Note From President Shernaz Vakil
TWO PROJECTS AND A FELLOWSHIP
We did it!
Something that was a dream last November has turned into reality thanks to the generosity of our members and to the amazing efforts of Project Chirag.
Funds were collected from over 50 Rotarians by February end and before March end (right on target). The RCB model village project is now a reality!
On early Saturday morning, a small group of enthusiastic Rotarians visited Pingeman, our adopted village. As one villager put it, “What made God made you choose us? And how fortunate are we to receive your efforts and money which has given our children a brighter future!”
So RCB, take a bow!
With your belief and your generosity, we have been able to impact the lives of over 350 villagers with water for their fields, 5 litres each of daily drinking water, a reimagined school, and solar-powered computers laboratory. The children are ecstatic; the women bless us; and the farmers will no longer need to go into cities to look for work.
That Saturday afternoon, in the heat of the blazing noon-day sun, a few diehard Rotarians turned the taps on to parched fields whilst the children sang and danced at their newly appointed school! A project well-conceived and completed.
— President Shernaz Vakil
INTEGRATED VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY’S MODEL VILLAGE PINGEMAN
Pimplas GP, Wada Taluka, District Palghar
Model agricultural system
Solar-powered lift irrigation using a 7.5HP submersible pump to draw water through farmlands and to the village. The system runs across a 1700m pipeline providing 200,0001 of water per day, to cultivate 40 acres of land.
Model drinking water system
A 2HP solar pump submerged in a well accesses the irrigation line. The stored water is passed through a UV filtration system to provide clean and pure drinking water without water-wastage. This provides 13501 of clean drinking water
each day to these villagers.
Additionally, the village has received five streetlights, and water for domestic use. Agricultural training and connection to government schemes is being provided.
Solar-backed computer lab
A 4KW off-grid solar system will power the computer lab and provide backup electricity to the school, enabling
computer education for all the students with the computers provided. The school has also received a repairs and reconstructions towards the property and toilets to ensure improved sanitation.
A stone stage has been built to enable cultural and holistic learning.
Solar cookers will allow the sustainable maintenance of a nutritious midday meal.
EVENING OF DAY 1
SUN, SAND & BEACH VIBES #DAHANU FELLOWSHIP
And then to our promised resort by the sea! Rustic charm and tired rooms did not deflect from the unbelievably fresh and giant crab we got to devour soon after. Crazy Crab lived up to its name in every possible way as we bit, tore, and chewed our way through buttery deliciousness.
A languorous stroll on the beach did much to cool us down and declare that Dahanu was a good choice for an evening fellowship.
~ President Shernaz Vakil
The next day we were to meet the loving family of our dear departed PP Dr. Rahim Muljiani as we celebrated his
life and commemorated his passion for Talwada.
The PRVC is his life’s work, and we salute the sacrifices he made in service of the Club
PP Dr. Rumi Jehangir, having now taken over as Chairman Emeritus of the Centre, spoke of his colleague with love
and admiration as we unveiled a portrait and plaque of this stalwart of our Club.
Then, as we enjoyed the delicious lunch laid out, I could imagine Dr. Muljiani urging us to feast as he always did,
whilst regaling us with stories of the past.
Talwada is always referred to as our flagship project for a valid and justifiable reason.
It’s the sacrifices and commitment of our doctors that magnify the immense support and succour we bring to this community.
~ President Shernaz Vakil
