Book Distribution was held at Agripada Centre of SEC on 13th August, 2020. Our Vice President Shilpa Mehta is seen here with the Teachers and Parents of the children, examining and handing out the books. Educational books for all three centres at Santacruz, Antop Hill and Agripada were generously supplied by our member.
A Presentation on The Milk Bag Project was held on 12.8.20 collectively by 3 NGOs - founded by Hansu, Chitra & Kunti, seen here with President Swati.
The Mandala Community Kitchen preparing, packing and distributing over 1400 food parcels.we arranged for daily wage earners, rag pickers and migrant families on 25th July in Mankhurd.
On 22nd July, 2020, President Swati Bhansali was installed with her Office bearers and Executive Committee for the year 2020-21 over a zoom meeting. This was followed by the Club's First GBM for the year. The programme ended with the renowned Dancer - Aditi Bhagwat's interpretation of our International Inner Wheel Theme : 'Leading the Change' in Dance and Rhythm.
1st July 2020, the first day of the new Inner Wheel year, is National Doctors Day. This day was celebrated by the Club with much enthusiasm. As requested by our Association President Vasudhaa Chandrachud, our Club ran a campaign with individual customized message containing individual photos of the members and a message; “Saluting the REAL HEROES for protecting us and being a symbol of Hope”.
Members of the Club wholeheartedly supported this initiative by sending the message to their friends and families and on various social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Society for the Education of the Challenged (SEC) is a school that educates the physically handicapped children from the under-privileged strata of society.
Besides imparting education to the children, SEC encourages them to participate in various fields, like sports, swimming, cultural activities, art, vocational training, educational camps etc to enable them to be confident to face life in future.
Swimming forms a very important part of the curriculum of the school. The swimming lessons by professional coaches is used as a form of therapy and also to prepare the students for the swimming competition held every year by the SEC. Swimming encourages the children to move beyond their physical limitations.
This year too, the annual swimming gala was held on 3rd March . It was sponsored by the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay through Past President Sandra Merchant. The students look forward to this day with great excitement. It is amazing to see the children swim in the pool, despite their disabilities vying with each other in a competitive spirit.
Children with severe disabilities are applauded and cheered as they make an all-out effort to finish their lap. The competition also includes games with balloons and balls in the pool, along with a school-wise relay competition. (between the 3 units of SEC School).
The swimming gala also teaches us not to give up easily when faced with difficulties but face them bravely.
Joy requires nothing and gives much, and these children teach us the ability to create joy.
For the past three years the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay has been having an outstation trip along with GBMs. After having it at Lonavala and Baroda for the past two years, this year it was at Rishikesh.
The four day trip included Dehradun at the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh the spiritual city on the banks of Ganga, and to Mussoorie a beautiful Hill Station. It was arranged and organized by our Club member Radha Bajaj, assisted by our Secretary Vatsala Jatia, and many others. After having the GBM at Aloha Resort, Rishikesh, the group headed to the Beatles Ashram, a Ganga Aarti at sunset time at Triveni Ghat and a walk at Ram Jhoola, which concluded the outings for the day, with dinner and overnight stay at the Ganga Kinare Riverside Resort, Rishikesh.
Day 2 began with a drive to Dehradun for a heart-warming visit to the Bajaj Institute of Learning, a special school for the Hearing Impaired, and then to the Hostel to visit to the NGO Deeds, run by them. We saw their Tailoring unit and had a sumptuous lunch which was sponsored by Radha Bajaj. This was followed by ‘Maitri Sandhya’ a Zonal Fellowship programme organized by District 308. All 8 clubs of the zone participated in it. The fellowship also included the ISO from Ahmedabad. The evening at Antara Senior Living, Dehradun was a great bonding time for our members with Karaoke, songs and dinner.
Day 3 was spent at the beautiful Hill Station Mussoorie and its twin town Landour. After a walk on the picturesque hills of Landour, lunch at J W Marriot Grove Resort and shopping on the mall in Mussoorie, the members returned to Antara Senior Living for another fun evening and dinner.
Day 4 began with an inspiring visit to the Indian Military Academy, an Officer Training Camp of our armed forces. It was followed by a quick lunch sponsored by Radha Bajaj at Asthal Farm House, and then to the airport to conclude a memorable Fellowship which was attended by 22 ladies of the Club.
For the past many years, our Club has been celebrating Haldi Kumkum event for our vocational class students. Like every year, on 25th January 2020, all students of our vocational classes, along with their teachers, gathered to celebrate this event with a lot of enthusiasm.
The event began with the lighting of diya by the Chief Guest Mrs. Falguni Padode, Guest of Honour District Vice Chairman Mrs. Amala Mehta, President Jayati Dasgupta and the members of IWC of Bombay. The performances by the students for speech/dance and competitions for mehendi/ tailoring/ makeup were of a high standard. Beautiful gifts sponsored by PP Shweta Vakil were distributed to the participants and winners of the competitions. Certificates were handed over to successful candidates on completion of various courses.
The celebrations ended with the distribution of 110 return gifts sponsored by the Club member Shyama Poddar and food boxes sponsored by CC Ankita Bagri.
The significant contribution, guidance and encouragement of the teachers and members of IWC of Bombay was appreciated by all the students.
Bombay Institute for the Deaf and Mute is a school with a noble cause educating special children. Our Club has been sponsoring their annual Sports Day for the past many years.
The event began with march past, and unfurling of national flag by the President Jayati Dasgupta.
Other than the usual athletics there were several innovative games that the children played with a lot of enthusiasm and gay abandon. There were games for the teachers, guests and club members too.
The event ended with the prize distribution.
The under-privileged children of SEC (Society for the Education of the Challenged) have just a handful of days when they get to enjoy the pleasures of childhood. Inner Wheel Club of Bombay tries its best to bring cheer in to their lives by organising various events for them. One such event that the children look forward to every year is the Christmas party. This year it was held on 19th December 2019.
The morning began with snacks and drinks sponsored by the Club. The children went in to raptures when they were entertained with a 'Puppet Show' and 'Twisting and Shaping the Balloon'. The entry of Santa Claus added to their festive joy. Beautiful gifts were distributed, courtesy the family of our late member Zarine Chothia. Then it was dancing time for everyone. The enjoyable morning ended with scrumptious lunch sponsored by the Club.
On 17th December 2019 our Club held its 6th GBM of this year. It was a very special day, when the members let their hair down with the spirit of joy and happiness that one feels at Christmas time. The venue was Le Sutra the Indian Art Hotel, courtesy our member Radha Bajaj. The GBM took place in the Banquet Hall of the Hotel, which is a dedicated art and cultural space. It was decorated with a Christmas tree, a table, with bells, candles, candy canes, garlands, streamers, stockings, wreaths, snow globes, and angels, spreading the magic of Christmas. All those present were dressed in Christmas colours of red, white and green, with Santa caps. After the GBM some of the members presented Christmas songs and dances. To end the morning on a high note the chefs of the hotel demonstrated making of some mouth-watering dishes such as Crepes and Warm Mushroom Salad. It was a GBM that would be remembered by those who attended for a long time.
The Inner Wheel Club of Bombay had a unique fun day on 25th November 2019 when 22 ladies of the club took off by a hired bus / cars to the beautiful bungalow of member Arti Sanghi for its 5th GBM combined with a picnic. They were welcomed with a lavish spread of breakfast with tea / coffee. After refreshing themselves, the members settled down for the GBM presided by Jayati Dasgupta. This was followed by outdoor games in the garden. Games such as 'Nin Pins', 'Ringing the object' and 'Darts' were played with child-like enthusiasm by the members. The amusement then shifted indoors to play some quick-witted games planned by the hostess Arti. The final game was put up by Treasurer Shivangi Sheth, a quiz on Hollywood and Bollywood songs, much enjoyed by all the participants. Another sumptuous lunch spread awaited the members. It was a day that would most certainly be the highlight of Jayati's tenure as a President.
One of the on-going projects of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay is a picnic for the children
of SEC (Society for the Education of the Challenged). Like every year, on 15th November 2019, 200 handicapped children of the school, together with the staff and helpers collected from early morning at the Rotary Club of Bombay Uptown Gardens,
Wadala.
The picnic is being organized with the support of Mr. Sanjay Shah of the Rotary Club of Bombay Uptown Gardens since the year 2009. This year he was joined by President Piyush Patel, Secretary Anoop Nathani and Mrs. Vyjanti Shah. The wholesome lunch for the entire 300 present was sponsored by the Rotary Club and served by its members PP Ashok Karode, Payal Chaddha, Bharati Shah and Jagruti Parekh. Picnic started with a prayer and a song by the SEC children, followed by the students presenting little tokens of love for the guests. Members of Inner Wheel and Rotary, together with the teachers of SEC helped the children with games like Car Racing, Tail the Donkey, Dart game etc. The smiles, on the faces of the children receiving gifts after playing the games, were worth a million dollars.
Each year the four units of the school take part in a competition, which is either singing or dancing. This year in view of 150th birth anniversary celebration of Gandhiji, the four units enacted a play based on Gandhiji’s life. The scenes from Gandhiji being thrown out of the train in South Africa, the three monkeys of Gandhiji, Dandi March and a lesson on punctuality were enacted beautifully by the children. It was a good way for the children to learn about the Father of the Nation.
The children also had an entertaining dancing session. Our club members and the staff of the school too joined the merriment. It was a day that was joyful to the children, and of great satisfaction to adults present.
A World where Caring is the most prized asset
Members of our Club led by President Jayati paid a visit to Shradhanand Ashram in Matunga, on 30th October. The ashram is home to 170 abandoned children - from babies a few days old, to 18 years. It opens one’s eyes to so many who enter this world totally dependent on the love and care of people other than their biological parents. Some of our Club members donated for this very worthwhile cause.
Here we see some of our members at the ashram.
'If Music be the Food of Love......"
At the Dignity Senior Citizen's Centre at Jogeshwari, Inner Wheel Club of Bombay arranged a soul-stirring Music Therapy Session on 16th October, 2019.
Conducted by Manasi Kelkar, daughter of the famous playback singer Uttara Kelkar, Manasi transformed some 60 men & women of the Day Care Centre to shed their inhibitions, sing along, laugh - and even dance along with her. Manasi's easy-going, charming manner and positive energy radiated through the room, endeared her readily to a group of elders whose lives in a slum are mostly short on joy. For that brief while, she helped their spirits soar!
young at heart.
Senior Citizens Day.
A highend lifestyle store with savouries & tea
RILM certificate and prize distribution event was organised by our club for students who appeared for RILM EXAM.
Fellowship meeting with IWC OF BARODA CLUB AND EXCHANGE OF FLAGS
SEC swimming gala. 12th February, 2019 at YMCA swimming pool.
Competition and Talent show for hair & makeup, mehndi, sewing and entertainment programme by the students of the Vocational and Adult Literacy class.
Celebrated the day with members. Competition : King and Queen Of Parukh Dharamshala.
Our Districts Urban medical project on 2nd January, 2019 at 3pm. At Tata Memorial Hospital with PDC Raksha Mehta, Indira Kotak and Association President Smita Pingle.
Senior Citizens project on 30th November, 2018. Second time our club sponsored 140 senior citizens from Dignity Foundation for a musical night and organizing the snack boxes.
Medical Project : 30th November, 2018 at Asian Cancer Foundation, Sion (E) with children undergoing the treatment.
Christmas celebration with Christmas tree, Magic show, puppet show and lot of dancing food and fun with the kids.
The most cherished project of our late member Zarine Chothia.
4th GM Was held on 11th October at Bhau Daji Lad museum. Members dressed up for festival occasion to celebrate Navratri too.
The senior citizens day was celebrated with members of Dignity Foundation on 4th October at Nehru Auditorium, Worli. A melodious live concert "Yadava Ki Geetmala" of old Raj Kapoor songs took 100 citizens of Dignity Foundation down the memory lane.
Inner Wheel Club of Bombay ushered in its 56th year with the installation of President Pallavi Nerker on July 10, 2018. The distinguished Mira Mehta Award was also presented on the occasion.
Chief Guest - District Chairman - Vidhya Subramanian, and Guest of Honour - President Rotary Club of Bombay - Vijay Jatia, congratulated the IWC members on their extensive and effective portfolio of projects.
President Pallavi spoke about her plans for the forthcoming year, to focus on rural and urban progress, through medical, health and educational amenities. She believes that sustainability is the most important aspect in undertaking the Club’s projects.
Rtn. President Vijay Jatia presented a generous donation cheque of Rs. 2 lakhs to the Club. He believed that since both the Clubs lean towards similar goals and objects, he would be happy to execute some projects together, since working in synergy would enable us to widen our service frontiers.
A set of calipers and a pair of modified shoes, sponsored by President Pallavi were handed over to the students of S.E.C. school on the occasion.
The Mira Mehta Award, instituted in memory of PDC Mira Mehta by Rotarian Ramesh Mehta and family, was presented to Mukta Nalawade for her selfless work with hearing and speech impaired children.
The Club year 2017-18 came to a satisfying conclusion at the 10th GBM and AGM on June 20.
President Sandra Merchant presented a review of the year and thanked members for their generous contributions towards the year’s projects.
The Club Award 2017-18 was presented to Komal Israni for her commitment and for upholding our values. District Awards were distributed to PAP Raksha Mehta, IPDC Falguni Mehta and to the office-bearers. Zarin Havewala was also feted for winning First Prize in the District essay competition.
Three learners from the Adult Literacy Class passed the NIOS exam and along with their teacher Darshana were felicitated by CLCC Alka and our dedicated volunteers.
IWC Bombay continued its rural out-reach programmes in April with a very pressing need today in all villages – providing drinking water. Kondap is a tribal hamlet near Panvel, where the women had to walk several kilometres every day for their daily supply of water causing them tremendous hardship. IWC Bombay sponsored the drinking water project in this village, along with distribution of sarees and water jars to the women. Our Club’s stalwarts Rakshaben and Falguni Mehta, under the auspices of Balwantrai Mehta Panchayatraj Jagruti Kendra, Shantivan, implemented the project.
President Sandra had made sure that our 9th GBM was very special. Members boarded a luxury bus to take them to the SEC school at Naigaon and then to Rhythm Lonavala resort. IWC of Bombay is a strong supporter of the residential SEC School at Naigaon, which members visited on 14th March.
Haldi Kumkum was celebrated on the 27th of February at the vocational training classes in Ambedkar School, Worli. The ladies were all dressed up for the occasion and the two best dressed ladies won prizes. All the teachers were also felicitated.
The swimming gala for the SEC school children was held on 20th of February at the YMCA swimming pool. This event was also sponsored by IWC of Bombay. The children were also served healthy snacks and hot lunch after the event.
The Bombay Institute of Deaf and Mute celebrated their Sports Day on the 2nd of February. This event was sponsored by IWC of Bombay. It was a treat to see his children march to the beats of the drum although they could not hear it. All the games during this event were designed keeping these special children in mind.
It has been an eventful season for IWC Bombay. The highlight was the felicitation of our senior-most member PDC Silla Ardeshir at the District Conference. At 96 years, she was able to enthrall the audience with her warm and stirring address and was given a standing ovation. At the District Urban Medical Project and the District Rural Projects, our Club was also recognised for its major contributions.
Our last GBM of 2017 reflected the spirit of the season – our host Alka Roy decked up her home with Christmas decorations, Members wore Xmas colours, & Santa caps, and we even had an amazing Ikebana demonstration of arrangements specially for Christmas! The food was the ultimate cherry on the cake! And a spectacular turnout of our members! As we welcomed 3 new members to our fraternity! Well done all!
Our Club Sponsors SEC Picnic -
The SEC picnic was held on November 11. We were delighted that our District Chairman Dr Madhavi Pandya was Guest of Honour. Around 300 special children from the four SEC schools enjoyed special games, prizes and lunch.
Club’s OCV cum 5th GBM -
District Chairman Madhavi Pandya was an honoured guest at the OCV and our Club’s 5th GBM.
Inner Wheel Club of Bombay held a festive Saraswati Puja at its Vocational Classes at the Ambedkar Municipal School, Worli. Rotary’s First Lady Devi Narayan graced the function. President Sandra, IPP Sweta and PP Lata addressed the students, encouraging them to expand their horizons by learning new skills.
The event also featured singing, dancing and speeches by students which were greatly enjoyed by the large gathering.
IWC Bombay has conducted the Vocational Classes for several years, attended by women from the adjacent BDD chawl. The programme includes beautician courses, tailoring, mehendi, English and Hindi language, etc. The Club also runs Adult Literacy classes in the school.
The members of our club celebrated senior citizen’s Day at Parukh Dharamshala on the 29th of September. The residents wait for this day every year when they are entertained by the children of SEC school. Gifts were distributed to each member and the entire programme was planned under the able guidance of our very senior member, Zarine Chothia.
Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation drawing competition at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School, Worli on 19th August.
Our 2nd GBM was held at “The White Owl” on the 16th of Aug. After the meeting the members were taken on a tour of the micro brewery inside the restaurant. There are about 8 different type of beer which is brewed here from ingredients like rice, wheat, corn and hobs. It was a very interesting tour and our members could sample some beer as well which was highly appreciated.
At the First GBM of the Club on July 12, 2017, outgoing President Sweta Vakil installed the incoming President Sandra Merchant. She, in turn, inducted her new team for 2017-18. The event, held at Willingdon Sports Club, saw a large turnout. Two new members were welcomed to the Club.
DC Falguni hosted a most gracious finale to 2016-17 for Inner Wheel Club of Bombay, at the idyllic setting by the sea of the Breach Candy Club on 14th June, 2017.
Carol Veigas(left pic) of BIDM &Sister Therizin (rightpic ) of Canossa Special School receiving Donation Cheques, seen here with DC Falguni Mehta, President Sweta Vakil & Club Secretary Pallavi Nerkar.
PAP Raksha Mehta receiving Donation Cheque towards Housachi wadi Water Project with Club dignitaries.
Well known Artist Manjiri Verde(left)& Mrs Wandrekar (right) gave members interesting insights into their works, which were on display in the beautiful and expansive Art Hub Art Gallery, together with the gallery’s own collections.
The Meeting ended with a vast, delicious spread of short eats catered by The Spare Kitchen & well wishers. The above group photo with major organisers - all smiles after a superb evening!
Zarine Chothia, President Sweta Vakil & members of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay came to encourage and witness a spirited swimming competition by differently abled children, including an artistic Water Formation demo at the YMCA Swimming Pool in Agripada. Seen in the first picture above is one of the winners with Zarine. In the picture below are other happy competitors & winners with our members.
Our Club once again was proud to sponsor the Annual Sports Day at the Bombay Institution for Deaf & Mutes in Mazgaon. The beautiful School of 160 children, with its supportive and enthusiastic teachers came alive with students participating in several individual and team sports. At the end, attractive prizes were won, and the children and staff were treated to some delicious snacks. It was indeed heartening to see how our Club’s contribution brought such happiness and bonhomie amongst these students.
Students of the Ambedkar School, Worli’s Vocational Classes stitched together these kangaroo bags and nesting for KEM Hospital’s New Natal ward. Material was supplied by one of our Members, and the Vocational Guidance ladies are seen here helping pack the material for dispatch.
District Chairman Falguni, President Sweta and Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay seen above at the Inauguration of 3 important rural projects : The ‘Best Out of Waste’ Vocational Training Workshop under the Literacy Project, as well as Environment Projects of Solar Water Heater, and Ayurveda Organic Plantation. Our Club was happy to have donated handsomely towards these projects.
Senior Citizens at Parukh Dharamshala were treated to an afternoon of entertainment, with themselves as the Star performers, on 9th January, 2017. They sang, they danced, and eventually one pair was crowned King & Queen! Happiness & sporting spirit were on display by everyone!
23rd December 2016 at SEC School, Agripada. President Sweta Vakil with Zarin Chothia & volunteers join in to make it a day to remember. Our very own ‘Santa Claus’ Malti Jain charmed and danced with the kids. As children posed for a picture, and sat down engrossed in a Magic Show & Juggler!
IWC of Bombay arranged an interesting joint presentation with IWC of Bombay North on ‘A Greener Life’ at the Aditya Birla Centre, Chowpatty on December 9th, 2016, followed by Tea. Seen in the back row is the Presenter Mr Rumi Engineer from Indian Green Building Council, with members of both clubs.
Ladies of the Vocational Class being conducted by Inner Wheel Club of Bombay were in for a pleasant gift of free sarees on 8th December. Members of Rotary Club of Queen’s Necklace came together with our Club for this project, co-ordinated by Devina Shah. In the pic we see all those members who came together for the distribution.
On 19th November, 2016, our Club got together 69 little ‘budding young artists’ of the Rotary Club’s Bhavishya Yaan Project at the Ambedkar Municipal School in Worli. These young children were participating in the PDAF competition, and these pictures are testimony to how seriously they took up this challenge!
It was a packed 3 hour programme at the historic Mani Bhavan for the above. Attended by a large number of visiting Inner Wheel dignitaries from Nigeria, including the IIW President, District dignitaries, and a large group of our Club members. Highlights of the afternoon included a guided Tour of Mani Bhavan, followed by an Introduction to the Library Preservation Project by Dr Usha Thakkar- President, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sanghralaya, as well as a brief presentation on the Literacy Project by CLCC Jayati Dasgupta. The programme concluded with Tea.
Members of the Club celebrated with 250 blind members of Maharashtra Andha Audyogik Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha Ltd. on 22nd October, 2016 at Rishi Mehta Hall, Tardeo. PDC Lata Palekar contributed towards white folding canes, Sholapur Blankets & Diwali sweets for all.
Art : 19th October, 2016 – GBM, Rashna’s donation of laptop of Rs 18,200.0, BOOK ART PRESENTATION BY BANOO BATLIBOI, Diwali festivities, dress, food at The Viewing Room, Colaba
In true Inner Wheel spirit, 8 members of IWC Bombay including PDC Jyoti Doshi and President Sweta Vakil exchanged greetings and flags with their counterparts in Reykjavik during the Rotary Club of Bombay’s visit to Iceland mid October.
Celebrated on 3rd October at Parukh Dharamshala with kids from CSRD School performing for them.
A very special morning for 25 Cancer-afflicted children from underprivileged backgrounds was held at the Radio Club, on September 17th, 2016. Organised by the Cancer Patients Aid Association, supported by Rotary Club and co-sponsored by Inner Wheel Club of Bombay, the children thoroughly enjoyed a unique Clown Show, followed by a delicious spread of their favourite foods. The morning wound up with distribution of colouring material, and colouring books for all the children. Indeed a joyful, memorable time was had by the children, their accompanying parents, the organisers, and members of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay who came to lend their support to this touching event.
Clowns in an action-packed storytelling sequence
The children come together for a Group Photo with members of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay
16th September 2016 was an evening to remember for 122 Senior Citizens of Dignity Foundation. Renowned and accomplished singer Ameya Dabli & his troupe held them spellbound at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra. Inner Wheel Club of Bombay was proud to have supported the evening, and many members came forth with their families and friends to lend support too. Ameya’s soulful voice sang favourite bhajans and film songs and quickly got the audience foot-tapping to his beat! Senior Citizens were also handed out dryfruit packets at the show – a fun evening was indeed had by one and all!
Ameya with a bevy of beautiful ladies from Inner Wheel Club of Bombays
Lady Senior Citizens with members of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay taking a break
Seen above is Inner Wheel District Chairman Falguni Mehta with the President and other Members of the Executive Committee during her official visit to the Club. The meeting was held on 24 th August at Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Tardeo.
A Slide Presentation and Talk by Dr Abha Nagral - Children’s Liver Foundation, on Hepatitis C in Thalassemia Children. This Foundation has been doing sterling work to support underprivileged children with liver disease. Seen here (second from left) is Dr Abha Nagral, with the Club President - Sweta Vakil & Guests.
On the same day, Educational scholarships were given to 3 students -Dhanashree Gawde, Pooja Goriya, & Sagar Palyekar towards their College Fees. Seen here from left to right, is Pooja Goriya, one of the students, receiving the Award, Sagar Palekar - another student, together with a parent on behalf of Dhanashree Gawde.
Following an Appeal for Assam Flood Relief – (Zone 1 project), the Club donated several boxes of clothes, blankets, kitchen utensils, and other useful items for helping the flood-affected. Here are just a few of the packages being despatched by our members.
Rotaryann Sweta Vakil was installed as President of Inner Wheel Club of Bombay 2016-17 on July 11.
The event, held at Thackers, Chowpatty, was indeed an occasion to remember, as the new team moved in to take up its responsibilities. The function was graced by Chief Guest Falguni Mehta (District Chairman, 2016-17), Guest of Honour Dr. Mukesh Batra (President, Rotary Club of Bombay) and a galaxy of Past District Chairmen, dignitaries, Rotarians and guests.
The afternoon started with the Inner Wheel prayer and a welcome address by IPP Rashna Cooper. She reviewed the year gone by which witnessed a large number of projects in the thrust areas such as Rural Development, Women’s Empowerment, Micro-finance and vocational guidance.
Following her installation, incoming President Sweta shared her views and work plan for the year. The Mira Mehta Award, instituted in memory of PDC Mira Mehta by Rotarian Ramesh Mehta and family, was presented to Sister Gracy Rodrigues who runs Dev Kripa Mandal – a social welfare centre of Canossian Sisters that provides social assistance, employment for women and educational support for deserving children.
Also presented was a cheque for Rs 17 lakhs to Dr. Mondkar, Head, Neonatal Dept., Sion Hospital, through the club, as donation for a Sonosite Colour Doppler machine. This was funded by PDC Jyoti Doshi.
Rotary President Dr. Batra expressed his desire to join hands with the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay for meaningful community service projects.
The highlight of the afternoon was the felicitation and address of Dist. Chairman Falguni Mehta, a longtime member of the Bombay club. She outlined her vision and encouraged the members to achieve greater heights. She also recalled and applauded the role played by the many past PDCs from the Bombay club.
The gathering was then treated to a superlative music performance by Sufi exponent Ameya Dabli. During the melodious recital, PAP Rakshaben Mehta was felicitated on her 80th birthday to the strains of Gandhiji's "Vaishnav jan toh tene re kahiye".
The enjoyable evening concluded with fellowship among members and guests.
In keeping with the Government's initiative on Swach Bharat, the Club allotted funds to renovate a Ladies Toilet at Marin Lines station, adding facilities for handicapped ladies.
A hearing-aid Battery Bank with an assured supply for 3 years was inaugurated at the Central Society for the Education of the Deaf (CSED). This will ensure that the hearing-impaired children will receive an adequate number of batteries for their hearing-aids, for use even when at home and not only while in school, as it is essential for their aural and mental development that they be exposed to ambient sounds and conversations throughout the day so as to speed up their integration into mainstream schools later on.
The Inner Wheel Club of Bombay teamed up with the Welfare of Stray
Dogs Society (WSD) and the Bhavishya Yaan of the Rotary Club of Bombay
to address students. Abodh Aras, the CEO of WSD, himself made
presentations to the students. The movie clip he displayed, followed
by his explanations, made the sessions highly interactive. It was a
joy to see the Bhavishya Yaan students responding with alacrity to the
questions posed to them by Abodh and the eagerness with which they
wanted to relate their personal experiences to him.
The focus, other than a brief on what WSD does, was on understanding
the ‘language’ of stray dogs, the circumstances under which they react
aggressively and most importantly, it spread awareness on rabies and
the action to be taken when bitten.
The Inner Wheel Club (IWC) of Bombay has been conducting vocational
guidance classes for several years at the Babasaheb Ambedkar Municipal
High School, Worli. Subjects range from tailoring, embroidery,
hair-styling and beauty to artistic mehendi application and classes
have been popular with the ladies of the locality.
The Nesting and Kangaroo Bags Project undertaken by IWC has provided
impetus to the tailoring classes as the bags are being stitched by the
tailoring students, who earn therefrom.
There are several success stories as the Microcredit Scheme extends
loans to these ladies, enabling them to start small businesses which
have grown very profitable, imbuing them with a sense of confidence
and self-worth.
At a recent felicitation ceremony called Haldi Kumkum, organised by
IWC several ladies related their success stories and guided the others
on taking the first step forward which is often the most difficult.
IWC Bombay constructed a multi-purpose dining-cum-community hall as a part of the Leprosy Rehabilitation Project at Shantivan. This was part of the District 314 Coordinated Rural Project. It was inaugurated on March 7, 2014 by IIW President Gabriella Adami, in the presence of AP Pushpa Suryamurty and DC Mrudula Dand.
IWC Bombay had also contributed to the construction of sanitation blocks for girl students on the campus of KRNS, Shantivan, in keeping with the thrust area of AP Pushpa.
Zone 1 Clubs celebrated their fellowship based on theme Yellow
On 25th July we had the official visit of Inner Wheel District Chairman to our club, and also the year's first Executive meeting as well as our 1st GBM
Our club celebrated its 50th year of service on the 16th of March 2013 at the SRCC Auditorium, Haji Ali.
On this occasion we were privileged to have with us the Inner Wheel Association President Sarita Lunani, Association Vice President Pushpa Suryamurty, District Chairman Amita Timbadia and Rotary Governor Dr. Bal Inamdar. The event marked the release of the special edition of our newsletter ‘Innerview’ commemorating the club’s 50 years, at the hands of our senior-most member PAP Silla Ardeshir. Also present on this occasion were several Rotarians, donors who generously supported our Wangani Bhekare project and the Incoming Rotary President Nirav Shah. A cheque of Rs 14,88,000 was handed over to PAP Raksha Mehta who is also the Managing Trustee of Kushtarog Nivaran Samiti, for our landmark project of providing water, 56 toilet blocks and sewing machines for women empowerment and supporting the education of 17 children of Wangani Bhekare village, Panvel. A magic show by Kruti Parekh and a performance by Shahnawaz, a student of the SEC school, were the other highlights of the afternoon.
On February 13, 2013 International Inner Wheel President Carole Young, President Sweta, CC Sadhana and others were present at Village Shiravali for the inaugaration of the toilet blocks.
16th of January 2013 was a very special day for the members of the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay, when their 7th GBM was held in the transcendent settings of rural villages near Panvel. ‘To Encourage the Ideals of Personal Service’ being one of the objects of the IW, a group of urban ladies set off early morning to experience the lifestyle of their counterparts in rural settings. The group also included Mr. Nowroze Vajifdar, President, Rotary Club of Bombay, Mr. Pranay Vakil, and Mrs. Silla Ardeshir, the founder Dist Chairman of Dist 314.
The eventful day began with Raksha Mehta and Falguni Mehta taking everyone around Balwantrai Mehta Local Self Government Training Centre. Since 1995, Inner Wheel Club of Bombay has focused on 40 villages near Panvel, to help them to become hunger free and self sufficient in areas of drinking water, health, education, sanitation and self employment.
15,000 families comprising a population of 40,000 are being continuously supported
Christmas celebrations were organized on December 19, 2012 at the Central Society for the Education of the Deaf (CSED). A cheque of Rs 28,728 was handed over to Principal Mary Behlihomji for our Battery Bank Project for a year’s supply of batteries for the hearing impaired children.
Also, a lovely Christmas party was held on December 21, 2012 at the School for the Crippled (SEC) at Agripada. At both the events the children received gifts, snacks and even had a magic show hosted for them.
Vriksharopan - A ceremonial way of planting a sapling, accompanied by traditional music and dance performed by the Alumni assoc of Viswa Bharti
The rapt Inner Wheel members
Anita Parikh and Devina Shah ably assist gourmet
chef Aruniti Shah at the cooking demonstation.
The evening of the 9th at Nehru Centre saw almost 150 autistic and physically handicapped children, as well as inmates of Parukh Dharamsala, come out to enjoy an evening of music.
Music that was sung to heal the body, mind and soul of these children by the well known Kummar Chatterjee. They were treated to delicious snacks and juices, with snack boxes prepared by Nehru Centre. For the children, their guardians, their teachers and the senior citizens it was truly an evening to remember.
Inner Wheel members who were present to volunteer for that evening were President Sweta, Soni, Sadhana, Rupali, Roopal, Lata, Komal, Geeta Gogia, Niloufer, Jayshreeben and Zarin.
A big thank you to all.
Inner Wheel Club of Bombay held its 2nd GBM August 22, 2012 at the residence of Mrs Jyoti Doshi. The highlight of the afternoon was a very informative talk on "Politics and BJP" by the well known BJP member and leading fashion designer Shaina N. C.
It was a well attended meeting with a lot of questions and answers flowing through the session.
The afternoon also saw the Induction of Rotary's first lady Niloufer Vazifdar into Inner Wheel. A big thanks to her for so willingly agreeing to be part of the club and our members look forward to a great year with Rotary.
Inner Wheel Club of Bombay celebrated its 50th year and the Installation of the Presidents and office bearers for the year 2012 -13 on July 6, 2012 at the Garware Club.
The event was well attended by dignitaries and senior members of Inner Wheel, Guest of Honour President of Rotary Club of Bombay Mr. Nowroze Vazifdar and first lady Niloufer and several Rotarians. The keynote speaker for the afternoon was Actor Tanuja.
The Chief Guest was Association Vice President Pushpa Suryamurty
An audio -visual show was presented by outgoing President Susmita Mitra, who summed up the year through the projects completed, thanking all those who made huge donations to make it possible.
The afternoon also saw all the Past District Chairmen in the 50 years of the Club History who have completely dedicated themselves towards the mission of Inner Wheel being honoured. This was done by President Sweta Vakil.
The new team was installed soon after by the President Sweta Vakil.
The evening ended with the cake cutting by PDC Silla Ardeshir and PAP Raksha Mehta who coincidently also celebrated her 75th birthday.
L to R: Geeta Gogia, Zarine Chothia, Rekha Tanna, Gauri Jatia, Kanta Anand, Anjana Sonawala, Indira Kotak, Chandrakala Aggarwala, Komal Israni, Sheriff Indu Shahani , Radhika Kaji, Aarti Sanghi ,Jyoti Doshi, Rashna Cooper and LataPalekar.
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