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. 

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. 

Congratulations. India is Polio Free

WHO takes India's name off polio endemic countries list
India, which has been polio-free for over a year now, was taken off the list of polio endemic countries by the World Health Organisation. This announcement was made by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the polio summit 2012 in New Delhi on 25th February in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Azad said he has received a letter this morning stating that the "WHO has taken India's name off the list of polio endemic countries in view of the remarkable progress that we have made during the past one year."

There were only four countries in the WHO endemic list, including Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

After being removed from the list, India will have to remain polio free for the next two years to achieve the polio-free status with concerted efforts and an emergency preparedness and response plan, WHO representative in India Natela Menabde said.

The Prime Minister, while lauding the achievement complimented the government officials and Rotary for this massive success.  Singh said, "This gives us hope that we can finally eradicate polio not only from India but from the face of the earth."

Though many countries have achieved this goal, every country is still under the threat of polio as long as the virus existed, she warned.

Rotarians must keep up extra vigil and continue with vaccination efforts for next two years to ensure that polio virus does not enter the country again. 

Harbhajan Mann's Hearty Gesture

Harbhajan Mann also contributes for one heart surgery

Chandigarh, February 23:  There could not have been a better gift from the star Panjabi actor and singer, Harbhajan Mann, who not only came to perform free of cost for the Heartline Concert organized by Rotaract Club Chandigarh at Panjab University campus yesterday but also made his contribution for one heart surgery under the Rotary Heartline project.

Rotary Heartline project, started in 1999 by Rotary Club of Chandigarh has so far done 400 free heart surgeries for children from economically-challenged background, informed Mrs. Neena Singh, President , Rotary Club of Chandigarh. 

We deeply commend this noble gesture by an artist like Harbhajan Mann  who not only went out of his way to support the cause through his gratis performance but also contributed for the surgery of one child, she added.

Rotaract president Pragya Kapil informed that Rotaract club had been organizing the Heartline Concert to raise funds for and support the Rotary Club Chandigarh’s heartline project since 2005.

The concert began with a ramp walk by Rotaractors of DAV MCM, DAV College and Gian Jyoti Institute of Management, followed by an energetic bhangra performance by the students of Doaba college.

Upcoming artist Vineypal Buttar set the tone of the concert with his recent release dedicated to Sri Guru Gobind Singh, and popular number “Chudail”.

Harbhajan Mann started off with a prayer and moved the audience with his touching songs, “Maanwan, maanwan…”, and “Maan jannat da parchhavan…”, and later made everyone dance to his lilting foot-tapping numbers, “Le gayiaan chain churaake sajjan de akhiyaan…”, “Lalli laal dupatte wali”, and ever-green “Gallan goriyaan…”.

Rtn. Pres Neena Singh, Rtr Pres Pragya, and Harbhajan Mann released the souvenir published by Rotaract Club of Chandigarh, on this occasion. 

Being Human: From Knoxville to Bapudham

US girls gift for children of Bal Bahar school in Bapu Dham

Nicolle from Knoxville, Tennessee, USA was in 9^th standard when accompanied by her sister and Rotarian parents visited Chandigarh to be a part of the team of Rotarians from various countries who visited India to participate in national immunization day for polio.

She was overwhelmed as she went around visiting the slums and Bapu Dham colony. One of the Rotarian couples from the city, Major B.M. Singh and his wife, Kiran, took them to the school and crèche that they were running for the children of the colony.  Nicolle interacted with them as the children sat around on make shift rooms, with no proper kitchen, flooring, or uniforms.

She was moved.  “I became attached to every child, and something inside me was torn and I wanted to do something for these children,” she said.  

“I thought this was a normal reaction that a child from abroad would have looking at the conditions here, and I almost forgot about it,” said Major B.M. Singh, who was surprised to see their commitment. 

However, for Nicolle, and her classmatesit became her life mission.  Being human, was perhaps the only reason that ignited the fire in them. 

Helped by their Rotarian parents, they set up the Interact Club in their school, Webb School of Knoxville, with Nicolle as the first club president.

“Bal Bahar School in Bapu Dham was our first project, and we decided to raise funds. We organized holi, hosted an Indian dinner for the community, published a 2012 calendar also and successfully sold its copies for US$15 each to the people to collect funds,” Nicolle said.

Accompanied by the incoming president elect of Interact Webb School, Isabel, who is currently in 9^th standard, and their respective mothers, brought gifts for the 150 children who study at Bal Bahar, and also presented a cheque of US$ 11,000 to Major B.M. Singh, for the school.

Working for the children of Bal Bahar, had been the most satisfying for us, say Nicolle and Isabel, as they left for Delhi for their onward journey back home.

Young Heroes programme launched

Rotary Club of Chandigarh and Rotaract Clubs sponsored by our Club, joined hands with the Chandigarh Police to make our city safe.
Named 'Young Heroes' programme, engages the young Rotaractors in reaching out to homes to ensure people are made aware about community's own participation.
"Safety remains our major concern since that alone can ensure an environment wherein anyone can be more productive, efficient, and use his/her full potential," said Mr. Alok Kumar, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic), addressing the Rotarians and Rotaractors at Rotary House today.
Accompanied with SP Operations Mr R.S. Ghuman, DSP HQ Ashish Kapoor, and Inspector Ram Gopal of ICCRU for Traffic Safety, interacted with the youngsters and demonstrated the nuances of spreading the message across all sections of the society.
He informed that after the Rotaractors and others who want to volunteer for the programme fill out the form and submit to the traffic police, the department will organise an orientation programme besides issuing them with special identity cards to facilitate them in this campaign.
DIG Alok Kumar said that these 'Young Heroes' would be the brand ambassadors for this mission to generate awareness among the residents.
Speaking on the occasion, Past Rotary International President Raja Saboo complimented the enthusiastic Rotaractors and hoped that this mission to create a better and safe city can be realised through their continued participation and involvement. "You must take up this task as a mission to make a difference in the lives of the people," he added.
DG Manpreet Singh encouraged the Rotaractors to bring the positive change in their own self as responsible citizens and then bring the change in the attitude of the people through concerted campaign.
Earlier Rtn. PP Arvind Mahajan introduced the chief guest DIG Alok Kumar.
This is a great initiative of our club and anyone can join this campaign for a safe city. 

Share Your Thoughts!

Here's another competition. Please send to me a 200 words essay on how you feel we can sow the seeds of gender equality in the minds of the people. 

Rotarians and their family members are also encouraged to participate and contribute.
- The entries should be emailed to seejaysingh@gmail.com, with 'Hamari Beti' Competition written in the subject box of the email.
- The last date for receiving all entries is 15th February.
- Each entrant would receive a Certificate of Participation.
- Three selected entries would win prizes.
So get going. Put on your thinking caps and go ahead.

Hamari Beti Committee

Bangkok would be a lifetime experience

There is no reason why we should not be there at Bangkok. This would indeed be a lifetime experience for every Rotarian to feel and experience the internationality of Rotary.
Here's our very own IPDG Madhukar Malhotra, who invites to be a part of the Indian contingent to Bangkok for the RI Convention on May 6-9, 2011. Please register if you have not done so already.

Congratulations on First Year of Polio-free India

Here's a message from our RI President Kalyan Banerjee as we completed one year of polio free India. But it is the time for every Rotarian to make sure that the next two years remain polio free by stepping up our efforts in generating awareness, reaching out to the unreached population, sensitising them, and making sure that every child under 5 years receives the magic touch of Rotary through polio drops.


Rotary celebrates India’s first polio-free year. from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Why is Bangkok so exciting for Rotarians this year?

Check this out with PDG Shaju Peter. And of course, do not go alone. Its got to be a family outing.

City of Bangkok beckons you.

Hope you have registered yourself for Rotary International Convention at Bangkok with your family.  Here's a peep into this amazing city.


Discover Bangkok from Rotary Thailand on Vimeo.

Make 2012 and Beyond Special for Yourself!

As we ring in the New Year, it is time once again to pause our lives for a while, and look within...or better still, "Reach Within", as Kalyan Banerjee says it.  

We are living through an exciting time when the entire world is looking towards India... for the knowledge it possesses, for its IT prowess, for its growing economic impact,  for its multi-skilled young human resources, and of course, for the treasure trove of spirituality. Coupled with that is a growing strength of  Rotarians trascending human barriers of diverse cultures, religions, or castes, that augurs well for a better future for humanity.

"Reach Within..." to discover the love, care and compassion that resides within each one of us, and see the world around us with a new perspective.

"Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" by showering and sharing love, care and compassion for the humanity at large. 

The most quoted author C.N. Bovee writes beautifully, "There is no better exercise for your heart, than reaching down and helping to lift someone up!!!" 

Yes, there is no greater pleasure than helping someone rise. 

Let this be our promise to ourself for 2012 and beyond, to exercise our hearts and reach the people in need. 

This alone is the biggest reason of our being a Rotarian. This alone is our religion. Or as Dalai Lama says, "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." 

Rise. And let the new religion of love, compassion and care permeate through our beings and "embrace humanity".

Mother and Child Care

A health camp "Mother and Child Care" was organized in association with Fortis Hospital as part of their CSR activities at Colony no. 5 on 21st Dec 2011. The camp was attended by more than 100 beneficiaries of our Rotary Roshni Centre (a centre for adult literacy classes for women).

Before the check up, Dietician Nivedita Singh, educated mothers about the common health problems such as anemia, constipation and protein and calcium deficiency prevalent in economically backward classes. Oral examination, eye check up, BP and ENT examination were conducted. After the check up, calcium and folic acid tablets were also distributed to the mothers and refreshments to the children.  The Fortis members who participated were: Dr. Monica, Dr. Sunil Kochar, Sister Deepika and Sister Pavittar. President Neena Singh motivated the women to give priority to their own health as well as the health of their children. The camp was very well organised by Surinder Kaur the teacher of our Roshni Adult Female Literacy Center. 

Children from Malawi return with Gift of Life

Three of the four children, who had successfully underwent heart surgery for congenital heart disorder under the Rotary Club Chandigarh's Heartline Project, flew back to their home yesterday. 

Rtn. Hassan Mejie and PP Kewal Seth gave them a warm send off with a quick sight-seeing of the city and lunch at Rtn. Baldev Aggarwal's restaurant Sip'n'Dine yesterday. 

Earlier on 8th September, having known about the visit of Malawi children for heart surgery, the First Secretary from Malawi High Commission in India reached Fortis Hospital to meet with the three children and their parents. She expressed deep gratitude to Rotary for saving the lives of these children. 

Patience Nkomo (6), Hastings Maloya (6) and Prisca Patrick (14) were very happy having had the precious Gift of Life, but were sad at the time of leaving our  beautiful country. 

Our special thanks to Dr. T.S. Mahant, Director Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, who conducted the surgeries. And of course, our very own Ann Babbi Harbhajan Singh, who took care of the entire family right from their arrival till they returned back to their homes. . 

Children from Malawi for Heart Surgery

TV News Coverage by Day&Night TV


And how this project came about? Learn from IDPG Madhukar Malhotra in another tv channel story

Media reports Hepatitis Awareness Rally

Print and electronic media widely covered the Rotary Club of Chandigarh and Rotaract Club's hepatitis awareness rally.

Hepatitis Awareness Rally

Rotary Club of Chandigarh organized today the hepatitis awareness rally at Sukhna Lake, as a precursor to the WHO’s officially supported World Hepatitis Day which falls on 28^th July 2011.

Dr. Yogesh Chawla, Head, Hepatology Department, PGI flagged off the march with Rotarians, Rotaractors and their family members, distributing literature amongst the large number of people who gather at the lake on Sundays.

Hepatitis kills more than one million people every year and as per WHO report, approximately 500 million people worldwide are infected by hepatitis B or C1 necessitating awareness of the people, said Rotary Club Chandigarh’s President Neena Singh.

It is believed that one in 12 people worldwide are infected with these virus and majority of those infected by it do not know about it.

Rotary Club is also organizing a one day free screening camp at Rotary House, 107A, Sector 18A, from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Neena Singh informed. 

'Hamari Beti' to go on air

After having successfully launched its Facebook community page, which has attracted community participation to join the debate against female foeticide, the Rotary Club of Chandigarh (District 3080) has been able to tie up with Panjab University’s School of Communication Studies, for initiating a radio series titled “Hamari Beti”.

The community radio, Jyotigramye 91.2 MHz, would be producing series of interview based programmes on various facets of the issue including female foeticide, crime against women, literacy, women empowerment, rights of women, the health issues, and the medical fraternity’s role in preventing the menace of female foeticide, etc.

The programme was kicked off with the interview of Rotary Club Chandigarh’s President Rtn. Neena Singh who spoke about the Rotary’s initiatives in reaching out to the women in the region and sensitise them to the isseue.

From Drop Box

We shall be enaging the local community and have interviewed people living in the villages and the residences around the campus, who would be part of the radio programme “Hamari Beti”, informed Rtn. Charanjit Singh, an alumnus of the School of Communication Studies.

The programme is aimed at reaching out to the community at large targeting the youth in the campus plus people living in Chandigarh in a periphery of 15-20kms radius, where this community radio is heard.

The recording bank is being created at the moment, and is being packaged with lots of other inputs from students and research scholars in this programme and would be launched within a fortnight for which some celebrities are being approached, informed Dr Archana Singh, Head of the School of Communication Studies, Panjab University.

Hamari Beti

Celebrating womanhood.  Sensitising people against the scourge of female foeticide. Taking action to correct the skewed male:female ratio in our country.
With this mission in mind our Club has renewed its efforts in this direction and proposes to take up projects that can bring about a positive change in our society. Under the leadership of Rtn Neena Singh, "Hamari Beti" would be one of the focus area.
Members would recall that as a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of our Club, we had started this project. A school painting competition and slogan writing contest marked the beginning of this project which received tremendous response.  There had also been a tieup with Fortis Hospital, and the new Committee under the Community Service avenue would be renewing its ties with Fortis as well as forging new ones with the Hospitals around the tricity.
Already our Club has created a CAUSE on Facebook, and a new Group, HAMARI BETI,  has been created there to associate more and more people with this cause. And surprisingly there is great response from some of the youngsters. One girl has penned a poem and put it up on our page. Surely, if young people understand the issues, they perhaps would be ready to meet this challenge as they step into their married lives. Or even otherwise in their homes too.
So get going. Be a part of this mission. Save girls from extinction.