Rural Projects: With the stress on rapid industrialization in the post-Independence era, scant attention was paid to human resources, education, family planning, nutrition and public health. Villagers migrated to cities for employment, better amenities and educational facilities. A village as a basic unit of development and progress as preached by Mahatma Gandhi became the nodal point because the club members perceived that it was necessary to curb migration in order to develop the rural sector.

Realizing this Inner Wheel of Bombay started an integrated rural development programme in arid, primitive and economically backward villages near Panvel, Maharashtra, in collaboration with a voluntary rural service organization Kushtarog Niwaran Samiti.

In co-ordination with Balwantrai Mehta Centre & Kushtrog Niwaran Samiti, we provide water to villages in Panvel through borewells. Our work in rural areas has been widely commended.

Since 1995, Inner Wheel Club of Bombay has focused on 40 villages near Panvel to make them hunger free and self sufficient in areas of drinking water, health, education, sanitation and self employment.

Supporting Futures with a Personal Touch: Project at Vatsalya Foundation

In line with our annual theme of “Building a Future,” we are placing a special emphasis this year on service projects that facilitate direct interaction with beneficiaries. Our commitment goes beyond financial support; we aim to create memorable connections with those we serve, bringing smiles through meaningful interactions.

On September 10, 2024, we visited Vatsalya Foundation’s Open Shelter Home for boys at Anand Niketan, King George V Memorial, where we delivered essential items purchased with our donation of ₹90,000. These items included, bedsheets towels, napkins, inner wear, stationery items (drawing books, notebooks, crayons), school uniforms, purchased with our donation amount of 90,000/-.

Along with the donation we also celebrated the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi by organizing an engaging art activity. The children were divided into five groups and each was provided with a drawing board and colorful paints. A drawing of Ganapati was demonstrated to them by our member Paragi Mehta and each group eagerly crafted their own unique Ganapati artwork. The children’s creativity shone through as each group proudly displayed their colorful, individual interpretations of Ganapati.

The session concluded with the distribution of delicious modaks, a traditional treat for the festival, This joyful gathering not only celebrated the festive season but also strengthened our bond with the children, allowing us to share in their happiness and inspire a brighter future together.

Unique Ganapati Artworks by the Children of Vatsalya Foundation

Inauguration of the newly renovated Leprosy Ward and Water Project at Chappeali Village Panvel - 2nd May, 2019.

District Rural Project on 7th February, 2019.

District Rural Project on 4th September, 2018 at Wakdi.

Friday 11th November, 2016: Inauguration of the Happy School Project.

Friday 11th November, 2016: President Sweta Vakil & members of the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay visited Ashramshala, Shativan near Panvel for the Inauguration of the Happy School Project.

President Rashna Cooper and the members from IWC of Bombay visited District (314) RURAL PROJECTon the 24th of August 2015.

President Rashna Cooper and the members from IWC of Bombay visited District (314) RURAL PROJECTon the 24th of August.That included Balwantrai Mehta Centre,Project at Ambe Village and a visit to ASHRAMSHALA Tribal School.
PAP Rakshaben and DVC Phalguni served a sumptuous breakfast at the Balwantrai Mehta Centre.
There was a little tour organised to see the well maintained Dormitory of the students .A water tank was inaugurated at the School by the District Chairman Dr. Sandhya Bhat (dist. 314 ) whichwill help supply water to the toilets and bathrooms in the dormitory.
On environmental awareness message -trees are our brothers- children prepared a beautiful Rakhi to tie around the tree and celebrated Rakshabandhan The children looked happy and healthy, IWC of Bombay supports 227 Children at Ashramshala Tribal School.
The visit ended with Students of ASHRAMSHALA puttng up a beautifully choreographed dance to entertain everyone.

Other activities:

Our other activities include providing rations to Balwadis, fund raising events, monthly meetings, fellowships and inviting eminent speakers. The club also supports a Self Help Women’s Group in Jogeshwari area.

BALWANTRAI MEHTA LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT TRAINING CENTRE

At the Balwantrai Mehta Local Self Government Training Centre, for the successful implementation of their mammoth project, the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay constructed a ladies dormitory, provided a kitchen with dining facilities, an auditorium and also an administrative office. The centre is a catalyst for the participation of rural communities and helps in eliminating poverty, improving the quality of life, empowering women, developing human and natural resources to promote ecological balance.

15,000 families comprising a population of 40,000 are being continuously supported.

Training programmes for women are conducted in sewing, embroidery, candle making, incense stick making, spinning and weaving dusters, carpets, etc.

Self help groups in villages, awareness camps for newly elected women representatives in local self government bodies are organised.

720 local self government bodies and 10,360 village headmen have been beneficiaries of different training programmes. These programmes have empowered the villagers to become knowledgeable participants in decision making and its subsequent implementation.

Camps for college students are conducted regularly to inculcate a sense of patriotism, community service and dignity of labour, to aid in village development.

COMMUNITY MARRIAGES

Community Marriages are conducted annually, to discourage tribals and economically weaker sections from undertaking heavy marriage expenses for which they often incur debts, as also to do away with social evils such as the dowry system.

OUR VISION

Inner Wheel Club of Bombay in collaboration with Balwantrai Mehta Centre will expand its activities to reach out to 185 tribal villages around Panvel, Maharashtra. The goal is to increase awareness among the rural people about their rights and responsibilities.

WATER - ESSENCE OF LIFE

The primary need of a human being is water. Irrespective of age and health conditions the village ladies usually walk a couple of miles to fetch water, sometimes on steep inclines. Inner Wheel Club of Bombay provided water in 10 villages and also at two primary schools. The club also received financial contribution from CHANCE OF LIFE GERMANY, Inner Wheel Club of BOCHUM RECHEN Germany and Rotary Club of BOCHUM RECHEN Germany, MBK MARKISCHES SKOLEG UNNA Germany for these water projects.

LIFT IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Five lift irrigation schemes were implemented to meet the needs of farmers. In addition, training in organic farming and vermi composting was imparted to more than 200 farmers.

OUR VISION

To provide potable drinking water at the door step and lift irrigation schemes in 185 remote villages in Panvel District, Maharashtra, Special training camps to create awareness about the importance of saving water and improving the water table.

HEALTH

Leprosy Eradication & Rehabilitation Programme
Leprosy eradication and rehabilitation programmes were carried out in the 40 villages.

The latest multidrug therapy approved by W.H.O. and Govt. of India which claimed to cure the patient in 28 days, was adopted. 63 patients were cured, as certified by the W.H.O. team. This was a PILOT project in India.

Our successful efforts led us to take up the project of "Prevention of Deformity by Reconstructive Surgery" for cured patients. 35 surgeries were performed. A female ward was constructed at the Leprosy hospital at Shantivan. A drinking water supply scheme was also provided to the hospital.

EYE-CAMPS

Eye camps were organized for leprosy patients, cataract and laser surgeries were performed and spectacles were given to the needy patients. Panels were provided at the Acworth Leprosy Museum to display the history of the medicinal march towards containment of leprosy. The play equipment was donated to the Nursery school for the children of cured leprosy patients.

OUR VISION

To promote awareness for the eradication of leprosy in 185 tribal villages.

EDUCATION

Education of children of today - the citizens for tomorrow
"The foundation of every state is the education of its youth." The tribal school at Shantivan, Panvel was established in 1994 with the sole objective of the upliftment of tribal villagers steeped in poverty, ignorance, blind beliefs, etc. to bring them at par with educated citizens. 465 residential students and 100 day scholars belonging to the poorest strata of society, have the unique distinction of being the first generation to be attending school. The club participated in sponsoring the formal education of these children along with boarding and lodging expenses.

Drinking water supply schemes and sanitation blocks, computer training and vocational training are some of the facilities provided to the children.

SOLAR PORTABLE LANTERNS (ASHRAMSHALA)

Due to long hours of load-shedding affecting this locality, the students are unable to complete their homework and studies after school hours. This will enable the residential students to enhance their performance and make more progress.

OUR VISION

380 hundred million Indians are still illiterate. Education at the grass root level is very important. Vocational Training to unemployed youth will be necessary for gainful employment and encouraging small entrepreneurs.

COW SHED

The Jersey cow unit provides milk at reasonable rates to tribal school children, leprosy patients, residents of dependency home, senior citizens of the old age home and social workers. Green fodder cultivation plot and a bore well with water facilities have been developed. The building of the unit has been repaired and renovated.