Keeping the Hearts Beating

The Pacemaker Bank of our Club keeps many hearts beating, helping numerous lives to continue to have a healthy life.

Every year a number of pacemakers are fitted free of cost on the patients in PGI, thanks to the project that was conceived way back in 1990-91, and continues to run even today.

It was in 1990-91, our Club provided pacemaker to a patient in PGI.

In 1991-92, the Club entered into collaboration with Heart Beat International, USA, for providing free pacemakers to poor patients in PGI.  Rtn Abhilash Kapoor was the then president of the Club, and he continues to be the Project Incharge for this. 

The process involves PGI recommending poor patients for pacemakers, and through Heartbeat International, the pacemakers are arranged.

In 2004, the most touching  scenario was when PGI requested a tiny pacemaker for a two years old child.  It was an emergency.  The team of Rotarians got active immediately and was able to get from USA the required pacemaker within 7 days.  It was collaboration at its best in which Rotarians and Heartbeat International, as well as the government of India worked at tandem to save the life of the little soul.

In 2004-05, however, it became essential to bear the cost of importing and handling charges, and the Club raised US$ 2,500 and remitted to Heartbeat International in order to get 30 pacemakers for the Pacemaker Bank.

During 2011-12, under the leadership of Rtn Madhukar Malhotra, District Governor, the project was extended to other areas in the District, especially Shimla and Dehradun. 

The video shows how Rotary and Heartbeat International is saving lives. 

A salute to Inner Wheel

Life is a Gift...to be shared together.  Watch out how the Inner Wheel in India is making a difference.




If you can't see the video please click here. 

Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures

On March 8, tomorrow, the world would be celebrating the International Women's Day.  This year, the theme for world-wide activities is, CONNECTING GIRLS, INSPIRING FUTURES

If every International Women's Day event held in 2012 includes girls in some way, then thousands of minds will be inspired globally.

Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

It is sad that in certain parts of our country the female foeticide is a disgraceful act that people indulge in.  Some women succumb to family and societal pressures to get rid of the female fetus even before birth, just for a stupid, irrational craving for a boy child. 

Though 'Hamari Beti' , an initiative of our Club to sensitise the people against female foeticide is endeavouring to make a difference and change people's attitudes, the task is challenging. 

A recent survey by a student journalist in the village Mubarkpur near Chandigarh, revealed how a lady had to undergo five abortions to avoid the birth of girl, thanks to sex determination test being conducted by unscrupulous doctors, and finally, she was able to conceive a boy, who was born mentally challenged.  

Think about this. 'Hamari Beti' needs to be protected. We need to own up the responsibility and put our foot down to curb any such inhuman act against the girl child the moment we learn about it.  

Connecting Girls would always inspire future...a better future for everyone.  

Polio: The New Challenge

Post Polio Summit 2012, Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo exhorts us all to meet new challenges 

Dear friends,

The Polio Summit is behind us, leaving its mark on our memory pad.  Most of you were there to be a part of this historic occasion which was truly Divinely blessed when the official letter from W.H.O. arrived taking India off the list of Polio endemic countries.  Your participation meant much as it did for other  Rotarians who came from different districts. 

What was an idea 18 months back has become a reality and we want to thank our President Kalyan Banerjee for the guidance  and encouragement he gave for holding up this Summit.  It has brought a new dimension to the bonding between the government and Rotary, also encompassing our other global and local partners.  It is true that the media has not given much recognition to Rotary for this event.  I am sure media will eventually see the role that Rotary has played and will bring the facts to the eyes of the people.  Those who were part of the Summit fully recognize that.

Whereas Polio Summit ended with compliments flowing all over to Rotary and the role that Rotarians played in setting the goal of Polio-free world and working towards it, my friends, it has opened new challenges for us. The "Delhi Commitment" which spells out the commitment that each Rotarian present  including you, needs to be worked upon until the ultimate objective is achieved. 

I am, therefore, urging you to make the document, the "Delhi Commitment"attached herewith be circulated by you to each of your club members, each Rotary leader in your district be made aware of the commitment, each person to become aware of the commitment he or she has to fulfill.  Thus, the document the "DelhiCommitment" is not just a piece of paper, it is an honour that we have to keep.

In the closing, let me thank you once again for making the Polio Summit 2012 a historic occasion.

Warm greetings and regards.

Delhi Commitment. (Please click here to view/download and share with others)

DO YOU WANT TO...?

This is a beautiful video on how you, as a Rotarian, are impacting the lives of the people around the globe. Must see.

(video)


In case you are unable to see the video, click on the link to the blog and check it out.