Rotary Club of Pune Metro, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune (2026)

16/10/2025

Project "ReSET": Innovative way to multiply Deaddiction efforts/Impact in society with a full day workshop for Front line warriors.

On October 12th, the Rotary Club of Pune Metro successfully conducted a one-day workshop titled Project "ReSET" (Recognise, Support, Educate, and Treat). The primary objective was to create critical awareness among Frontline Warriors—doctors, counsellors and psychologists—regarding various addictions and effective treatment strategies. The project emphasized the importance of early intervention when patients present with non-specific physical symptoms (like frequent acidity, cough, headaches, or lack of sleep) that may signal the onset of addiction. By the end of the workshop, participants were better equipped to recognize the signs of addiction, treat patients with empathy, and guide them toward de-addiction.
The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Mukta Charitable Foundation, our technical partner, which has a long and respected history of conducting de-addiction programs. Their wide range of subject experts ensured the workshop was a bounty of knowledge.
The workshop featured comprehensive lectures covering the spectrum of substance and behavioural addictions.

Dr. Prakash Mahajan (Co-founder, Mukta Charitable Foundation): Shared a brief history of alcohol, drinking patterns, basic terminology, ways to suspect Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD), and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Dr. Balchandra Kalmegh: Spoke on Pharmacotherapy for Relapse Prevention, addressing comorbid psychiatric disorders, and advocating for a multidisciplinary approach towards AUD.

Mr. Akbar Sheikh (Peer Counsellor): A recovering addict shared his personal journey of multiple relapses and elaborated on the 12 Step Program.

Honourable Chief Guest Dr. Ashish Deshpande delivered a talk on Controversies in Addiction Medicine, covering the disease model versus moral code, the potential ban of Cannabis in India, and addictions in the digital age.

Dr. Neelam Gada shared views on the effects of various forms of ni****ne consumption on the body and assessment techniques.

Dr. Avinash Bhondwe gave a comprehensive lecture on To***co Use Disorders, focusing on helping people quit and maintaining abstinence from ni****ne.

Dr. Madhu Thakkar discussed lapse and relapse on mental, physical, and emotional levels, and essential skills for changing human behaviour.

Sonali Kale: Presented on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and how these equip individuals with tools and skills to prevent relapse.

Dr. Narayan Perumal: Shared in-depth information about both conventional and synthetic narcotic substances.

During the workshop, the book "Alcohol use Disorders," designed for medical professionals and authored by Dr. Prakash Mahajan, was officially released by the Honourable Chief Guest, Dr. Ashish Deshpande.

With almost 100 participants attending from across various branches of medicine and multiple cities .. Project "ReSET", was a resounding success. The project represents a significant step in the right direction to combat addiction by empowering medical professionals with the right knowledge and guidance.
Project "ReSET" was a perfect project in Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment focus area, specially considering today's changing world.

RI District 3131 was represented by AG Rtn Sanjeev Ogale and District Director Rtn Sumedha Bhosale. Master of Ceremony Ann Madhavi Kulkarni, skilfully managed the speakers and maintained the flow of the event. President Rtn. Madhavi Chouhan, Project Director Rtn PP Mohan Chhatre, Project Director Rtn Prerana Joshi, Rtn Aarya Palsule worked tirelessly on planning, logistics, and ex*****on along with Dr. Jyoti Shinde who had a active role in planning, registrations, and on-day smooth ex*****on. Rtn PP Vivek Kulkarni worked on Media messaging and Capturing memories.

The project received immense support from all the Metropolitans, including: Rtn PP Seema Deshpande, Rtn PP Abhay and Sangeeta Sontakke, Rtn Mrudula Kelkar, Rtn PP Mukund and Mugdha Chiplunkar, Rtn PP Padma Shahane, Rtn Rajesh and Deepashree Ingle, Rtn Nayna Devdhar, Rtn Krishna Bhojkar, Rtn PP Neelkanth and Shubhda Joshi, Rtn Sujata Mhalgi, Rtn PP Narendra Dravid, Rtn PP Deepak and Neelima Bodhani, and Rtn Dr. Varsha and Dr. Girish Bapat.

- Convener: Rtn Manjiri Kuvavala, Co-Convener: Rtn Nayana Joshi

01/10/2025

Star Yaars of the month - September 2025
Taking Metropolitans on the path of addressing unattended social need.

“Sammvedna” – Our new initiative to prevent Domestic Violence in society – is a unique concept developed through extensive groundwork by PP Padma and Rtn. Prerana. The real challenge, however, lay in executing it across different schools located at considerable distances, and that too through multiple sessions.

Ann Shubhada Joshi took charge of the management in her usual meticulous style. Time and again, it has been proven that whenever she accepts a convenorship, the project is in safe and capable hands.

Rtn. Shubhada Joglekar joined her as Co-convener, and Metro discovered a new star in the making. As a member of the Program Committee, she has shown equal enthusiasm in her role, ensuring that invitations are sent out on time with all appropriate details. Her command over Marathi literature and poetry made her the natural choice as Convenor for the upcoming Rotary Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, where RCPM is a co-host.

Thus, for September 2025, we proudly recognize not one, but two Star Yaars – Ann Shubhada Joshi and Rtn. Shubhada Joglekar. Congratulations Shubhada Joshi and Shubhada Joglekar.

29/09/2025

This festive season, let's come together to empower individuals to overcome addiction and reset their lives.

The Rotary Club of Pune Metro, renowned for its pioneering work in mental health initiatives like Manovedh, Taarunyabhan, Arogyabhan, Bolo Na, Samvedana, and Muktaa Charitable Foundation, Pune, specializing in holistic deaddiction approaches, have united for good and are organizing a one-day workshop on Deaddiction Medicine.

On October 12th at Hotel President, Pune, this workshop aims to equip doctors, mental health professionals, and medical students with the knowledge and skills to address to***co, narcotics, alcohol and screen addictions. Power packed interactions are set to enable them to make a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with these challenges.

This Diwali, let's Unite for Good and get a power of knowledge from the distinguished experts in the field from Mumbai and Pune.

23/09/2025

Interactors learn from Rotarians: Importance and Every Day Use of Rotary Processes/Values, taking up a socially relevant activity as a group.

The month of August was very happening from the installation point of the Interact Clubs. The activity is very well defined towards the making of the young leaders.
Obviously the students had various queries. The curiosity to understand various words viz. BOD, working of the BOD, conducting meetings etc.

RCPM President Rtn. Dr. Madhavi Chauhan, Jt. Secretary Rtn Manjiri Kuwawala, Director New Gen Rtn. Anagha, Rtn. Amruta, Rtn. Amit, Rtn. Bhalchandra along with Interact Club members of Ramchandra Rathi School gathered at the school premises on 12th September 2025 at 4.30pm. The focus was on marking the interact club members aware of the functioning of the meeting.

RCPM President Rtn. Madhavi started the meeting by elaborating the purpose of the gathering . She called a meeting to order followed by the National Anthem. Rtn. Manjiri explained the four way test and importance of every point in it. Rtn. Amruta explained the structure of BOD and responsibility of every member.

Post these discussions, the Interact Club president Avadhoot Jadhav and Secretary Mohini Biradar conducted a sample practice meeting. It was decided that a structured meeting would be conducted with the Interact club BOD. In this meeting the emphasis would be given on reducing the air pollution. Meeting was adjourned with the focus to spread awareness about reducing Air Pollution during Diwali.

All Interact Club members and present RCPM members participated in this activity with full enthusiasm.

-Rtn. Anagha Kulkarni Joshi

21/09/2025

WEDP: Hallmark of RCPM’s 25+ years of consistent and dedicated efforts

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

WEDPची जन्मकथा:
ही गोष्ट आहे साधारण 27-28 वर्षांपूर्वीची. माझी मैत्रीण जयश्री काळे, जागृती सेवा संस्था या स्वयंसेवी संस्थेची संस्थापिका, महिलांसाठी आणि मुलांसाठी विविध सामाजिक उपक्रम राबवत होती. तिचा समाजसेवेकडे असलेला कल मला आधीपासूनच ठाऊक होता. आम्ही दोघी रोज सकाळी फिरण्यासाठी भेटत असू. एके दिवशी जयश्रीने सहजच विचारलं – “तू कॉलेजच्या विद्यार्थ्यांना मॅनेजमेंट शिकवतेस, मग आमच्या छोट्या-मोठ्या व्यवसाय करणाऱ्या महिलांसाठीही काही शिकवू शकशील का?” हा प्रश्न साधा होता, पण कल्पना विलक्षण होती.

पहिली पायरी – कल्पनेपासून कृतीपर्यंत:
आम्ही लगेचच आमचे कॉलेज – IndSearch चे संचालक डॉ. अशोक जोशी यांना भेटलो. ते नेहमीच नवीनकल्पनांना प्रोत्साहन देतात. त्यांनी “Go ahead” म्हणत आम्हाला हिरवा कंदील दिला. IndSearch ने रोजच्याखर्चाची जबाबदारी घेतली, तर रोटरी क्लबने प्रकल्पाच्या कामासाठी जागृती सेवा संस्थेला Sponsorship दिली आणि आम्ही तयारी करायला सुरुवात केली. आणि अशा प्रकारे 2000 साली, IndSearch च्या फर्ग्युसन कॉलेज रोडवरील कार्यालयात पहिली दोन दिवसांची कार्यशाळा आकाराला आली.
पहिलं workshop दोन दिवसांचं होतं. सहभागी महिला जागृती सेवेमार्फत आल्या होत्या. त्या बहुतांश वस्ती पातळीवरच्या, शिक्षण तिसरी-चौथीपासून बारावीपर्यंत; काही तर अशिक्षितही होत्या, पण तरीही त्या छोटा-मोठा व्यवसाय स्वतःच्या जोरावर करत होत्या. काही तर सहीसुद्धा करू शकत नव्हत्या. पण त्यांच्यात एक गोष्ट समान होती – उद्योजकतेची ओढ. पापड-लोणचं, कपडे, छोट्या वस्तू विकण्यासारखे व्यवसाय त्या करत होत्या.

सुरुवातीची आव्हाने:
आव्हान होतं – नेमकं काय शिकवायचं आणि किती खोलवर शिकवायचं, याचा काही अंदाजच नव्हता. काय काय विषय शिकवायचे आणि ते कोण शिकवणार याविषयी मला जास्त problem नव्हता कारण IndSearchचा पूर्ण प्राध्यापक वर्ग माझ्या सतत संपर्कात होता. त्यामुळे कुठल्याही विषयातल्या expert ची कमी नव्हती. Workshop दोन दिवसाचे पुरेल का तीन दिवस किंवा चार दिवस करावे याचाही अंदाज नव्हता. पण ह्या बायका त्यांचा व्यवसाय दोन दिवस बंद करून कोर्ससाठी येणार, त्यामुळे दोन दिवसापेक्षा जास्त वेळ त्या देऊ शकणार नाहीत असे आम्हाला अभ्यासांती कळले.
MBA विद्यार्थ्यांना शिकवणारे प्राध्यापक या महिलांना शिकवणार होते. त्यांना Corporate finance किंवाstrategic marketing शिकवायची सवय. पण पापड-मसाले-लोणची करणाऱ्या महिलांना त्यातलं काय उपयोगाचं? हा मोठाच प्रश्न आमच्या पुढे होता. प्रत्येक प्राध्यापकांशी चर्चा करून आम्ही syllabus ठरवला. विषय तसाच ठेवला, पण त्याला “जमिनीवर उतरणारी भाषा” दिली. शिवाय MBA ला शिकवण्यासाठी त्यांना अख्खी term मिळत असते पण इथे त्या बायकांना हा विषय दीड तासात शिकवायचा हे तर फारच मोठे challenge होते.

कार्यशाळेचं रूप:
दोन दिवसांत सहा सेशन्स घ्यायचे, त्यामुळे विषयाची मांडणी अतिशय नेमकी असावी लागली. सुरुवातीच्या 3-4 वर्षे हे चाचपडण्याचं, चुका सुधारण्याचं आणि योग्य स्वरूप मिळवण्याचं काम चालू होतं. हळूहळू कार्यशाळेला व्यवस्थित रूप आलं. दोन दिवसांच्या या कार्यशाळेत सहा मुख्य सत्रं होती –
- Finance and Costing: जमाखर्च कसा लिहायचा, नफा-तोटा कसा समजून घ्यायचा, घरखर्च आणि व्यवसाय वेगळे ठेवायचे महत्त्व. एका बाईंनी कार्यशाळेनंतर पहिल्यांदा नफा-तोट्याची वही बनवली आणिअभिमानाने सांगितलं, “आधी पैसे कुठे जात होते कळत नव्हतं, आता समजतं.”
- Banking व्यवहार: खाते उघडण्यापासून ते कर्ज, शासकीय योजना समजावून घेणे. आता तर digital banking, GPay आणि online फसवणूक टाळणे यावरही मार्गदर्शन दिले जाते.
- Marketing: उत्पादनाची किंमत ठरवणे, ग्राहकांपर्यंत पोहोचणे, व्यवसाय वाढवण्याचे मार्गदर्शन.
- Counselling व ताण-तणाव व्यवस्थापन : घर, मुलं, कुटुंब सांभाळून व्यवसाय करणाऱ्या महिलांना ताणतणावावर मात करण्याचे मार्ग.
- यशस्वी महिला उद्योजिकांचे अनुभव : तीन महिला उद्योजकांची संघर्षकथा आणि यशोगाथा ह्याआत्मविश्वास वाढवणाऱ्या ठरतात.
- प्रात्यक्षिक चर्चा व अनुभव – स्वतःचा प्रवास सांगताना महिलांचा आत्मविश्वास वाढताना दिसायचा.

अतिरिक्त सुविधा आणि प्रगती:
- कार्यशाळेत चहा, जेवण, वही-पेन यांची सोय करण्यात आली.
- काही वर्षांनी स्टडी मटेरियल तयार करून महिलांना देण्यात आलं – सोप्या भाषेत, पुन्हा पुन्हा वापरता येईल असं.
- नंतर प्रमाणपत्र देण्याची परंपरा सुरू झाली. अनेक महिलांनी ती प्रमाणपत्रं अभिमानाने घरात frame करून ठेवली.

उद्घाटन सत्रात IndSearch चे संचालक आणि Rotary Club of Pune Metro चे अध्यक्ष यांचे मार्गदर्शन मिळते, जे महिलांसाठी प्रेरणादायी ठरते. समारोप सत्रात सहभागी महिला स्वतःचा अनुभव सांगतात. त्यांचा उत्साह आणि आत्मविश्वास पाहून कार्यक्रमाची खरी किंमत कळते.
या उपक्रमातून महिलांनी केवळ व्यवसायाचे धडेच नाही, तर स्वतःवर विश्वास ठेवायला शिकल्या.
- काहींनी पहिल्यांदाच बँकेत खाते उघडलं.
- काहींनी जमा-खर्च लिहायला सुरुवात केली.
- काहींनी नवा व्यवसाय सुरू केला, तर काहींनी आधीचा व्यवसाय दुप्पट वाढवला.
सगळ्यात महत्त्वाचं म्हणजे – त्यांनी स्वतःला “उद्योजिका” म्हणून ओळखायला सुरुवात केली.

आजचा प्रवास:
डब्ल्यूईडीपीला आता २६ वर्षे पूर्ण झाली. दरवर्षी अनेक महिला या कार्यशाळेत सहभागी होतात. काहींनी आपला व्यवसाय वाढवला, काहींनी नवा व्यवसाय सुरू केला, तर अनेकांना आत्मविश्वास मिळाला. महिला सबलीकरण खऱ्या अर्थांनी होताना दिसते.

**** WEDP हा केवळ course नाही; तो महिलांच्या स्वावलंबनाचा, आत्मविश्वासाचा आणि उद्योजकतेकडे वाटचाल करण्याचा प्रवास आहे. ****
Ann Ashwini Joshi

18/09/2025

RCPM raises spirit of Visually impaired interact students with Innovative Gift.

रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो द्वारे रोटरी 25-26 या वर्षामध्ये विशेष विद्यार्थ्यासाठी क्रिडा साहित्य उपलब्ध करून देणेबाबत ठरविले असुन या उपक्रमा अंतर्गत रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोच्या अध्यक्षा रो श्रीमती माधवी चौहान ' रो पीपी श्री मोहन छत्रे, रो प्रेरणा जोशी यांच्या संकल्पने मधुन साकार झालेल्या योजने अंतर्गत गुरुवार दिनांक 18 सप्टेंबर 25 रोजी पुणे अंधशाळा मुलांची या संस्थेला विशेष विद्यार्थ्याना खेळण्या योग्य असे क्रिकेट खेळाचे साहित्य (with Plastic Audible Cricket Balls) उपलब्ध करून देण्यात आले . क्रिकेट खेळाचे साहित्य डेहराडून येथुन मागविण्यात आले होते.

क्रिकेटची बॅट / बॉल हातात घेतल्यावर विद्यार्थ्या मध्ये प्रचंड उत्साह निर्माण झाला व तात्काळ क्रिकेटचा खेळ सुरु झाला . कुणी बॅट हातात घेतली तर कुणी बॉल घेवुन गोलंदाजी करू लागले . विद्यार्थाचा आनंद 'उत्साह व क्रिकेट मधील कौशल्य बघुन उपस्थित रोटरीयन व शाळेचा स्टाफ भारावुन गेला व विद्यार्थ्याच्या खेळा मध्ये सामील झाला .

या आनंददायी सोहळ्यासाठी रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो चे सदस्य रो पीपी मोहन छत्रे, रो राजस फडके, रो प्रेरणा जोशी, रो वर्षा ढवळे, रो दत्तात्रय पंचवाघ, रो भालचंद्र जोशी, रो अनघा जोशी उपस्थित होते .
पुणे अंधशाळा मुलांची या संस्थेचे श्री महेंद्र पिसाळ सचिव, श्री अमृत लोखंडे प्रशासकीय अधिकारी,
श्री दामोदर सरगम मुख्याध्यापक, श्री रंगनाथ गजरे क्रीडा शिक्षक; श्रीमती मनीषा शेवाळे विशेष शिक्षिका,
कु हृषीकेश कौसे मुलांच्या गटाचा उपाध्यक्ष व इयत्ता नववी व दहावी मधील विद्यार्थी उपस्थित होते .
रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोच्या उपक्रमाचे कौतुक होत असुन भविष्यातही असे उपक्रम रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोद्वारे राबविले जाणार आहेत.

-रो. दत्तात्रय पंचवाघ

15/09/2025

RCPM encourages School Principals to further stretch Horizons…. Teacher’s day Initiative.

Like every year, this year too, RCPM decided to celebrate Teacher’s day with a novel idea for a long term impact.

'Nave Ksh*tij' the Project by Rotary club of Pune Metro. On 13th September 2025 the workshop was organized for school leaders (Principals) of about 40 schools in and around Pune. The objective of the workshop was to encourage Principals for breaking boundaries of challenges and difficulties in achieving the real goal of education which is overall development of children.
The facilitators for the workshop were:
1. Mr. Nagesh Mone: 35+ years of experience in the field of education, Ex principal of New English school, Pune Worked as teacher and principal in several schools.
2. Mr Ravi Bawiskar: 25 years of industry experience. Founder of 'Dnyan ni Daan' proprietary firm through which he is providing consultation and trainings to corporate, Govt. organisations and Educational institutions.
In the first session Mone sir inspired the principals by sharing his wisdom he earned from the experience of working as Principal for overall development of children by overcoming several challenges like limited means. He highlighted that the main goal of education is ‘Overall development of children’. This isn't achieved as we limit the education to classrooms and syllabus and also by using inappropriate methods of discipline. He gave confidence to Principals that they can do it, if they have strong will and if they use their creativity and lateral thinking.

Swami Vivekanand's renowned quote on education is 'Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man'.

The quote mentioned by Mone sir was practically exhibited by Bawiskar sir in the second session. Through activities, Bawiskar sir helped the Principals to rebuild the skills of creativity, problem solving, team work, listening, empathy, etc. The activity involved sharing of challenges faced in the role of Principal and finding solutions for it in the small group discussions. They also shared their success stories which would help each other to resolve their own issues.
The workshop was concluded with the fun filled creative group activity of making a picture of any animal with the help of leaves of different shapes and colours.
The workshop was very enlightening and enjoyed by all. The participants ( Principals) expressed their gratitude for organizing the workshop which helped them gain different perspective, positive energy and inspiration. They also expressed the need for more such programs.

While this workshop was intended for School Principals, we all Metropolitans felt that it was equally applicable for every leadership role in all walks of life.

Ann Megha Bhojkar
Rotary Club of Pune Metro

10/09/2025

RCPM Stars Shine at the Pune Festival – Rotaryche Indradhanu (रोटरीचे इंद्रधनू)

The Pune Festival, is an annual vibrant celebration of tradition, talent, and togetherness, showcasing everything from music, dance, and literature to sports. It has become one of the city’s most anticipated events.

The festival also serves as a public platform, allowing citizens to share their passion and talent with a wider audience. In recent years, Rotary International District 3131 has partnered with the Pune Festival to highlight the social initiatives, artistic talents of Rotarians and reaching out to Punekars at large.

This year, the collaboration was presented under the banner of Rotaryche Indradhanu (Rainbow) — a fitting metaphor for Rotary’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as its seven focus areas of social service.

As part of the program, award-winning Rotarians across the district showcased their musical talents while also highlighting their dedication to social causes and their sensitivity towards the upliftment of the underprivileged.

Representing the Rotary Club of Pune Metro, Senior Rotarian Avinash Joshi, Rtn. Amita Nene, and Rtn. Prerana Joshi captivated the audience with soulful renditions of timeless classics from the 1960s, namely “Zindagi Khwab Hai” and “Hasta Hua Noorani Chehra.” Their performance earned enthusiastic applause and repeated calls for “once more.”

It is truly inspiring to witness members of RCPM not only serve the community with dedication but also share their unique gifts and talents with others in society.

09/09/2025

रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोची सांस्कृतिक परंपरा
गणेशोत्सवात पहाटे प्रसिद्ध देवळात जाऊन सामुदायिक आरती करणे.

खूप दिवसांनी, खरंतर खूप वर्षांनी सारसबागेत जायचा योग आला. रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोची पोस्ट पाहिली आणि ठरवून टाकलंकी ४ सप्टेंबरला सारसबागेतील गणपतीला जायचंच. अनघाचाही फोन आला. तिला म्हटलं मी येणार आहे.

माझ्या लहानपणी आमच्याकडे दर गुरुवारी आरती असायची. कधी पेढे, कधी केळं काहीतरी प्रसादाला असायचं. कोणीतरी हार आणून ठेवलेला असायचा. पुढे पुढे स्कूटर चालवायला लागल्यानंतर मी पण हार आणि पेढे आणायला लागले. घरातले सगळे मिळून आरती करायचो. त्यामुळे तेव्हा सगळ्या आरत्याही पाठ होत्या. हल्ली आरती म्हणायला गेलं की या कडव्यानंतर कुठलं कडवं असा जरा माझा गोंधळ उडतो. असो.

सारसबागेत आम्ही पोहोचलो तेंव्हा आरती सुरू झाली होती. रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो ची बरीच मंडळी नटून थटून आरतीसाठी सारस बागेत आली होती. आरती, मंत्रपुष्पांजली नंतर गणपतीचे दर्शन घेतलं. प्रदक्षिणा घातली. आता मी काही काही लोकांना ओळखायला लागलीये. त्यानंतर आम्ही तिथे जवळच सारसबागेच्या प्रांगणातल्याच एका सभागृहात जाऊन नाष्टा केला. हसणं, गप्पा, विनोद, फोटो चालू होते. नाष्ट्यानंतर सारसबागेतच्या तळ्याच्या बाजूने फेरी मारली. फोटो काढले. तळ्यात खूप सुरेख कमळं फुलली होती आणि मजा म्हणजे तळ्यातल्या खडकांवर छोटी छोटी कासवं बसली होती. त्यांचेही फोटो काढून झाले आणि मग मात्र सगळ्यांना अच्छा, बाय बाय, टाटा करून घरी परतलो.

मंदिरात खूप गर्दी असेल असं वाटलं होतं पण तसं काही दिसलं नाही. आपल्या सारख्यांचे सकाळी मंदिरात जाणं थोडे कमी झालाय हे जाणवलं. . ह्या कार्यक्रमामुळे, परत एकदा मला सुंदर मनशांतीचा अनुभव आला. सकाळी सकाळी मन प्रसन्न झाल्यामुळे दिवसही फार छान गेला. ह्या सुंदर एक्स्पिरियन्स बद्दल रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो परिवाराचे आणि प्रोग्राम कमिटीचे मनापासून आभार.

रो. मृदुला केळकर.
Joined Rotary club of Pune Metro in August 2025

08/09/2025

‘आता थांबायचं नाय‘.

‘आम्ही शिकलो, आम्ही घडलो’ ह्या पुस्तकाच्या प्रकाशना निमित्त.

लोकशिक्षणाद्वारे सक्षमीकरण हा यशस्वी समाजजीवनाचा अत्यावश्यक आधारस्तंभ निश्चितच आहे. प्रौढ साक्षरता, विशेषतः प्रौढ महिला साक्षरता हा रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोचा अतिशय जिव्हाळ्याचा विषय ! याच कारणामुळे, रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोच्या तर्फे आदिम संस्था, आंबेगाव; तसेच रोटरी क्लब कोथरूड व अन्य काही रोटरी क्लबज् आणि रोटरी डिस्ट्रिक्ट ३१३१ साक्षरता समिति या सर्वांच्या सहयोगाने मागील दहा वर्षांपासून, फलौदे गाव व पुणे जिल्ह्य़ातील भीमाशंकर परिसरातील आदिवासी भागात प्रौढ साक्षरतेचे ४० पेक्षा जास्त वर्ग सातत्याने आयोजित करण्यात आले. सर्व कार्यकर्त्यांचे अथक परिश्रम, व्यावसायिक दृष्टिकोन व कामाप्रती निष्ठेमुळे, या साक्षरता वर्गाच्या माध्यमातून दहा वर्षांत शेकडो महिला व पुरुष साक्षर झाले. यातील निवडक नवसाक्षर महिलांच्या अनुभवांच्या कथा, मा. महेश गाडेकर व प्रा.स्नेहल साबळे यांनी 'आम्ही शिकलो, आम्ही घडलो' या पुस्तकातून शब्दबद्ध केल्या.

या पुस्तकाच्या प्रकाशनाचा कार्यक्रम ३० ऑगस्ट रोजी, पुण्यात मराठा चेंबर ऑफ कॉमर्सच्या सभागृहात, डॉ. संजयकुमार भोसले, माजी संचालक, साखर आयुक्तालय महाराष्ट्र राज्य, यांच्या अध्यक्षतेत, प्रमुख पाहुणे मा.संतोष मराठे, प्रांतपाल, रोटरी डिस्ट्रीक्ट ३१३१, याबरोबरच पुस्तकाचे लेखक प्रा. स्नेहल साबळे, मा. महेश गाडेकर, डॉ.माधवी चौहान, अध्यक्ष, रोटरी क्लब पुणे मेट्रो चॅरीटेबल ट्रस्ट, मा. गायत्री लड्ङ्कत, अध्यक्ष, रोटरी क्लब पुणे कोथरूड चॅरीटेबल ट्रस्ट व अन्य मान्यवरांच्या उपस्थितीत पार पडला.
या कार्यक्रमासाठी प्रौढ साक्षरता वर्गात शिकवणाऱ्या शिक्षिका, नवसाक्षर महिला व विविध क्षेत्रांतील मान्यवर मोठ्या संख्येने उपस्थित होते. या कार्यक्रमाचे संयोजन आदिम संस्कृती अभ्यास, संशोधन व मानव विकास केंद्र, आंबेगाव, रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो व रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे कोथरूड यांनी केले होते. कार्यक्रमाचे प्रास्ताविक रोटेरियन अंजली सहस्रबुद्धे यांनी केले. सूत्रसंचालन प्रा. डॉ. हनुमंत भवारी यांनी केले व आभार डॉ. अमोल वाघमारे यांनी मांडले.

या कार्यक्रमात ज्या वेळी तिथे उपस्थित ग्रामवासी नवसाक्षर महिलांनी, मोठ्या धीराने व दिमाखात पुढे येऊन, व्यासपीठावरून, भावपूर्ण शब्दांत आपले मनोगत व्यक्त केले.

बँकचे व्यवहार, प्रवास, सरकारी योजनांचा लाभ घेणे, खरेदी विक्री करताना हिशोब इत्यादी अनेक जीवनावश्यक गोष्टी स्वतंत्रपणे करता येऊ लागल्यामुळे आलेला आत्मविश्वास आणि ओसंडून वहाणारा त्यांचा तो आनंद.....
शिक्षण आणि स्वावलंबनामुळे ग्रामीण वेशभूषा आणि व्यक्तिमत्त्वाला लाभलेली आगळीवेगळीच अशी ती झळाळी...
"कुटुंबांची लाडकी गाय वारली, तेव्हा वर्गामुळे जिवाला आधार मिळाला", डोळ्यातले पाणी आवरत सांगणारी ती चंद्रभागा..
ग्रामपंचायते मधील कर्मचारी वर्गाला नियम वाचून दाखवत खडसावून मुलीचा जन्मदाखला मिळवणारी बनाबाई..
टीव्हीवरील चॅनल्सची नाव वाचून आवडते कार्यक्रम बघणारी आणि मोबाईल फोन वर मुलाचे नाव वाचत पुनःपुन्हा मुलाला फोन करीत आनंदलहरींवर तरंगणारी सुनंदा...
अविस्मरणीयच होता तो सगळा अनुभव...

या उपक्रमाच्या यशात सिंहाचा वाटा आहे मेट्रो क्लबच्या सदस्य रो. अंजली सहस्रबुध्दे व डाॅ. अमोल वाघमारे यांच्या सातत्यपूर्ण प्रयत्नांचा ! तसेच या वैशिष्टय़पूर्ण पुस्तकाच्या प्रकाशनासाठी अनुदान दिलेले आहे रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रोच्या सदस्य रो. शोभना परांजपे यांनी, दिवंगत पती रो. दिलीप परांजपे यांच्या स्मृतिप्रीत्यर्थ..

समाजप्रगतीसाठी अत्यावश्यक अशा या लोकशिक्षणाच्या कार्यात सहभागी होऊ इच्छिणाऱ्या मंडळींना सहकार्य व मार्गदर्शन करण्यास रोटेरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो सदैव तत्पर व उत्सुक आहे...

रो. शोभना परांजपे
रोटरी क्लब ऑफ पुणे मेट्रो

Interested in knowing more details, read real life stories, participate in this Rotary initiative???
Please contact Rtn Anjali Sahasrabuddhe: ( [email protected] )

01/09/2025

Rotary Club of Pune Metro
Star Yaar of the Month – August 2025
Rtn. Anagha Kulkarni Joshi

We are delighted to recognize Rtn. Anagha Kulkarni Joshi as our Star Yaar of the Month for August 2025!

In her role as Director – New Generation, over the past 6-7 weeks, Anagha has successfully completed the installation of our four Interact Clubs and one Rotaract Club. She has also initiated a yearlong activity plans with these clubs. Notably, one of the Interact Clubs comprises visually impaired students, where Anagha is channeling her creativity to design engaging and meaningful activities.

True to the spirit of Rotary, Anagha’s contributions go far beyond youth programs. She has been actively involved in club projects, membership development and fellowship activities. As Co-Convenor of the RCPM Monsoon Picnic, she entertained members by creatively engaging members—by explaining and showcasing Tarot cards' usage in Life Event Prediction and leading a different Antakshari session. She also played an important part in explaining RCPM culture / specialty to a new member, over many days and worked on their onboarding till induction.

Anagha and Rtn. Bhalachandra Joshi, have quickly become one of the most well-integrated couples in RCPM. Their enthusiasm, ownership driven, hands on, collaborative working style have made them a highly sought after duo in matured club like RCPM.

Congratulations, Rtn. Anagha!
We are proud to have you as an integral part of the Rotary Club of Pune Metro.

31/08/2025

Interact Installation Ceremony @ School and Home for Blind Boys: Unforgettable experience.

Located on North Main Road Koregaon Park, just next to the German Bakery, this ‘School and Home for Blind Boys has a spotless clean compound and as we enter we see boys moving about in pairs guiding each other to overcome any hurdles coming in the way.

We had reached a bit early and we could go around the premises and found that there were bunker beds for these children, special music room with plenty of musical instruments, a computer room, a play area for the smaller kids, a dining hall, a room where around 15 Annie machines for learning Braille were kept.
We were led to the Function Hall, where arrangements were in progress for the Aarti to be performed. Slowly the staff started coming and around 150 children were made to assemble in a disciplined manner.

One noticeable fact was that, even in the noise that was inevitable, these children were very alert to the instructions of their Sir who was giving instructions and would follow his instructions immediately. These children are gifted with different abilities.

Today, 10 of us from RCPM were present for the Installation of Interact Club at this school. Our Rotarians Tau, Mohan, Panchwagh and Pres Madhavi Chouhan got the honour of performing the Aarti in the presence of our other Rotarians, staff and children. The atmosphere was electrifying and these children not only were well versed with the Aartis, but also with Pasayadan and Manache Shlokas. Which they sang fluently.

The Installation function began with a short address by Youth Director Anagha, who asked the outgoing President Sahil Jadhav and Secretary Shlok Mahadik to speak and we were all surprised with the confidence that these two boys spoke about their experience as President and Secretary. The new president Shreeshailam Prakash Khedkar and Secretary Hrishikes Shivnath Kause were installed and the President spoke about how he intends to lead the Interact Club in his school.

PP Mohan announced the gift of cricket kits to the school. The books in braille, made available by Rtn Varsha Dawle, were gifted by Rtn Rtn Shobhana Paranjpye . These books were made available specially by Rtn Shobhana from the donation in the memory of her late husband Rtn Dileep Paranjpye. The books are about the story of Annie machines. Pres Madhavi then addressed the children with a motivating speech. Lokhande Sir then briefly talked about how he plans to get these children to be actively involved in many activities. RCPM members Rtn.Amit Apte, Rtn. Manjiri Kuwawala, Rtn. Dattatreya Panchawagh and Rtn. Bhalchandra Joshi were present to grace the occasion. Rtn. Anagha concluded the meeting.

Spending a day with these self-motivated children was nothing short of life-changing. Their ability to accept their challenges with grace, and to always extend a helping hand to one another, is a powerful lesson for all of us. Each one of us should make it a point to visit this school—to truly understand the spirit, resilience, and talents of children with different abilities.

The Principal spoke with pride about the school’s orchestra, which has been invited to perform at several venues. We also shared with him and Lokhande Sir the idea of having the children perform in a public garden—a platform that would not only showcase their talent but also deeply move and inspire the audience.

Rtn Anagha Kulkarni Joshi
30th August 2025

Rotary Club of Pune Metro

16/10/2025

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29/09/2025

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21/09/2025

18/09/2025

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31/08/2025

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