmers from Jalihal village with the help of Matching Grant fro a Rotary Club from Sweden. The project cost is around Rs. 40,00,000/- Our club also has provided drinking water filters to the need from this area.
In addition to these monumental projects, the club has been undertaking various programmes like Drug Abuse And Its Prevention, Aids Awareness, Polio Eradication, Medical Check Up Camps, Swimming Competitions, Rotary Shree Body Building Competitions, Career Guidance Programmes, Personality Development Programmes For The Youth, Programmes Directed To Environment Protection, Computer Education, Programmes Directed To Rehabilitation Of The Disabled etc. annually. On the top of it all we enjoy excellent fellowship with Rotary family members.
Details of projects from serial number 18 onwards will be updated soon.