Rotaract Club of Sydenham
Rtr. Deepanksha khetawat
President 2021-2022
Rtr. Palash Wadekar
Secretary 2021-2022
PROJECTS
WHAT IF- Reimagining the world around us.
In a world full of questions and possibilities, Rotaract Club of Sydenham College held their Second Installation ceremony themed "WHAT IF - Reimagining the world around us."
Bidding adieu to Rtr. Yash Babrekar & his Clan of Champions of 2020-21 and welcoming Rtr. Deepanksha Khetawat & her Team of Heroes for 2021-22. Everyone celebrated last year's achievements and cheered this year's team as they took up their responsibilities with the same amount of grit and enthusiasm as their predecessors.
The motivating words of Professor In-Charge Mr Rajendra Mali and the Head of the Proposed Alumni Association of Sydenham College Rtn. Ajit Lalvani inspired the members of the club to march ahead with pride. We received support and encouragement from the special guests, the Rotaract Committee Chair, Rtn. Murad Currawalla, DRR for the year 2021-22, Rtr. Bharat Patel and ZRRs Rtr. Punit and Rtr. Rutuja. The new team has infused aspirations to make a change and leave a mark.
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
INDIAN AIRFORCE DAY CELEBRATION
Indian Air Force Day is observed every year on October 8th. On the account of the same, RCSC conducted a series of interviews with the aim to increase awareness about the Indian Air Force, aka the 'Bhartiya Vayu Sena', as an organisation dedicated to enhancing national security and authority.
The main agenda of the event was to provide a platform to the IAF Officers, Mr. Kapil Kak- Air Vice Marshal(retd.), Mrs. Ritu Nayak- Wing Commander, Mr. Subhash B. Shete- Ex. Sergeant to share their experiences, views on the future of the IAF, and a message to the youth.
Owing to the purpose of the event, the host Rtr. Unnati Singh, elaborated on the significance of Indian Air Force Day. For the year 2021, the Indian Air Force parade paid tribute to all the unsung heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and the interviews revolved around the same. The host went over some of the interesting facts about the IAF and extended a warm greeting to the air warriors, their families, and the members of the audience.
INTERVIEW ONE
GUEST: Mr. Kapil Kak, Air Vice Marshal(retd.)
HOST: Rtr. Unnati Singh
After a brief introduction relating to his career in the IAF and the books, he has edited\authored by the host, Rtr. Unnati Singh extended the stage to Mr. Kapil Kak to share his views on the IAF, his experience in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, points to focus on in the future to make India a brighter nation and a message to the younger generation.
INTERVIEW TWO
GUEST: Mrs. Ritu Nayak, Wing Commander
HOST: Rtr. Vedant Dukle
Sharing her journey as a young girl inspired by an IAF advert in a magazine prompting her to join the service, to her experience at the IAF and her smooth transition to the corporate world, Mrs. Ritu Nayak shared what the daily workday of a groundworker at the IAF looks like and left the female audience inspired.
INTERVIEW THREE
GUEST: Mr. Subhash B. Shete, Ex. Sergeant
HOST: Rtr. Samiksha Puranik
Mr. Shete elaborated on what the onboarding process looks like at the IAF, the physical and mental requirements to be an IAF Officer, training young faces of the IAF, and others memories that left the audience starstruck.
The audience was left with a feeling of pride and hope to integrate the wisdom shared into their lives, saluting the warriors of our nation.
'STREE': BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Breast cancer has become a major health concern across Indian cities. RCSC organised a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign, ‘STREE’, in October 2021 sharing a series of measures for early detection and prevention followed by a live hair donation.
Throughout the month multiple Rotaractors and Non-Rotractors joined the awareness initiative and advocated monthly self-examination. A session was conducted where housewives from across the country were educated on the symptoms, and the steps to follow to detect cancer in the early stages. The session also provided a stage to Dr. Aabidha Parveen, who shared her valuable insights and tips to aid those fighting cancer.
Cancer survivors' meet was conducted in collaboration with 'Protect Your Mom-International' & 'Hair For Hope-India'. RCSC is grateful to each one for coming forth and sharing their battle, and most importantly for taking us one step closer to eliminating the stigma that surrounds breast cancer in India.
We hope that Mrs. Matthew's mission to help the community beat breast cancer with pester power reaches new heights each year!
DIWALI AT OLD AGE HOME
Owing to the spirit of Diwali, "khushiya baatne se badti hai,” the team of Rotaract Club of Sydenham College visited the Anand Yaan Centre for Senior Citizens in Worli on October 30th, 2021. The old age home managed by Dignity Foundation and sponsored by Rotary Club of Bombay is home to 80 residents, aged between fifty to ninety years.
The purpose behind this visit was to address the urgent need to spread awareness of breast cancer among the masses and to spend quality time with the residents. The symptoms to look out for the same were shared with the residents in Hindi and Marathi emphasising early detection. The enthusiastic team members then played 'passing The parcel' with the residents. A much-needed 'Advice to the Younger' session was conducted wherein, the residents shared their stories and advice for the younger generation. Those small pockets of guidance will surely lead those currently making their way in the world to success.
The small Garba dance with residents came to be the highlight of the day, with zeal and glee filled moves of the residents. As a token of love, sweets were shared with the residents wishing them a happy and safe Diwali. The old residents expressed their gratitude towards the members in kind words of appreciation and hugs, blessing us all with a good and healthy life.
COFFEE SHOTS WITH RCSC, EPISODE 1
RCSC instigated the series ‘Coffee Shots with RCSC’, on Oct 5th, 2021 celebrating World Teachers Day. Episode 1 featured Mr. Mohammed Virani.
An entrepreneur at heart, a lifelong learner, and a true leader, Prof. Mohammed Virani is associated with several colleges across Mumbai. Having completed his masters in Marketing Management (MMM) from Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) and a resume packed with multiple certifications and achievements he was the ideal choice to fulfil RCSC's aim to reach the hearts and souls of students, inspiring them to be bigger than themselves!
Through a series of questions, students got to peer behind the blinds of the art that is teaching. Sharing his philosophy of teaching, how he derives value from his own experience as a student, the lessons he has learned along the way both professionally and personally and the changes we need to make for a better future, he delivered messages of exceptional value. Mixed with diverting yet blatant sarcasm here and there he consistently had the audience following him throughout the interview.
Additionally, he talked about his initiative, 'INTERNOPEDIA', a LinkedIn page that aims to bridge the gap between corporates looking for interns and students eager for opportunities.
From sharing his early habits of never backing down against obstacles to his teaching experience, along with a drizzle of special touch here and there, it was an amazingly interactive session that ended on the note of humour with a game of 5-Second Trivia.
PROJECT SELF DEFENCE
"Self-defence is not just a set of technique; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending." The quote emphasises that every life is worth saving and it starts with your self-image and self-esteem. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, what you’re experiencing, or what you’ve done. You are always worth defending.
November 25th marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and hence in an effort to move one step closer to a safer society, RCSC organized ‘Project Self
Defence.’ The event was in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of UMT, Lahore, and was sponsored by XBoom.
Through an online forum, multiple self defence techniques were shared by renowned German MMA champion, Master Yasin Seiwasser, a life coach, mental trainer, and martial artist, who also holds the world record for the fastest knockout, three seconds for a title fight.
He demonstrated each move live on google meet and later shared workout clips to help build grit and stamina. The session was followed by a QnA where he answered questions from the audience.
The knowledge gained from Master Yasin will surely go a long way in instilling the feeling of safety and security in our lives!
Quarter 3
Happy New Air
The community service avenue of Rotaract club of Sydenham College commenced with ‘Happy New Air’ a tree plantation initiative from 12th Jan to 20th Jan. The aim of the program was to plant a total of 150 saplings on the college campus, gardens and local areas nearby. All the participants planted trees as per the feasibility of days. Everyone pledged to take care of the plants after planting.
Some posters and videos were also made to enlighten on the importance of tree plantations.
We put up the banners and posters in the area around our school. Our goal of planting 150 saplings was achieved because of the active participation from all the RC members.
Project Aahar
The community service avenue of Rotaract club of Sydenham college conducted a food donation drive, an engaging initiative called ‘Project × आहार’. We distributed a healthy one time meal i.e. lunch which included 3 chapatis ,one bhaji ,dal and rice.
The venue was KEM Hospital, Lower Parel. The members distributed the meal boxes and a water bottle. The food donation drive was a successful one.
Remembering the Saviour
Remembering the Saviour was an initiative taken to provide the students and the youth with an insight into the Indian Army and the work of the soldiers who dedicate their lives for the country. Owing to the purpose of the event, the host elaborated on the significance of the National Army Day.
The event went on with the interview and with snippets of the Indian Army training. The event helped enlighten us about the lifestyle of a soldier.
Stars on Earth
The aim of the event was to visit the Sanjay Nagar Orphanage, Jogeshwari and spend some quality time with the children there. We also planned to distribute chocolates and biscuits, socks and books. We played a few rounds of dodgeball, musical chairs, dog and the bone. Some children took us by surprise when they showcased their beatboxing and dancing skills.
The volunteers of the Anum Foundation gave us information about the Vaidu community and how they are trying to help the children. The overall event was a complete success.
Stronger Together
The community service avenue of Rotaract Club of Sydenham College on account of National Women’s Day organized an event to empower women entrepreneurs in an engaging initiative called ‘Stronger Together’. The event kicked off with the title itself, stronger together by asking our followers on social media to tag any small businesses which they know.Phase 1 of the project was to support Sneha Yadav, a women entrepreneur who grew up working on farms in UP and recently shifted to Mumbai. We circulated sample pictures of her products (masks, scrunchies and cloth bags), which many Rotaractors purchased from.
The phase 2 consisted of shout out to the 3 local businesses on social media. The community service team were able to empower women and share their amazing stories to the world.