Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk

Kilpauk Police Boy's Club

2012-01-02T13:03:00.000+05:30

Siva, Director New Generations, receiving the certificate for adopting the Kilpauk Police Boys club from the Commissioner of Police, Chennai.

The club Board had decided to adopt the Kilpauk Police Boys club and our club has committed to work with this project for the next three years at a cost of Rs. 2 lacs per annum.

21 Prosthetics to disabled - 28th Dec 2011

2011-12-29T08:14:00.003+05:30

On the morning of 28th of Dec 2011 members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk gathered at Mukti at Meenambakkam to hand over prosthetics to poor and needy disabled. For many of the beneficiaries this was the first time they were receiving prosthetics. The first timers needed to be trained in maintenance, usage and car.

At every camp that is held for prosthetics there are always stories which need to be told and this camp was not different. The suffering of a disabled person is much, while we provide them with mobility aids, these people still suffer, a prosthetic alone does not take them to a normal life and this may never be possible for many of them.

The need is so much that even after we take many steps forward the target has been pushed further away. There are still so many disabled in remote and far flung villages who live without hope and in misery. If Rotary cannot help them who will?


This Artificial Limb Camp was funded by a Matching Grant with RC of Strathcona Sunrise.


Technicians at Mukti giving finishing touches to artificial limbs to be handed over to beneficiaries.


A beneficiary trying out his new limb.


Some of the beneficiaries


Waiting for their limbs


An old limb of one of the beneficiaries, could not be repaired


An improvised limb of one of the beneficiaries, the limb was heavy and difficult to use as there was no flexibility. The owner of this limb was relieved to get a new limb that works well.

Rtn. Varadarajan's Speech

5 Tricyles to poor and needy disabled

2011-12-26T13:49:00.000+05:30

5 Tricycles were distributed on 24th of Dec 2011 - Christmas eve, these beneficiaries were identified by Snehithan a NGO which works with the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk in reaching out to the disabled.


Rtn Ravindran with the beneficiaries

Hearing Aids - Xmas Gifts

2011-12-26T13:45:00.000+05:30

24th of December 2011, Xmas eve, the members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk gave away hearing aids to 12 children who were suffering from impaired hearing. The aids were given away just before the Christmas Eve party organised by the Club for its members.

The children and their parents travelled from villages about 80 Kms from Chennai to get their hearing aids. Most children heard continuous speech for the first time in their lives.

The hearing aids were distributed Mrs Palicha mother of Rtn. Divyesh Palicha, who had funded this project.

Hearing Impaired

2011-12-13T16:32:00.000+05:30

We had received requests from 15 people for hearing aids. These children were not able to hear and their parents believed that they would start hearing if they were able to get them hearing aids.

The date was fixed for the 13th of December and these children came into Chennai with their parents. Rtn. Divyesh Palicha had arranged for audiometry tests at Eljay Agency- a business that deals with hearing aids. Tests were carried out and results were ready and Divyesh called me and said "Let us meet at Eljay so we can go through the results and make a decision on the apparatus and further tests if any are required"

Children waiting for their audiometry tests

We met at Eljay Agencies and sqw the results, 11 were ready for haring aids, 2 children had to meet a ENT and 2 had to go through BERA tests (Brain Evoken Response Audiometry) this test was required as the 2 children were actually infants and were not able to respond properly to the audiometry tests.

Sukanya after experiencing sound

Sukanya a girl who was ready for her hearing aids was called in to see how she responded,a hearing aid was taken and affixed to her ears and then she experienced magic, she was for the first time in her life able to hear a sound though it was only our voices. She was asked what her name was and she could not answer, she was asked what her father's name was and she responded "sgumpore" mumbled, unclear. She had never spoken continuously in her life and now she had to listen and then speak, a great and wonderful task. Sukanya was used to sign language and now she could hear and the sounds in her ears made her cry. She could not belileve that it was possible. Sukanya ran out with the hearing aid to her father and mother and asked them to speak - for the first time she heard her mother's voice and then her father's, this was joy and a smile quickly followed by tears. Sukanya then heard something that we tend to ignore, a passing car playing music, she listened and then turned to look at the car and then she heard for the first time in her life, music. It did not matter that the song was in a language that she did not know, it was music and a new experience.

Emotions were high and many children who had come for the tests realised that they too would be able to experience sounds soon.

the orders for the hearing aids have been confirmed and these 11 children will get their hearing aids on 23rd of December evening. A few days before Christmas, the gift of sound, the gift of music. To be able to listen to music, listen to the voice of their mothers', to be able to respond to ones own name.

Great project and very very satisfying.

Thanks to Rtn Divyesh Palicha for making this happen.

Washing Hands Posters

2011-12-07T21:27:00.002+05:30

The Community Services Team handed over 300 posters to the Interact Club of Thiru vi Ka School. The posters have been designed to create awareness about Washing one's hands to bring down the incidence of infections.

Rtn. Vasanthi spoke to the Interactors about the project and what they need to do.

The President of the Interact Club accepted the posters and said that he would ensure that these posters would be put up in strategic locations not only in the school but also in the community.

Vocational Service awards

2011-12-07T21:23:00.001+05:30

This evening at Thiru Vi Ka School the Club presented Vocational Service Awards to
1. Ms. Jayanthi - a nurse form the Kilpauk Medical Hospital who speacialises in nursing terminally ill patients.
2. Sudhakar - security guard with Group 4 Securities, for his kindness and generosity to a destitute male and for his dedicated, committed and sincere service as a security guard.
3. Krishniah -Conservancy worker with the Chennai Corporation in Kilpauk locality.
4. Arumugam - watchmen at Thiru Vi Ka School for his over 50 years of continuous dedicated service to the school.

Each was chosen for dedication to their respective vocations over many years and for their huge contribution to the Institutions they work for. Every organisation they work for was well represented at the awards function and their respective Boss spoke well about everyone of them.

Food for the people of Irukkum distributed

2011-12-04T17:09:00.001+05:30

Representatives of the Chennai Food bank and from the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk went to the island of Irukkum about 60 Kms from Chennai to distribute rice, dhal and oil to the residents of the village. We took the ferry from the mainland to the island where the rice and oil and dhal were waiting to be distributed. These provisions had been sent to the island a day earlier. We were greeted with smiles, happiness with everyone wishing us well in our lives, happiness forever and good luck to our children and families.

We left the island happily, knowing that a good job had been done to provide relief to these people.

Food for people at the Island of Irukkum in Pulicat Lake

2011-12-03T11:50:00.000+05:30

30 Tricycles were distributed at Uthukottai on 27th November 2011, soon after Arumugam the boatman from Irukkum came to see me to give a CD of pictures taken at the tricycle distribution function. Arumugam made an appeal for food for his villagers at Irukkum, I immediately posted the following in facebook and also sent out an email to members of RCCK -

The island of Irukkum in Pulicat Lake, the recent rains and the rising waters from the sea have flooded their agricultural land and all crops have been damaged. These people are suffering for want of food. I have received an appeal for food from about 300 families. When I asked them why they have not thought about a possible line of business that will sustain them throughout the year they looked blank and then said that they were islanders and not used to anything other than agriculture. If anyone could help them they would be happy to learn. Remember they live inside a bird sanctuary so there would be restrictions on what is possible. BUT right now, they need food, they are willing to eat rice KANJI, they do not want dhal, oil nothing they just want to fill their stomach for a few days and without having to borrow, which could be disastrous.

Rajasthan Youth Association - Metro responded immidiately with an offer of 1500 Kgs of rice and RCCK will put together oil and dhal for 300 families.

Arumugam is on his way to Chennai (11 AM on 3rd Dec 2011) to pick up the rice, oil and dhall. Members of the RCCK and RYA Metro will go tomorrow to the island of Irukkum to distribute the rice, oil and dhal and to assess what can be done for these people in the long term.

Tricycles Distributed at Uthukottai

2011-12-02T11:31:00.000+05:30

We have over the last many years provided mobility aids to so many disabled people and every time we move to a new location to help the disabled it is always true that there are more disabled than we thought there would be. An Association for disabled people in Chithoor approached us for some help with the disabled and in the first stage we said that we would give away 30 tricycles out of a total of 67 that were requested.

The first batch of Tricycles were distributed on Sunday the 27th of November 2011. While members of the Club were not able to reach the location due to heavy rain and this coupled with road maintenance work being carried on.

The Chairman of the project Rtn Ravindran had just before the rains visited the venue and had inspected the tricycles while they were being assembled. He had a few weeks earlier met with all beneficiaries. As a process every beneficiary has to be met and proper documentation collected, the documentation includes a disability certificate issued by the Govt, ration card copies were available, ID proof, photograph and details of disability.

Health awareness Programme

2011-11-26T07:40:00.000+05:30

The Club launched a Public Awareness Health Programme, Washing Hands. It is known that most infections can be avoided if humans wash hands, posters have been printed and will be distributed to offices, schools and institutions to promote the habit of washing hands.

Inauguration of Interact Club of Thiru Vi Ka School

2011-11-26T06:29:00.000+05:30

Helping Hands

2011-11-25T12:05:00.001+05:30

Sunday, 27th November 2011 - 30 Tricycles and 3 wheelchairs will be distributed to poor and needy disabled. The distribution will take place at 10:30 AM at Uthukottai near Chennai. 6 Tricycles will be distributed in Chennai next week.

Club Election

2011-11-25T12:02:00.002+05:30

I am happy to inform you all that the Club has its President elect for the Rotary year 2012-13 in Rtn.Nirmal Nahar and President Nominee in Rtn. Sudhir Thakker for the Rotary year 2013-14 – the first two links in our leadership pipeline.

Nirmal, Sudhir: My congratulations and best wishes. At this juncture, it is appropriate that we all rally around and pledge our support to them in enabling them discharge their duties as President in their respective years in office.

Rtn Ravi Krishnan was also elected Treasurer.

Pres. Velu Muthu

Mind Trek - Svasti

2011-11-25T11:56:00.002+05:30

Mind Trek - Seminar on Mental well being was a huge success. The speakers where World Class, the audience were great, lots of interaction and exchange of information and knowledge and experiences. The feedback we have received has been fantastic. We now start work on the next in the series, Sugar Trail - Seminar on Diabetes and its complications.

The speakers for the evening were -

Dr. Prabakar Thyagarajan MRCPsych., ABPsych..
Consultant Psychiatrist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai. (Anxiety & Stress)

Mrs Saras Bhaskar,Counseling Psychologist and Coach[Relationships]

Dr.N. Rangarajan DPM; MRCPsych.,Consultant
Psychiatrist, Fortis Malar Hospital and Psymed Hospital. (Addiction)

Dr. Suresh Iyer MD; MD Neurology (AIIMS); Fell.
Epilepsy (UCLA); Fell. Sleep Medicine (ISDA); Consultant Neurologist,
Fortis Malar Hospital. (Sleep Disorders).

First few days into the new Rotary Year

2011-07-19T11:26:00.000+05:30

Rtn. Velu Muthu was installed as the 14th President of the RC Chennai Kilpauk recently and since then the Board of Directors have been very active the last few weeks.

Presenting their plans at the Club Assembly, arranging for brainstorming session for Club Members at Bangalore over the last weekend. The objective being to create a vision for the Club for the next 5 years. This is something that the Club does every year and therefore we are able to change our directions keeping in mind the needs of the community and members. The session in Bangalore interesting and has created a database of ideas.

The findings will be presented to members who were not able to come to Bangalore to get their inputs and feedback.

Pondicherry Camp

2010-12-01T18:31:00.000+05:30

We handed over a few prosthetics symbolically in Pondicherry. The Hon. Home minister for the Pondicherry was the Chief guest and the Vice Chancellor of the Pndicherry university was the Guest of Honour. The beneficiaries were thrilled to be able to walk again.

Tricycles and Wheelchairs distributed at Arambakkam

2010-07-11T17:13:00.000+05:30

Tricycles and Wheelchairs

2010-07-10T07:21:00.000+05:30

The RC of Chennai Kilpauk has recently provided Mobility Aids to the following villages:

15 tricycles to Mepur village, this village is about 30 Kms from Chennai and is off the Chennai - Bangalore Highway

Arambakkam village which is 65 Kms from Chennai on the Nellore Highway
13 Tricycles
4 Wheelchairs

Snegithan- Association for the welfare of the physically handicapped
10 tricycles and 4 wheel chairs

The disabled who benefitted from this project were poorest of the poor and are cmopletely deserving of these aids.

These mobility aids would enhance their lives and empower them by making them mobile and independant as regards their movement. Also increasing their chances of obtaining gainful employment.

This project was made possible with a MG with the RC Strathcona Sunrise with special thanks to TRF and Rtn, Chip Ross who is the primary contact with the RC of Strathcona Sunrise.

Installation of Arvind Rathnam as 13th President.

2010-07-10T07:13:00.000+05:30

Arvind Rathnam has been installed as the 13th President of the RC Chennai Kilpauk. Arvind comes with a huge amount of experience in running social organisations and is in fact the current President of the Madras Gymkhana Club. The Union Minister of Textiles Hon. Dayanidi Maran was the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour was the DG Rtn. Olivannan.

The Board members for the Rotary year 2010-11
Secretary - Rahul Kesu
Treasurer - Bipin Bhatia
Club Service - Rizwan Currimbhoy
Community Services - VC Raveendran
Vocational Services - Vijaya Kirubakaran
International services - Madhusudhan Rhenius
Sgt at Arms - H L Ratan
Advisor to the Board - Karthik Sabhanayagam

Helping Hands - caliper Camp at Madurai

2010-05-07T11:37:00.000+05:30

The Camp at Madurai was conducted between 21st and 28th of Feb 2010. We were able to distribute 110 calipers to polio affected, the calipers were made by Mukti at the camp site. This project was conducted with support from TRF through a MG with RC of London. Every camp that is conducted results in so many disabled getting a new lease of life which come with mobility and confidence. We hope we will be able to conduct more camps without any break.

Vocational Service project - TVK School

2010-05-07T11:24:00.001+05:30

We have been working together with the Thiru Vi Ka School to provide vocational training to school drop outs, the courses offered are:

welder
turner
electrician
plumber and
carpenter

The next batch will commence on 1st July 2010. Till date the RCCK has handed over more than completion certificates to over 300 dropouts and with a 100% success rate on employment. The certification programme is approved by the Ministry of labour and employment thereby assuring a bright future for those who take the exams. This project is aided by the TRF through a Matching Grant with RC of Medford Rogue, Oregon. Rtn Tim johnson played an active part in this project and it is hoped that we will get sufficient funding over the next few years to ensure the programme's continuity.

Vision for Poor

2010-03-19T12:13:00.001+05:30

Report by Project Chairman - Rtn. H. Venkatesh

The Vision for Poor project conceived by RCCK with the intention of providing quality vision to the poor and needy in association with the world famous Sankara Nethralaya(SN) (http://www.sankaranethralaya.org) has achieved its immediate objective of performing cataract surgeries on 50 patients from poor and rural background.

The cheque for Rs one lakh fifty thousand towards performing 50 cataract surgeries were handed over to SN on 5th March 2010 and we have been informed that the surgeries for 50 beneficiaries have been conducted successfully. The surgeries were carried out through various camps in villages surrounding Chennai.

Sankara Nethralaya informs us that the poor patients were literally dancing with joy as their vision was restored which in turn has given them a new lease of Life!
The beneficiaries who were groping in the dark in utter desperation and dejection due to their dwindling vision due to obfuscation caused by the cataract, have now been provided a new Life of hope,happiness and optimism.

Dr Tarun of SN says the beneficiaries would have excellent vision through out their lives and can now move about freely without any aid or help thus leading a normal life!

Had RCCK not stepped in, these 50 poor patients would have gradually lost vision leading to total blindness. RCCK's support has successfully brought them back to Life.

Another small step in our efforts to serve the people from the lower echelons of society!!

We are confident of continuing this project in the coming years, maybe in a larger scale.

Kovalam village RCC

2010-03-17T09:24:00.000+05:30

I have been asked many questions as regards the SGH, PLF and HLF and so on. I am reproducing a Taminadu Government note on this subject and hope this clarifies most doubts. The State of Tamilnadu has an evolved system of Self Help Groups which seek and obtain Micro Credit Financing and these groups are self sufficient in their management. The Govt. does provide the basic framework in all villages for their working. One Abbreviation which will not be covered here is ECR - this is east Coast Road on which the village of Kovalam is situate. The RCC at Kovalam discussed the involvement of women its running and as they were closely involved with the PLF, SHG and so on these abbreviations were used. I hope the below given note clarifies. I have given the meaning of tamil words in the note in brackets.

Mahalir Thittam (Women's scheme) – Restructuring of Panchayat (village council) Level Federations - Structure of Panchayat Level
Federation (PLF) Membership Qualifications, Administrative structure of Federation, duties and
responsibilities, Formation of Social Audit Committee, Bank Accounts and Maintenance of
Registers, Income and Expenditure and Formation of Habitation Level Forums and its functions –
Approval of Detailed guidelines
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (CGS-3) Department
G.O.(Ms) No. 125
Dated: 21.7.2008.
Read:
1. G.O.Ms.No.116 SW & NMP Department, dated: 31.7.2002.
2. G.O Ms No. 132 Rural Department & Panchayat
Raj (CGS-I) Department, dated 20.07.2007.
3. G.O Ms No. 177, Rural Department & Panchayat
Raj (CGS-II) Department, dated 05.12.2006.
4. G.O Ms.No. 104, Rural Department & Panchayat
Raj (CGS-I) Department, dated 19.06.2007
5. From the Managing Director, TNCDW Ltd D.O.Lr.No.
1719/B/2008 dated 7.7.2008.
ORDER:
In the Government Order first read above, orders prescribing norms for formation of
Panchayat Level Federation and Block level Federation, its Membership, imparting Training,
Functions, Systems & Procedures to be followed in the Federation, were issued.
2.
The Honourable Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration has
announced on the floor of the Assembly that “PLFs will be restructured and will be registered so
as to give them legal status”. Based on the announcement, the Managing Director, Tamil Nadu
Corporation for Development of Women Limited in his letter 5th read above, has sent a proposal
stating that many PLFs continue to be weak due to various reasons and variation of number of
Self Help Groups (SHGs) and number of habitations in the Village Panchayats of Tamil Nadu,
there is an imperative need to restructure the present PLFs and requested orders of Government
to restructure the PLFs.
3. The Government after careful consideration of the proposal of the Managing Director,
Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited issue the following changes to the
Government Order first read above in relation to restructuring of Panchayat Level Federation.
(i) The Panchayat Level Federation of Self Help Groups will be at two levels i.e at
Habitation level and at Panchayat Level. The Government order that at Habitation
Level a Habitation Level Forum (HLF) and at Panchayat Level a Panchayat Level
Federation (PLF) of SHGs shall be formed. The structure of the Panchayat Level
Federation of SHGs, the qualification and membership, PLF and Habitation Level
Forums of SHGs, and their Administration and other activities etc. are prescribed in
the detailed guidelines annexed to this order. The units mentioned as above shall be
formed and function accordingly.
(ii) All the reorganized PLFs shall register under Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act
1975.
(iii) The Government authorize the Prinicipal Secretary to Government, Rural Development
& Panchayat Raj Department to amend the guidelines based on the operational
requirement, in consultation with the Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Corporation for
Development of Women Limited.
(By Order of the Governor)
K.ASHOK VARDHAN SHETTY,
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

RCC - Kovalam - Mission statement

2010-03-16T10:59:00.002+05:30

This was the Mission Statement prepared by Velu for the RCC at Kovalam.

This had been translated in Tamil by Velu, and was read out and explained to the members by Mr. Joseph the headmaster.

• To inspire and motivate community members to
take an active role in identifying and addressing
community problems

• To mobilize community members to carry out
sustainable service projects that will improve the
lives of everyone in the community

• To always use humanitarian principles as a
guide when carrying out service projects

RCC at Kovalam 2nd Report

2010-03-16T10:58:00.004+05:30

Dear Friends

Our second meeting at Kovalam with reference to the formation of the RCC at Kovalam was held yesterday.

Members Present : Velu, Mani, Ravindran and Revathi.

About 12 members from the village of which 2 were new members who had not attended the first meeting.

Mr. Joseph headmaster- and Narayanan.

There seems to be a small issue with the two PLF Leaders preventing some of the members from attending the meeting, because they were not consulted by the others before attending the last meeting. Narayanan has said he will take care of this, because the RCC has nothing to do with PLF and HLF leaderships.

The formal meeting was started with a discussion on the major problems to be identified and solutions sought for the village community.

What came across was, since the time of the Tsunami, several organsations have come foward to help- but they have not really succeeded because sustained follow up was lacking and people went back to their old ways. A good input for us to take away from this meeting.

Problem No 1 : Cleanliness. Clean Environment.

We distributed about a 100 cotton bags which were primarily small shopping bags, so the villagers could carry their own cotton bags for their vegetable and grocery shopping. It appears there are 1700 homes in the 9 wards of Kovalam. The conclusion was that RCCK will provide the cut components for the bag , along with the handle and thread. The village tailors would sew the bags for a small fee. They will come back to us with printing cost for the RI, RCCK and RCC Logos on the bag. If cost is lower even the printing will be done in the village. At the formal inauguration of the RCC- 1700 bags will be distributed - one to each home.

The members wanted us to hold meetings with the traders to educate them on the need to do away with plastic bags, and keep a supply of low priced cotton bags , charge a small fee for the bag and thereby inculcate the practise of people bringing their own shopping bags.

A few good ideas came up on how to place responsibility on the people to keep their surroundings clean.

Problem No 2 : Open areas in the village still being used as toilets.

The members felt the village folk need to be educated on the use of toilets- and more of the dry toilets must be provided in the public places- along with a small bathing area for women. We inspected a couple of the dry toilets in the village- and indeed it is working very well. So as a bigger project- perhaps we need to tie up with a sponsor- , Matching Grant to build more public toilets. Cost per toilet is about Rs. 15000.00 according to Naryanan who has so far constructed about 40 such toilets. 10 are in the Kovalam village.

Literacy: in about 2 of the HLF groups about 18 members each have been identified as being not literate. The members expressed that they need to be motivated to attend the Adult Literacy Program- because most feel they are managing well, without being literate. This will indeed be a tough task.

A formal discussion with Mr. Joseph on how to take this forward is needed. Our members present felt that we need to give a small monetary incentive to those who complete the training program.

Gainful employment/ Increasing Income : The members expressed that with rising costs , ways to provide work within the village have to be explored.

I offered to train a few members in the Leather Industry, because several jobs in the leather goods sector, shoe uppers, woven mats could be done in SHG's in the village. They will identfiy about 4-5 members who could be trained in our factory, for about two months, and they could then go back and train the members in the village. Thereafter work could be provided for them in their village. However, considering that it would take almost 3 hours to reach Ambattur from Kovalam, I will speak to other members in the industry located closer to the ECR to take this up. There is tremendous workforce shortage in the industry so this idea should work.

( Request other members in our club to think of other areas of work that could be done at the village through SHG' ) . Narayanan says place can be found within the village.

A mission statement had been prepared by Velu and was read out and explained to the members by Mr. Joseph.

It was decided to defer the choice of leaders and announce the target date for the formal opening of the RCC to the next meeting , as we need to get more members involved in the RCC. However, we believe Mr. Joseph could be the chairman of the RCC.

One of the women came up to me and conveyed that prostitution continued to be a major problem in the village- and these women were not being accepted into any SHG- so this was one problem that we should work on.

Next meeting on 6th March at 3 PM.

Thanks and regards

Revathi

RCC at Kovalam village - first report by Pres. Revathi Roy

2010-03-16T10:58:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends

I am briefing what transpired at our first meet with the people at Kovalam in our first formal meeting for the formation of an RCC.

Members Present from RCCK: Velu, Jose, Mani, Revathi.

Members Present from Kovalam: Panchayat Leader Janakiraman, committed to community service- Narayanan, Retd School Headmaster- Joseph, a couple of other Ward or Panchayat leaders.

20 Women from the village of which 2 were PLF leaders and 7 were HLF Leaders and the others were leaders of the SHG to which they belonged. 1 housewife and also Bhuvaneshwari and Yasmin who work at the Panchayat office.

We first understood how the village is organised.

6000 to 6200 inhabitants in 1400 homes.

9 Wards in the village as per Govt Norms.

An estimated 84 SHG's are operating in the village and it appears from almost every home, one women is an SHG Member.

12 SHG's comprising of an average of 20 members each are under one HLF( Habitation Level Federation ) and hence there are 7 HLF's and therefore 7 HLF Leaders.

These 7 HLF leaders report to two PLF's.

The HLF leaders ensure that each SHG under them is working well, and all monetary commitments by each member is met every month.

The work done at the SHG's through Micro Financing is mainly making and selling Idli's, saree trading, trading in grocery, tailoring and sale of flowers, vegetables and yes fish trade.

All the women could articulate very well and were very clear and crisp in their presentation.

Understand that there will be less than 200 members in the village who are below the age of 50 and not literate.

Those who joined an SHG and were not literate at the time of joining have been given some basic training and now can do simple math and sign their names.

The Rtd Headmaster works closely with the village members and help them with their ration cards, property matters etc.

Children are all being sent to school, and there are youth attending college too.

Narayanan is highly respected in the village and has earned this through his commitment to social causes in the village.

He was responsible for raising funds and constructing 40 dry toilets in the village. The solid waste is collected in pits which are treated with some chemicals, some manure is added and in a year's time is decomposed and is now being packed and sold for manure. The liquid waste is removed through underground pipe lines.

A water body in the village has been cleaned up and though not potable can be used for other purposes of washing and bathing.

They welcomed the idea of an RCC and would like to address the following issues to begin with :

Health and Hygiene. They are particular about doing away with plastic which is causing a lot of litter in the village.

100 % literacy in the village.

Maintaining and running of the Water Treatment Plant.

Sport material for the youth in the village some of who waste their time in the evenings playing cards, and other unsocial activities and the women would like the RCC to encourage them to play some good sport like Volley Ball and Cricket and would like to hold inter ward competitions.

I think to this we can add:

Provide training for any vocation that can be run through Micro financing.

We found the women to be fairly empowered irrespective of caste or creed, and taking a very active interest in their HLF's and SHG's.

We will visit the village every Saturday at 3 PM for the next 4 weeks by which time a formal RCC could be formed with elected/nominated leaders.

Thereafter the visits could become fortnightly, and after a while monthly.

Velu and Siva will lead this SHG and they will choose their team of committee members.

After 12 months committee members can be changed.

Once started, it should be possible to get a good sponsor to implement the programs in this RCC.

As a first step of our commitment to this cause, we propose distributing cotton shopping bags with Rotary Logos about 250 numbers and then supply the fabric with the screen printing so through an SHG they can tailor the bags and possibly sell them for a profit. This for the first 1400 bags to make a symbolic beginning.

For this Mohan and I will sponsor the fabric and charge the club for the actual screen printing, handle material and stitching which could be around Rs. 12.00 per bag. This will be for the first 250 bags. Balance needed to be completed for 1400 bags we will charge for the screen printing and handle material, and the tailoring can be done in the village and possibly the bags can be sold by the SHG.

Those who wish to know more , and would like to volunteer to be a committee member may please speak to Velu or me.

With best regards

Revathi

Our plans for reaching out to the disabled

2010-01-10T08:08:00.002+05:30

Over the next few months there will be a number of camps by which we will distribute artificial limbs, calipers and mobility aids. Salem, Madurai, Orissa, UP are some of the regions where these camps will be held.

Having heard that Karnataka has a large number of disabled who need help, I made some inquiries which reveal that this was true. I have sought more information and help in organising camps in the State of Karnataka.

I would dare to think that there would be atleast one camp every month over the next few months. By these camps RCCK will distribute over 700 calipers / limbs over the next 6 months.

Personally I am toying with the idea of reaching out to the disabled by conducting mativational workshops. Would it work?

A few days ago I was driving down to Pondicherry and stopped by on the road and noticed a quadraplegic running a tea shop. He was not even able to count out the change for his customers and had to be helped.

I told him to go to a camp that we were conducting and gave him the address and location and instructions on how to reach the camp. Also wrote out a letter for him. He never came. Why? Was he not able to find someone who will mind his shop for the day that he would be away?

Life is difficult.

Artificial Limb Camp in December 2009

2010-01-03T08:48:00.004+05:30

The camp was inaugurated on 22nd December at Mukti and closed on 30th december with members of RCCK and Mukti working all days including weekends and Christmas to make sure that the camp was successfull AND it was.

Raveendran - Director Community Services put together an impressive artificial limb camp at Mukti in Chennai in the last week of december 2009. The accent was on reaching out to the disabled and much work went into this camp. The many hours of planning and the efficient execution did show what can be done with dedication. Over 96 disabled benefited from this camp.

Thanks to all members of RCCK and Mukti team for their great team work in reaching out to so many disabled in an efficient manner.

Computer installed at Chip Ross Learning Centre

2009-11-05T09:33:00.000+05:30

Sometime ago I was having dinner with a few friends and we got to talking about what the RC of Chennai Kilpauk does. I mentioned to him the recent commencement of training of a batch of disabled girls at Chip Ross Learning Centre and the various projects we have done to help the disabled and needy.

A few days later Sandeep called me and said that he was taken up with the work at the Centre and had procured a computer which he would like to have installed there for use by the girls who were learning how to use new technology to help them with their lives.

Monday saw the computer being installed at the centre and it is now being used to teach the girls who have enrolled.

What is now required is a coat of paint for the centre and the dormitory attached to it and maybe a few other facilities which will make life easier for these disabled girls.

New batch of students at the Chip Ross Learning Centre

2009-09-16T09:54:00.002+05:30

A new batch for the current year was inducted at the Chip Ross Learning centre. Ten disabled girls will be taught computers, their use and more at the Centre over the next 6 months. This will throw open a wide angle of opportunities for these girls, not only as regards work but also in terms of confidence, motivation and higher feeling of self worth.

The ten girls were present at the function and were excited with the prospect of learning computers. They will be provided Boarding and Lodging at the Andhra Mahila Sabha where the centre is located. The Chief Guest was Satish Jadav of Gaitonde Leathers which has been a donor to our projects.

The Centre's computers are down to 4 in number now. Computers at the Centre are subjected to a lot of stress, being handled by disabled who are not used to soft touch keyboards and computers. We need to now find funds for a few more computers and maybe an internet connection too, how about a printer? Maybe some more peripherals, special chairs for the disabled students, a multimedia kit?

We were shown the living quarters for these girls at the Sabha and there is much that can be done. A coat of paint to start with?

At the end of it all this computer course will give these girls knowledge that will get them jobs and maybe even a life.

One of the girls who was trained here was given a job by one of our member and she is now to be married to a boy working with her.

Artificial Limb Camp at Salem, Tamilnadu, India

2009-09-07T18:46:00.001+05:30

PDG Srinivasa Gobalan called to confirm the camp in the second week of November 2009. The RC of Salem Centennial has started making preparations for the camp. They have now been briefed on the camp and I suppose they have all required information to go ahead.

I hope the Valedictory function will be on Friday evening and at Yercaud, a small hill station a few Kms from Salem. It would be a great joint meeting with members of Chennai Kilpauk and Salem Centennial.

The weather in Yercaud would be great and maybe a trek on Saturday morning would get everybody ready for the event in the evening.

I have written to the DG in Nagercoil asking him for his help in organising a camp in that area. I am sure the disabled in that area would greatly benefit.

Now to look for someone in UP and Bihar.

News about Rtn. Peggy Carswell our visitor from Strathcona Sunrise just after Tsunami

2009-09-07T11:16:00.003+05:30

Here it is from the August Issue of Rotary News.

Organic Revolution

"Fertile Ground," a Canadian NGO, has worked in partnership with a dedicated group of Rotarians in Upper Assam, RC Digboi, RI District 3240, to establish "Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa," a two-acre demonstration garden and training centre.

Tea growers in Assam rely on a regular regime of pesticides and fertilisers to increase production and reduce crop losses due to insect pests. The Rotarians of RC Digboi, RI District 3240, with unstinting support from a Canadian NGO, "Fertile Ground," raised awareness about the health risks associated with pesticide use. Supported by RI and Canadian volunteers like Ms. Peggy Carswell along with funds raised by Fertile Ground, they started work on "Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa," a community demonstration garden. The garden was created to provide information and encouragement to farmers, tea growers, students and consumers about eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Fertile Ground, established in 2003, carries out activities in Canada and in Assam to promote sustainable and organic farming practices. Situated on two acres of land on one of the main roads in town, the site on which Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa is now situated had previously been living quarters for workers from the local oil refinery owned by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Ms. Carswell spent her first six weeks with three labourers and a small but enthusiastic group of local Rotarians and neighbourhood volunteers, creating a mountain of broken bricks, rocks, old shoes, glass and disintegrating plastic bags that had to be removed from the site.

Once the soil could be tilled, a series of raised beds were created. The beds were planted with a mixture of wheat, field peas and channa. The young plants were later incorporated into the soil to increase organic matter and nitrogen. Thereafter five more Canadian volunteers arrived, including Erin Harper, a young organic farmer from Salt Spring Island. Erin explained how to layer straw, cow manure, cardboard, rice husks and water hyacinth (an invasive plant that is rapidly taking over local wetlands) in long piles, 3' wide, 4' high and 16' in length. The materials decompose quickly in Assam's warm climate and by keeping the piles moist and turning them regularly, she soon had a large supply of finished compost to add to the soil.

According to Rtn. Urmila Baruah, RC Digboi, RI District 3240, "Traditionally, Assamese farmers have always prepared compost. But when science meets tradition new knowledge is gleaned. The Canadian volunteers brought the knowledge that for effective compost there has to be a balance of carbon and nitrogen in the compost materials. They also explained that the traditional method of preparing compost in a pit deprives the compost of oxygen and so it should be prepared above ground. This knowledge, when shared with the farmers, has been highly appreciated and they have been inspired to try the process."

With members of RC Digboi acting as translators, Fertile Ground's volunteers met with farmers and tea growers from a number of nearby villages. They heard from the farmers that local crops are being attacked by increasing numbers of insect pests since fertiliser and pesticide use has become more widespread and that growers have little or no access to information about sustainable or organic farming practices.

Many farmers in Assam have lost confidence in the traditional practices used to control insect pests and improve soil fertility. Most of the resource materials Fertile Ground has collected and translated into the Assamese language draw on the wisdom of indigenous cultures. They encourage growers to make compost and to use low-cost, locally available materials like garlic, chilli, haldi and leaves of the local neem tree to make preparations that reduce insect damage but don't harm beneficial bugs such as lacewings and praying mantis. Other useful practices that have fallen out of practice include placing perches made from lengths of bamboo in rice fields, or leaving strips of uncultivated land between fields to help attract birds and other insect predators.

Colourful containers to encourage people to separate materials like paper and food scraps from other waste materials was designed by the Canadian volunteer Laura Colquoun. At Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa, these materials are added to the compost piles to produce top quality organic fertilisers. This approach was welcomed by Rotarians of RC Digboi who have recently embarked on an awareness campaign to help improve the town's waste management practices.

A contribution made by the RC Cumberland Centennial, RI District 5020, Canada, helped Fertile Ground begin construction of a classroom and resource centre at the site and funding from a Vancouver-based organisation, Canada India Village Aid, a Canadian NGO, helped furnish the classroom and launch a new training and work experience programme for women in Digboi and nearby villages.

In Digboi, Rotarians have become enthusiastic spokespersons for the project. Some, like Rtn. Urmila Baruah, have started brewing compost tea for use in their own gardens and are making compost. Vegetables grown without chemical pesticides or fertilisers are regularly harvested from the new beds at the site, and are sold at weekly meetings of their Rotary Club. Flower and vegetable seedlings are also grown in a new poly-house erected this year at the site, and the sale of these materials as well as vermicompost provide a small source of income for the project.

The project currently provides full-time employment for three people from Digboi, who participate in training sessions conducted at the site and in nearby villages. A new production unit for preparation of formulas was recently completed, and plans are underway to construct a small "Green Shop" where organic vegetables, vermicompost and other products will be sold.

More information about the project, including helpful information about how to grow crops organically in both English and Assamese languages, is available at www.fertile-ground.org.

MG with RC of London

2009-09-07T11:06:00.002+05:30

RCCK is all set to carry out the last bit of formalities which will enable it to receive the Grant funds from The Rotary Foundation.

The entire Matching Grant will be towards provision of artificial limbs to disabled people. The artificial limbs (Jaipur foot) will be provided by Mukti.

This year alone Chennai Kilpauk will provide over1000 limbs to the needy and many in rural, remote areas who do not have access to such facilities.

Once again TRF steps in to help the poor and needy disabled.

Inaguration of Kovalam plant - pics

2009-09-07T10:42:00.001+05:30

Pics of the Inauguration

2009-09-07T10:40:00.002+05:30

More pics of the Inauguration

2009-09-07T10:37:00.001+05:30

Inauguration of Kovalam

2009-09-07T10:34:00.003+05:30

Members of the RC Chennai Kilpauk gathered around the plant just before the inauguration, you can see the musicians in the forefront.

Chip Ross Digital Learning Centre

2009-09-07T10:00:00.006+05:30

In the current year 10 disabled girls will start their new and exciting journey into learning computers and seek a new life for themselves with greater opportunities.

This learning will provide them with the skills that they would require to get for themselves better jobs and more than anything else give them a feeling of great self worth.

Plans are being made to commence training for these girls in the middle of this month.

Kovalam water treatment plant inaugurated

2009-09-07T09:43:00.002+05:30

The water treatment plant at Kovalam was inaugurated by DG W. Anand on Friday the 4th as scheduled. The inauguration took place with the auspicious sounds from folk instruments played by a small group of musicians hired for this purpose.

Well attended by District officials and members of RCCK the event was a grand success.

This project will enable over 600 households to get their requirement of drinking water within the village itself. Each household spends over Rs 600 per month on their water requirements and this plant will help them save this money.

RCCK pledged to do more for the people of Kovalam and has already initated a lireacy project in the village.

Helping Hands - Salem

2009-09-01T11:58:00.002+05:30

The next phase of Helping Hands is to commence. RC of Salem Centennial alog with RC of Chennai Kilpauk will organise an artificial limb camp at Salem in November 2009. This will help reach out to the disabled in areas which do not have free access to prosthetics.

Salem Centennial will identify beneficiaries in and around the city of Salem, a radius of about 70 Kms will be covered.

Helping Hands is a Matching Grant project with the Rotary Club of Strathcona Sunrise, Canada with the active involvement of Rtn. Chip Ross.

Kovalam water treatment plant - Inauguration

2009-09-01T11:34:00.003+05:30

The Kovalam plant will be inaugurated by the DG of 3230 on 4th September (Friday) at Kovalam at 5 PM. Work is going on at an hectic pace to ensure that all work is completed for the event.

Chennai Kilpauk is looking at a longterm association with the village through RCC, literacy and other projects which will change the lives of its residents.

This project a joint effort of the RC of Dublin and RC of Chennai Kilpauk with support from The Rotary Foundation will provide safe drinking water to the residents of the Kovalam village. Rtn. Arthur McCullough provides active assistance in this project.

Over a thousand people will immediately benefit by this project and will no more have to buy their water for drinking or cooking.

This is a good example of how Rotary is making this world a better place to live in.

Status of projects

2009-06-10T07:15:00.002+05:30

Kovalam water treatment plant

The plant has been tested and is working well. The plant will be delivered at the site by Jose's Company shortly and installed soon after. A few days of running the plant will help fix errors if any. What remains is to find a good date and get the dedication done.

Kollumedu water treatment plant for school

Rtn Tim Johnson has sent an email stating that the funding is through and we should have the monies with us shortly. Jose will be sending some one from his Company to visit the school and understand the location of the shed and power supply and so on. The plant is being put together and it is hoped that the school will have access to drinking water shortly.

Kollumedu school toilet block

The Matching Grant application will be resubmitted on 1st July by Tim. Revathi our incoming President is ding all the work to ensure this happens on time.

Helping Hands

We should be having the monies from TRF against our Matching Grant shortly. A lot of work needs to be done on this project and many volunteers required.

MG with RC of London

The MG application will be resubmitted on 1st July and Revathy has initiated action to ensure the MG goes through without a hitch.

Thiru Vi Ka School - Vocational Services Project

Mohan Roy is preparing the interim report for TRF and there is to be an interactive session with the student his evening at the school. We have enough funds for one more batch before which the fate of this project will have to be decided.

Installation meeting

2009-06-05T06:13:00.002+05:30

This evening Revathi Roy gets installed as the 12th President of the Club. She was the Secretary last year and moves in as President soon after.

The Club has under her leadership made plans for the coming year ad Revathi has already started working towards her goals.

Many projects have been drawn up and causes identified. Teams in place and enthusiastic to perform.

Her Board of Directors will be:
Secretary - Sudhir Thakker
Treasurer - Bipin Bhatia
Club Services - Venkatesh
Community - Raveendran
Vocational - Vijaya
International - Rizwan

The Club will be climbing many steps of the ladder agaist the wall under her leadership.

Water plant for school at Kollumedu

2009-05-18T13:25:00.003+05:30

Rtn. Tim Johnson had confirmed that his club and district would provide USD 2000 for the water treatment plant at Kollumedu school. The water sample has been taken from the school premises by Jose mathew and has also been tested. The water treatment plant will be ordered for and installed in the school hopefully before the schol re opens after the summer holidays.

The school children have never had safe drinking water in this school and this plant when installed will provide pure drinking water for the school children.

Once the toilet project is taken on and completed, a major step would have been taken in bringing the facilities in the school to reasonable levels in terms of water and toilets. A lot more work has to go in to making this school an institution with reasonable facilties.

80G certificate

2009-05-18T13:10:00.003+05:30

We have received the letter from the Income tax authorities approving the renewal under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, inrespect of donations. The renewal approves donations for IT deduction up to 31st March 2011.

Thanks to Subbu for getting this done.

Kovalam Water Treatment Plant

2009-05-11T14:51:00.002+05:30

The plant has been put through the initial phase of testing and will soon be installed at Kovalam. We hope to inaugurate the plant officially after the elections are over. This will be around mid June.

The Chief Secretary of the State of Tamilnadu has been informed of the project and was very happy about the water treatment plant being installed at Kovalam.

Helping Hands Phase III - Update

2009-04-25T11:38:00.002+05:30

No news from TRF as yet on release of funds for this Matching Grant which has been approved.

I do hope that the monies will be released shortly so work can start.

We hope to contact Rotary Clubs in Orissa and Bihar and in rural Tamilnadu and provide prosthetics to amputees loiving in these areas. These people have little access to aid and specially for prosthetics.

Transgenders

2009-04-25T11:25:00.003+05:30

Yesterday - 24th April 2009 at our regular meeting (Jpint meeting with the RC of Esplanade) we had Kalki a transgender speaking about the problems faced by her community. Harassment, lack of equal opportunities, emotional problems and more being faced by her community, where highlighted by her. It was a revelation to most present. many did not even realise that transgenders where around, this exactly was the point being made by Kalki, she claimed that they were the silent minority. While other minorities such as muslims, christians and also the disabled where being treated with dignity, transgenders where continuously being discrimnated against.

Kalki stated that the problems faced by transgenders needed to be tackled from both sides. The transgenders themselves as well as the community in which they lived would have to make adjustments, a new way of looking at transegnders must evolve and the transgenders themselves must want to change and look at the community in which they live in better light.

Counselling by trained Psychiatrists over a period of time would help and so also the understanding of the mind of a transgender by the community.

There are over 2500 transgenders living in Chennai without basic amenities and opportunities.

A few NGO's use transgenders for sensitivising people on AIDs and for disctribution of condoms. While the transgenders did take on these jobs they were not happy with what they were doing. They feel that they are being used for the very purpose that many hate them for.

So much to think about and so much to do for these people. Maybe we should take on a project to provide the counselling services to transgenders.

Kovalam - Update

2009-04-25T11:23:00.001+05:30

The shed for housing the water treatment plant at Kovalam village is ready and jose informs us that the plant will be installed and commissioned within the next few days. we hope that we will be able to inaugurate the plant in the first week of May.

Obviously the villagers are thrilled with the prospect of good, safe driniing water available at hand.

Art and Ron have been kept updated on all progress at Kovalam.

Water treatment plant for Kollumedu school

2009-04-25T11:19:00.002+05:30

Our President Jose and I visited the Kollumedu school with the objective of inspecting the site for providing them with a plant for drinking water. Rtn Tim Johnson has kindle consented to raise the funds required to provide the school with a water treatment plant. We will have the plant installed at the school during the summer holidays and ensure its readiness when the school reopens.

The water treatment plant is a must for this school as the sample tested in a labaratory indicates that the water provided at the school is not safe and needs to be treated before consumption.

Sad news - 2 MG applications denied

2009-04-03T17:17:00.003+05:30

2 MG applications made by us have been denied by TRF. We now need to get these applications readied and resubmitted on 1st July 2009, whe the new Rotary year starts.

The Kollumedu school is suffering without basic amenities and sadly they will have to wait for some more time.

Water treatment plant is cleared and is in Jose's factory

2009-04-03T17:11:00.002+05:30

The water treatment plant from USA for the Kovalam village has been cleared from customs without payment of duty and has been delivered to Jose's factory.

It is now expected that once the infra structural facilities are completed at the village the installation of the plant will commence.

Water treatment plant set to arrive today

2009-02-10T09:47:00.003+05:30

Today we expect the water treatment plant to arrive in Chennai. There is still a little bit of documentation work that has to happen and all efforts are being made to get everything done and clear the plant at the earliest.

The letter from Collector - Kancheepuram that will enable us to clear the plant without payment of duty is yet to be received.

There is a lot of excitment in the air and the prospect of getting this large project done so as to benefit many thousand families is motivating in itself.

Helping Hands Phase III

2009-02-10T09:43:00.000+05:30

Just a few days ago we received news from TRF that our MG application with RC of Strathcona Sunrise for providing artificial limbs to the needy has been verified and forwarded to the trustees for approval. Once the trustees approve the application we can expect the monies in a few weeks time and then another major project is on. Thanks to Chip Ross at Strathcona Sunsrise for spearheading this effort.

Kollumedu school progress

2009-02-10T09:37:00.002+05:30

The plans for the toilet block are ready. We have also received estimates for the construction and find that the total cost will be about Rs 8 lakhs. This is over the MG amount by Rs 1 Lakh and I now need to find additional sponsors so the project can go through smoothly.

The water treatment plant is also expected to be installed at the same time the toilets are being constructed.

A water sample has been drawn from the school premises and given to the water treatment company who will after analysis decide the type of plant to be installed.

There has been progress but little in real terms to show the villagers who do nto understand the paperwork, they are used to delays and understand that but not the paperwork.

Progress for Kollimedu school toilet project

2009-01-20T09:04:00.002+05:30

Have received information from Rtn Tim Johnson that the Matching Grant application has been approved by his District and that his club members are enthusiastic about the project.

Mani will shortly provide the estimates for the toilet and Jose for the water treatment plant.

Once these are received the application will be prepared and sent off. The deadline for this is the 25th of this month.

Report received rom Thiru Vi Ka School

2009-01-20T09:02:00.000+05:30

ROTARY CLUB OF CHENNAI KILPAUK
THIRU.VI.KA-DR. MU.VA. EDUCATIONAL TRUST
VOCATIONAL COURSE FOR SCHOOL DROP OUT

BATCH –II REPORT

The vocational course for School dropouts 2nd batch was started in the month September 2007 and students underwent the training till February 2008.

Students were separated into 4 batches Electrical, Plumber, Welder and Turner respectively .Those who opted for electrical were also given training in plumbing and vice versa .Similarly turner students underwent training in the welding trade also and welding students learned turning skills.

This new methodology introduced with due approval from Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk turned out to be a nice one. Students who join for six months learned two courses.

During RTN TIM JOHNSON’S visit to India the certificate distribution ceremony was conducted on 14th November 2008 in Thiru.Vi.Ka. School, Tim was mightily pleased after the interaction with the beneficiaries. He was very much happy to give away the certificates and the first one to receive the certificate was Mr.RAMKUMAR who is physically challenged . After the completion of the course now he is working as CNC operator in a industry in Ambattur Industrial Estate. Most of the students who received certificates were referred to industries for interviews and many of them got selected and working at present.

The break up of students who under went the course

Electrician + Plumber = 19
Plumber + Electrician = 14
Turner + Welder = 21
Welder + Turner = 14
Total = 68

Mani Iyer inspects school at Kollumedu

2008-12-26T10:51:00.002+05:30

Saturday, the 27th of December saw Mani Iyer (Architect) and myself going to Kollumedu to inspect the school for the toilet project. This project is going to be a MG project with the RC of Medford Rogue thanks to Rtn Tim Johnson.

Mani inspected the site, took measurements, assessed the needs of the school, the environment, location and more. It looks like that the toilet project is going to cost about 6 to 7 Lakhs. Existing toilet (only shell) may have to be demolished and a new building constructed. We will know for sure when Mani gets his hand on the Drawing Board.

The villagers are getting excited and find that there is a silver lining to every dark cloud.

Flood relief at Thappalampuliyur, Thiruvarur

2008-12-26T09:06:00.002+05:30

Seetharaman called to inform me that the distribution of construction material to those who had lost their homes in Thappalampuliyur village has been completed. Repairing of their huts will start immediately.

He has said that he will soon send pictures of the distribution, some of these pictures will be published to this blog on receipt.

Water treatment plant for Kovalam shipped

2008-12-23T11:06:00.003+05:30

Another great news. The water reatment plant has been shipped. Here is the email we have received from Pure O Tech.

Quote

The two crates left our facility on Friday December 19, 2008. I will send more information when it become available. This will include tracking information, estimated time of arrival to Chennai Port. I have attached the information per your request of:

2) Proforma/Commercial Invoice from Pure O Tech Inc

3) Contract between Rotary Club and Pure O Tech

4) Copies of payment received by Pure O Tech

5) System description and Specification of the equipment

The weights dimensions of the crates are as follows:

1) 106" x 58" x 103" inches 900 kg

2) 32" x 36" x 56-1/2" inches 450 kg

I will inform you of more information as it becomes available.

Drew Deever

Pure O Tech. Inc.

Unquote

Relief work has commenced at Thiruvarur

2008-12-23T08:44:00.002+05:30

Seetharaman just called from Thiruvarur to inform that he has received the DD for Rs 1 Lakh from the Club. materials for rebuilding the damaged homes have been soutced and delivered, distribution has commenced of the construction materials.

He informs that the villagers are so relieved and happy that the materials have arrived and that they will have a roof over their heads soon.

Great News from Rtn. Tim Johnson

2008-12-20T10:32:00.002+05:30

I have just received an email from Rtn Tim that his club will do a matching Grant with us for the school at Kollumedu. Once the details are finalised there will be more posts here and more news.

At this stage what i can say is that we will be able to not only complete the toilets for the school but also take care of their drinking water needs and maybe some furntiure for the teachers and students.

Email from Seetharaman

2008-12-16T16:15:00.002+05:30

Seetharaman lives in Kumbakonam a town close to Thiruvarur which has suffered intense damage due to cyclonic storm Nisha.

The pictures posted to this blog have been sent to me by Seetharaman, it is through him that we hope to reach out to the poor and needy who have been affected by the storm.

The contents of the mail reproduced below is self explanatory.

Dear sir,

I want to express my appreciation and thanks for your interest shown on my previous mail

regarding funding to our village people affected by flood.

It will cost around Rs50000 to 65000 to build one new concrete house in simple budget

( for each one ) for home affected people.The real situation is that the side mud walls and roof-thatches of the house have been damaged very badly.So, it is viable to help them by providing thatches and related construction materials .This will help them to make their house ready for living .Each family needs 250 thatches ,4 kg of coir rope and 25 nos of coir twine( called as PALAI in Tamil) for complete renovation.

Cost of 100 nos of thatch Rs 275#

Cost of 1 kg of Coir rope Rs 45#

Cost of 1 no coir twine Rs1.60

Cost of materials per family

Cost of 250 thatches Rs 688#

Cost of 4 kg coir rope Rs 180#

Cost of 25 nos coir twine Rs 44#

Total Rs 912#

The cost of materials per family comes around Rs912#. With your generous funding,

we can help accordingly. I can arrange for door delivery of all the materials.Let me know

the procedures to be adopted during disbursement.I have attached some of the photos showing the pathetic situation of the people.

Thanks

Your"s sincerely,

Seetharam,

Floods damage at Thiruvarur - 3

2008-12-16T15:20:00.003+05:30

Flood damage at Thiruvarur - 2

2008-12-16T15:17:00.002+05:30

Flood damage at Thiruvarur - 1

2008-12-16T15:16:00.001+05:30

Flood relief - Tropical cyclonic storm - NISHA

2008-12-16T15:09:00.003+05:30

The recent cyclonic storm Nisha which hit the South of Tamilnadu has left behind a trail of destruction and homeless people. People living in rural areas who have no access to immediate relief have been badly affected.

We have just received some pictures of the damage caused to homes with a request for some relief. The Board of Directors of the Club have been appraised of the requirement for relief and hope to provide necessary relief measures soon. Please do keep visiting this blog to keep abreast of our activities in this area.

Kovalam Water treatment plant - Update

2008-12-16T15:07:00.002+05:30

We received good news from the US of A. It now seems that the water treatment plant for the Kovalam village is almost ready and will be shipped shortly from Escondido, California.

Kollumedu School

2008-12-16T14:59:00.003+05:30

When Tim was visiting I had take him to a school in a village (Kollumedu) about 30 Kms from Madras. The school is in bad shape and lacks basic infra structure such as toilets, drinking water, leave alone furniture for classrooms etc.

Tim just sent in an email stating that he has discussed this school project with his club and that they would be happy to do a District Simplified Grant amounting to a total of USD 4000.

With this we will be able to provide toilet facility for the school.

Mani Iyer our architect member is traveling in Australia and as soon as he is back I will be taking him to the school to understand how we can provide them with a toilet block.

I have given a link above to my picasa album where you can view some pics of the school.

3 New Members

2008-11-28T11:02:00.002+05:30

While Tim was here visiting us, the Club inducted 3 members. Jana, Ajit and Ravi joined the Club and we welcome them and hope they will enjoy Rotary. It is always a pleasure to welcome members into the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk and I am sure they will immediately start participating in all activities.

Rtn Tim Johnson is visiting

2008-11-12T07:36:00.005+05:30

Rtn. Tim Johnson of the Rotary Club of Medford in Oregon is visiting us right now. Tim has been working with us on various projects including providing support to the Tsunami affected and other projects including vocation training to school dropouts, providing computers to schools and more. We hope Tim has a good time while he with us and takes back good memories.

Happy 2008

2008-01-15T07:56:00.000+05:30

The DGs visit has been postponed and the Club now has more time to prepare for the visit which will now be in March. Incoming President Jose introduced his team at the Club Assembly, his Secretary is Revathi. At the Assembly many projects were discussed including our step into Micro Credit and also the 3rd phase of Helping hands.

Water treatment plant at Kovalam village

2007-12-15T10:03:00.000+05:30

Rtn Ron Mazur sent me an email that the funds are on their way and this means obviously that in the next few weeks the water treatment plant will be on its way to us.

The village headman at Kovalam is enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide his people with clean potable water. He has cleaned the area close to the well from which the water will be drawn and has built a wall around the site for security.

We need to make a visit soon so we can get the job of building a shed for the plant. Rtn Mani Iyer an architect has agreed to look into this and prepare the drawings.

Lots of work to get done by the time the plant arrives.

Regular meeting on 23rd November

2007-11-29T07:21:00.000+05:30

The regular meeting of the Club on 23rd of November was different and at the same time outstanding. I had arranged for a preview of a play which is to be staged in January in connection with the Centennary festival of kerala's renowned author VAIKOM.

The theatre group PERCH (Performers Chennai) did a great job, they made us all laugh and also left beiind a nagging thought about the plight of women who are subject to dowry.

All in all the meeting was a great success and the festival in january is something no one should miss.

Bedding kits for sanitary workers

2007-09-14T07:26:00.000+05:30

Come Sunday the 16th September members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk will give away bedding kits to about 120 sanitary workers attached to the Corporation of Chennai. These workers keep the city clean by doing dirty work, they sweep the roads, clear the garbage, clean out sewage lines and yet what they earn for this work does not give them enough to be able to afford their children a reasonable education, clothing or in my opinion lead a life whree all needs are met.

The kit that will be given to them will consist of a pillow, a sheet to cover themselves to protect them not only from the winter chill (20 degrees celsius) but also from the mosquitos and another sheet to lie on.

I hope we are able to bring a little cheer into their lives on Sunday.

Update on Chip Ross Learning Centre

2007-08-26T06:52:00.000+05:30

The Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk made its contribution for the year to the Chip Ross Learning Centre. This will make it possible for the centre to train and find jobs for 20 disabled girls. These girls will be trained in computers, OS, Office suite, accounting basics.

Please read the story of Sarada, a disabled girl who benefitted from this project.

Sarada Helped

Have I said enough?

2007-08-26T06:44:00.000+05:30

I woke up this morning thinking "Have I said enough?"

Head Master - Thiru Vi Ka School
This project is one of the best to have happened to this school, while many of you who have benefitted from this project are not from this school, I still feel a part of you. This is an opportunity that has been offered by RC Chennai Kilpauk which has supported us like a tap root that supports a tree, make use of this opportunity and rise, rise beyond what you think possible.

President - RCCK
We are firm that this project will continue to benefit thousands of drop outs and help them find for themselves a vocation that they find interesting. We are committed.

This is one of the most endearing projects that has been taken up by the club, we are able to directly help people achieve their ambitions by providing them with means.

Tim, thank you for helping us make this happen.

Vocational training for school drop outs

2007-08-25T21:15:00.000+05:30

This evening the RC of Chennai Kilpauk crossed a significant mark in its path towards its objective of reaching out to needy people. The first batch of 60 students who have undergone the vocational training courses offered by us at thiru Vi ka school were handed over their completion certificates. most of these drop outs have not only succesfully completed training in their chosen vocation but have also been placed in jobs.

There were teething problems, drop outs not sure of what they could do and suspiciouos of the offering, getting the team together, putting the process in place and many other smaller issues. What I saw today was a successfully completed project which was represented by the beaming faces of those school drop outs who at one point were under the impression that they were no good and there was very little in store for them in their lives.

This project was started with the generous funding by The Rotary Club of Medford Rogue, Oregon. Rtn Tim Johnson who helped shape this project should have been here this evening to nwitness this wonderful event. 60 lives touched and changed for the better. This would not have been possisble if not for Tim's efforts and viists to meet up with us in India.

The only worry expressed was that with the success of the first batch the next batch amnounting to 150 would be completed in six months and then what? We need to come up with the funds to keep this wonderful project going. We can show these kids that not everything is lost and that we can help them help themselves.

This project is worth taking on for the long term.
This project makes a different to so many kids who drop out of school
This project changes lives with so little
This project must go on
This project must go on........

First Rotary meeting for 2007-08

2007-07-14T08:43:00.000+05:30

The first meeting was held at Hotel Connemara and Varadarajan conducted the Club Assembly in style. All Directors made their presentations and we have now a close to 7 million Rupees worth of projects that are to be taken on. A prospective member was introduced to the Club by Secretary Rahul and Karthik introduced Muthukumar as a propsective member. As we keep moving I feel that we will be able to reach our target of 40 members this year, initiative taken by Karthik in moving our club meeting place to Connemara will pay dividends and so also the efforts being put in by all members towards bettering every sphere of activity. Resources are important and we are lucky in this.

Start of a New Rotary Year

2007-07-14T08:37:00.000+05:30

We have started another New Rotary year, Rtn Varadarajan was installed as President of the club with a powerful team of office bearers. Plans have been made for the year and they include, water treatment plant for Kovalam village, support to Chip Ross Centre for Learning, Helping Hands continues with more support from Strathcona Sunrise, provision of sleeping koits to conservancy workers and more. Many members of the Lodge went to Pondicherry for a weekend of brain storming soon ater installtion and have returned with renewed commitment, energy and enthusiasm. This being the 10th year for RCCK will be an important milestone in which the Club hopes to build steps leading to the top. Thanks to all who have been helpful and interested in us.

Chip Ross Learning Centre

2007-03-16T13:13:00.000+05:30

Rtn. Mohan Roy on hearing the story of Sarada immediately wrote out a cheque towards te centre and we all thank him for his generosity. Mohan did not think before he sent out a mail stating that he would be glad to support such a great cause. It is a privilege to have a member like Mohan in RCCK.

Water treatment project

2007-03-16T13:10:00.000+05:30

A few clubs form California and RCCK are joining hands to provide safe drinking water to people in Tsunami hit areas and the project is shaping up nicely. Things are hotting up and there will be more news on this front soon.

Sarada helped

2007-02-17T08:31:00.000+05:30

Sarada comes from a village located South of Chennai in the interiors of the State of Tamilnadu. She is disabled and finds it difficult to move around her house. With great difficulty her parents have pooled in much of their resources and have sent her to school and she managed to come up to the 10^th when they gave up due to lack of funds.

Confined to her house, in a village with a population of about 1500, she is unable to stand the loneliness and the prospect of a bleak future. Unable to study in a school nor able to take on any work due to lack of skills and opportunities Sarada slipped into depression. Her parents try to talk to her but this is of no help and the condition worsens. Life becomes unbearable.

In a couple of months Sarada who is unable to study, go out to play or get herself a job hears of a computer centre in the city of Chennai which provides free training for disabled girls and to make it even better she would get a place to stay and food for the six months she has to stay in Chennai for the training. She talks to her parents and enrolls.

In the next batch at the centre Sarada registers and her training on computers commences. To Sarada everything is a new experience, Chennai a metropolis with a population of over 8 million, the vehicles, the traffic, the lights so different from a sleepy village which has 2 streets and no street lights, no cinema halls and only one resident has a car. It takes her 2 weeks to come to terms with her new surroundings.

The next six months at the centre is heaven for her, she has made friends with the other girls, she is now able to talk as an equal with other people and participates in discussions. Her time at the computer centre not only teaches her new skills but also develops her personality and opens hitherto unknown opportunities for her.

Then comes the sad day, the day when the training is over and Sarada finds that she does not want to go back home. She does not want to go back to a home where there no people who will treat her as an equal, a home where even a smile is difficult, happiness is difficult, though her parents her not to blame they will never be able to duplicate the experience she had at the centre.

Luckily at the graduation ceremony her prayers are answered, a business person interviews a few of the girls and then shows her willingness to offer three of them jobs in her factory. Sarada’s life has changed and today she is a dedicated worker and is now confident of her future.

What made this possible was the Chip Ross computer Centre at Andhra Mahila Sabha sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk.

Make a difference to a disabled girl’s life for as little as USD 200 per year.

Contributions in USD :

Pay:American Express,Bank New York;Swift code :aeibus33

Contributions in UK Pounds:

Pay National Westminister Bank;Swift code: nwbkgb2l

For the credit of Indian Bank, Overseas Branch, Chennai ;Swift code :idibinbbmas

For further credit to :S.B. Account No. 27162
Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk Charitable Trust - Foreign Contribution Account.
Indian Bank,
Kilpauk Branch,
New Avadi Road,
Chennai 600010,
India

Water tretament plant in Mahabalipuram

2007-02-17T07:50:00.000+05:30

In collaboration with RC of Dublin, Trivalley in Califirnia RCCK will work on a matching grant application for setting up a water treatment plant in Mahabalipuram a town close to the city of Chennai. The water treatment plant will primarily serve a fishing hamlet close to the town. It is expected that this plant will over time serve over 4000 people, providing them with clean potable water. The fishing hamlet was wiped out during the Tsunami and is now being rebuilt. More information will be posted here as the project prgresses.

Physio therapy equipment

2007-02-17T07:46:00.000+05:30

A set of equipment of donated under the banner of Helping Hands to Bala Vihar, an institution for special children. This equipment will help these kids stand and walk and Rotary would have taken many many steps forward by helping these children.

Giving away of tricyles - Helping Hands

2007-02-17T07:44:00.000+05:30

Over 20 tricycles and 14 wheelchairs were handed over to an NGO to be given to beneficiaries living in backward areas of Villupuram District. Much of the work on co ordinating this was done by PP Sreevatsa.

Subbu takes over as President

2007-02-17T07:43:00.000+05:30

N. Subramanian a Chartered Accountant by profession takes over as President of the Club for the year 2006-07. The installation function was presided over by the Incoming Governor J. B. Kamdar.

Not in order

2007-02-17T07:32:00.000+05:30

The next few posts may not be in any particular order, in fact the order will be assigned by my remembering the events, the first event I remember will get posted first and so on. I may not even be able to give dates of happenings. I shall however post most of what has happened in RCCK which can be shared.

It's been a long time

2007-02-17T07:23:00.000+05:30

Almost a year and no posts. Geeez! what have you been up to, so busy that you can't keep your club's blog updated? This and that has kept me going with the updation of the blog going down on priority, I know its not right, not right all, so let me get this thing started again.

Dinner with Chip

2006-02-08T20:28:00.000+05:30

From left, Kalpana Karthik, lalitha Sreevatsa, Mahalakshmi Ratan, Karen and Chip and Rahul Kesu

Chip's new pen friend?

2006-02-08T20:26:00.000+05:30

This boy lost his right arm at the age of 18 and reminded Chip so much of himself. Chip gave him a pen and asked him to stay in touch.

It was a very emotional moment for Chip, he said that the boy reminded of him of his losing his hand at around the same age.

Chip and Karen

2006-02-08T20:25:00.000+05:30

Here are Chip and Karen with the youngest beneficiary of the artficial limb camp.

Artificial Limb Camp

2006-02-08T20:24:00.000+05:30

Chip fitting a child with her first limb. The father cried, Chip cried and the child, well she was happy with her limb.

Artificial Limb Camp

2006-01-31T17:53:00.000+05:30

Karen and Chip at Mukti at the valedictory function of the artificial limb camp.

Chip meets the Doctors

2006-01-31T17:47:00.000+05:30

Here is Chip with the Doctors at AMS after the innauguration of the Ortho Camp. Ann Kalpana Karhik is also seen here in the picture

Ortho Camp

2006-01-31T17:43:00.000+05:30

Chip Ross epaking at the Ortho Camp at AMS

Revathi and Karen

2006-01-31T17:38:00.000+05:30

Here is Karen recevng a memento from Ann. Revathi Roy at our regular meeting when Chip spoke.

Chip at my home

2006-01-31T17:36:00.000+05:30

Here is Chip at my home, I am to his right and to ym right is my wife Mahalakshmi and our elder son Aanand and the younger one Karthik.

Chip being interviewed

2006-01-31T17:33:00.000+05:30

Here Chip is being interviewed by Rasmi a reporter from The Hindu a leading naitonal newspaper.