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THE GATEWAY
Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay | For private circulation only | www.rotaryclubofbombay.org
Volume No. 61 Issue No. 33, April 7, 2020
Club of Bombay DISTRICT 3141
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow
Rotarians,
Very Warm
Greetings!
Hope all of you and
your near and dear
ones are safe and
well. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
The world, as we know it, is currently going
through a serious existential and humanitarian
crisis. This grim situation has brought to light Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA, does a Namaste in response to an offer
some important aspects of our lives which we of handshake by Anwar Mansoor Khan, Pakistan’s Attorney General in 2019
seemed to have missed out or hitherto ignored
-‘family time’ and ‘me time’. We now witness
the chirping of birds, dolphins returning to
our sea shores, sighting of rare birds, empty
spaces, clean air and silence. One hopes that
mankind will now consciously value these and
nature and environment in general.
One thing that gained significance and
attention in the past few months is the way
we Indians greet – our ‘Namaste’. In the Above, L to R: Actor Pierce Brosnan with the Prince Charles, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau with his family on an
current situation, this may have been from a India visit in 2018, US President Donald Trump with Irish PM Leo Varadkar
health and safety perspective (to greet without
physical contact), but there is a spiritual and recognises the belief that the life force, the Tsang (Xuan Zang) the Chinese Buddhist
scientific significance to the gesture, unlike the divinity, the Self or the God in me is the same monk greeting Emperor Harsh Vardhan with
‘hand shake’ or the ‘high fives’ gesture, which in all. Acknowledging this oneness with the ‘Namaste’ during his visit to India in the
involves palm-contact between two persons. meeting of the palms, we honour the God in medieval times.
In Sanskrit, the word is ‘namah’ + ‘te’ = the person we meet and see His divinity in
Coming back to the present, a recent video of
‘Namaste’, which means ‘I bow to you’ – my every person.
Prince Charles preferring to join hands and
greetings or salutations to you. The word When we remain aware of this significance, bowing slightly to others in greeting, instead
‘namaha’ can also be literally interpreted as our greeting does not just remain a superficial of the usual handshake, is doing the rounds on
‘na ma’ (not mine). gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper social media.
Not only is Namaste a beautiful word but communion with another in an atmosphere of
Also, President Trump in his tweet gleefully
more profoundly important is the gesture of love and respect.
explains how he and the Irish Prime Minister
‘Namaste’. When we greet one another with There is a scientific aspect to the gesture of joined their respective palms when they met. He
Namaste, it means, ‘may our minds meet’. ‘Namaste’. Our palms have a lot of nerve referred to a recent visit to India where he did
To perform Namaste, we place the hands endings, – something that modern medical not shake hands with anyone. According to him,
together at the heart chakra, to increase the science has since discovered. The moment one India and Japan, where they bow to each other,
flow of Divine love, close the eyes, and bow places one’s hands together, our dualities, our were ‘ahead of the curve’.
the head. Bowing the head and closing the likes and dislikes, our cravings and aversions,
Centuries’ old Indian influence had earlier
eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in are levelled out. There is a certain oneness to
spread this form of greeting to Southeast Asia,
the heart. It can also be performed by placing the expression of who we are. The energies are
Indonesia and Thailand. Namaste has now
the hands together in front of the third eye, now functioning as one.
gone global.
bowing the head, and then bringing the hands Namaste is widely used in Asia and beyond. It
down to the heart. Although, at times, the Stay safe, stay healthy.
is part of daily greetings in India. One would
word ‘Namaste’ is spoken in conjunction with often get to see this gesture in various Indian Namaste!
the gesture, it is not necessary to mouth aloud classical dance forms, in everyday religious
the word while joining the palms, since the rituals and yoga postures.
gesture itself signifies ‘Namaste’.
With so much being talked about China,
A deeper spiritual significance is that it one may recall a famous image of Hieun President Preeti Mehta
02 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY APRIL 7, 2020 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY
03
FOOD, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & HOPE: THE ROTARY WAY
PROJECT #1: Free Wellbeing Helpline PROJECT #3: Donation of medical equipment
Over 500 volunteers enrolled and trained
and more than 50 professional counsellors in
English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi. They are PROJECT #5: Distribution of ration bags
available daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
In conjunction with YMCA and Helping Hands, the
PROJECT #2: Distribution of free meals Rotary Club of Bombay has already distributed this
The Rotary Club of Bombay, in a joint project to 850 families and smaller packages to 550 families.
with the Rotary Club of Versova has served over
100,000 meals at the time of going to print with
almost 18,000 meals daily. We have planned free
distribution of meals until April 30th. In addition,
RCs Bombay, Mumbai Versova, Mumbai Western Elite Our Club has donated a total of 15 ventilators
are applying for a combined GG for $45,000 today to Government of Maharashtra so far at a total
(Sunday, April 5th) for meal distribution. cost of Rs 61 lakh.
PROJECT #4: Installation of handwash stations in Palghar
10 HWS are being
installed in areas
where a large footfall
is recorded like
vegetable markets etc
in Palghar District. The
first HWS was installed
by the Rotary Clubs of
Bombay and Palghar
on April 4th. In the
picture, Kelvaroad
gram panchayat near
vegetable market.
Service Above Self Rotary is closely monitoring updates and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) to ensure the safest and most appropriate actions are taken by and for our members and the communities they serve.
04 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY APRIL 7, 2020 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY
05
ROTARY GETS COVID-READY
RCB HAD ITS FIRST-EVER E-MEETING NEEDED IN TODAY’S SOCIAL DISTANCING TIMES
IF YOU
CAN’T FEED
PP RTN. SANDIP
A HUNDRED
AGARWALLA PEOPLE,
I am a part of the THEN FEED
Government of Maharashtra’s JUST ONE.
CSR-Medical Equipments and
Supplies group as well as the MOTHER
GoM Food group. Every now
and then we receive messages
TERESA
that food supplies are not
reaching this corner and that
corner. I am happy to share
that the group is headed by
the Principal Health Secretary Haffkine Institute which will
and a lot of prominent decide on the distribution to
officials as well as lot of CSR hospitals across Maharashtra
donors and supply vendors depending on their need. One
IN ACTION: COPS DISTRIBUTE ROTARY’S DAILY MEALS cannot dictate as to where
and large aggregators.
one’s equipment should be
family which will last four PP RTN. SANDIP
So what are we looking at in We have just started a new directed. Haffkine Institute
to five days. We are starting AGARWALLA
food? One is operate kitchens kitchen in South Mumbai will decide based on the
with smaller amounts and The next thing I would like to
where in Rotary Clubs in our from tomorrow at the Hindi urgency and requirement
then we will see whether the talk is about medical supplies
district, mainly the Rotary Vidya Bhavan School. We of the hospitals of the
government is stepping in, and medical equipment. This
Club of Mumbai, Versova, are starting with 500 meals Government of Maharashtra
made by rotation under the kitchens that we supervise distribute. We do not go out whether we need to revise is a huge issue and there is
and, of course, our Club has each for lunch and dinner, as to where it shall all go.
most hygienic standards in a and the food is distributed and distribute the meals. The this or extend it. We will take an acute shortage. One day
been giving a lot of support and again it’s going to be Although we can put in a
well-equipped kitchen. by BMC officials. We take demand constantly increases it forward from there. something is available and
to these activities. I believe, khichdi. Then the second part word to give it to so and
the help of the BMC and the everyday and we are upping another day it’s not. I know
this morning, RCM Queens of the food is rations which so hospital if it is possible,
We do not use make-shift Police who pick up most of the quantity by a thousand The second NGO which Rtn. this first-hand – I have been
Necklace and RCM Western are being initiated also by they’ll do it only if it is
arrangements. We use good the food and take it away to meals. Shernaz Vakil has been able placing orders which are
Elite have also joined in. our Club. More details will be feasible for them. Otherwise,
to tie up with called Helping being reneged on because
probably shared by Deepali they will divert it elsewhere.
Hands. someone else is giving a
TOGETHER, EVERY Paul and Shernaz as to how
higher price for the supplies.
and where rations are being Currently, I believe there are
DAY, WE (RCM sent to the needy. Either they
PN SHERNAZ VAKIL Suppliers make up other
five hotspots in Maharashtra
VERSOVA AND RCB) There is a gentleman called stories but one knows what is
are pre-packed or given to as of yesterday: Sangli, Pune,
DISTRIBUTE OVER Bilal who is handling it and going on.
centres in bulk which can Nagpur, Mumbai and Thane.
he is going to widows’ homes,
15,000 MEALS FREE OF then be distributed in each
children’s homes, slum What is required, firstly, is to
CHARGE. THANKS TO home, as required.
dwellers, wherever he is able move with speed on these SO, WHAT DO WE
THE CONTRIBUTION to deliver with his little van. items once they are decided. NEED IN MEDICAL
PRESIDENT PREETI MEHTA
OF VARIOUS We have received
Unfortunately, he is yet to get It is also required to get the SUPPLIES? WE NEED
DONORS ALL OVER – commitments from several
money from our side, we are Maharashtra Government’s DISINFECTANTS,
ROTARIANS AS WELL hoping to give it tomorrow. approval for every single MASKS BOTH 3-PLY AS
Rotarians. We have tied
item because they have very
AS NON-ROTARIANS up with two NGOs, our old
PRESIDENT PREETI MEHTA rigid certification norms and
WELL AS N95.
– we have been able to partners, YMCA through Rtn. We need PPE – Personal
The YMCA has started the we don’t want to contribute
run different centres across George Paul. There, we are Protection Equipment, which
work right away and they are something which is not going
Mumbai. The cost of a meal giving a fixed amount and the doctors need to wear
giving support to people in to be used by them. What the
can be anywhere between Rs at the rate of Rs. 700 per while examining patients in
slums and below the poverty Government of Maharashtra
20-25. It’s a simple khichdi, family, they will be able to COVID-19 wards. I don’t know
line. Maybe tomorrow they has done for medical
the minimum weight of distribute a package of rice, how many of you know that
will start the distribution on equipment and supplies is
which is 225 gms. The khichdi dal, wheat flour and sugar the fourth to seventh floor
our behalf. centralise all deliveries to the
comes in four varieties and is – the basic essentials for the of the new wing of Breach
We are active on social media with over 8,500 followers. Find us on facebook, twitter and instagram with the handle @rcb1929. Find us on Statistics of the meeting held on March 31, 2020
linkedin and youtube with the handle rotary club of bombay. Please follow us and like/share the posts. Members: Over 60.
06 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY Candy Hospital has been emptied
APRIL 7, 2020 THE BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY
07
and is being converted into an respiratory disease, it gets into the lungs. PE FRAMROZE MEHTA
isolation ward or treatment ward The patient then requires ventilator We haven’t got any details yet but Sandip
for COVID-19, in addition to wards support to breathe. It is only with this and I can coordinate and see to it that we
in the charitable Godrej wing. All support that they can regain strength stick to right suppliers and of course it
the doctors have to wear PPE. to recover and get back on their feet. has to be through the Haffkine Institute AT THE END OF
THE MOST ADVANCED Ventilators are in a big shortage and so once the funds are in our account, it THE DAY, IT’S NOT
PPE IS NOT AVAILABLE I am in touch with various suppliers. goes forward. ABOUT WHAT YOU
There are ventilators available for as HAVE OR EVEN
BUT ACCEPTABLE PPE ARE high as Rs 16 lakh. What is really scary PP RTN. SANDIP AGARWALLA
BOOKED FROM CHINA AND and this shows how serious the situation It’s not through the Haffkine Institute
WHAT YOU’VE
OTHER PLACES. is – the Government of Maharashtra as such. Haffkine decides where the ACCOMPLISHED.
has approved the use of refurbished equipment should go. We have to pay
What is available in India is for Rs
1500-1800 and is not exactly what
ventilators which are now available in suppliers directly. Of course, it will all be IT’S ABOUT WHO
the PPE should be but we have to
the market. They are coming with a six- under the Rotary Club of Bombay banner, YOU’VE LIFTED UP,
month warranty and donors, of course, and funds collected will be paid directly WHO YOU’VE MADE
make do with whatever we get and,
are usually balking and not agreeing to to suppliers – this is just cutting the chase
currently, it is the best that we can
support such items. and sparing a lot of heartburn.
BETTER.
get.
THE VENTILATORS COME Similarly, in whatever food activities we IT’S ABOUT WHAT
There are companies making
hazmat suits for use in pharma AND GO, TO AND FROM have undertaken so far, we have either YOU’VE GIVEN BACK.
paid suppliers directly or the other club
labs or chemical labs which are THE MARKET, FAST, EVEN A is taking it under their trust account
also approved by the Government HUNDRED VENTILATORS GET DENZEL
directly. So it’s entirely up to you how you
of Maharashtra because something SOLD IN A MATTER OF HOURS. want to go about, but I think that is the
WASHINGTON
is better than nothing. Gloves will
also be needed.
VENTILATORS ARE THE MOST best thing to do.
IMPORTANT ITEMS REQUIRED
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. VOTE OF THANKS BY
To give you an example, N95
RTN. FARHAT JAMAL
masks are available in bulk with a
minimum quantity of 20-25,000
and upto a lakh in quantity.
They are available – they are
being made in India and they are
available between Rs 120-150 plus
GST per mask.
The gloves are obviously much
cheaper. The 3-ply masks are
generally Rs 10 per mask and again
they have to be bought in bulk.
There are various types of 3-ply
masks, one can get some in Rs 7
but let’s not get into that. Let’s stick
to what GoM has approved. I can
share the certification if anyone is
interested. As far as the medical
equipment is concerned, they
require various things including
BPaPt machines, respirators etc but
by far the most important is the
ventilator.
I don’t know how many of you
know why the ventilator is so
important. The ventilator is very
important because as Covid-19 is a
ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY 2019-2020
TRUSTEES 2019-2020
PP Rtn. (Dr.) Rahim Muljiani PP Rtn. Arvind Jolly
PP Rtn. (Dr.) Adi Dastur PP Rtn. Arun Sanghi
OFFICE BEARERS 2019-2020
President Rtn. Preeti Mehta
Immediate Past President Rtn. Vijay Kumar Jatia
President-Elect Rtn. Framroze Mehta
President-Nominee Rtn. Shernaz Vakil
Honorary Secretary Rtn. Manish Reshamwala
Hon. Jt. Secretary Rtn. Satyan Israni
Hon. Treasurer Rtn. Jagdish Malkani
SPECIAL DIRECTOR PP RTN. SHAILESH HARIBHAKTI
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE PE RTN. FRAMROZE MEHTA
Classifications, Membership &
PP Rtn. Nowroze Vazifdar
Information
Fellowship & Assimilation Rtn. Ashok Jatia
Animal Welfare Rtn. Priyasri Patodia
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. MEHUL SAMPAT
Social media, Website & Bulletin Rtn. Rhea Bhumgara
Sergeant-at-Arms Rtn. Hoshang Nazir
Interact Rtn. Jaymin Jhaveri
Rotaract Rtn. Zeenia Master
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. RAM GANDHI
Programme Rtn. Farhat Jamal
Public Awards Rtn. Suresh Kotak
ROTARIAN BIRTHDAYS Young At Heart Rtn. Ramesh Mehta
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. PETER BORN
Water Resources & Sanitation Rtn. Abhinav Aggarwal
Urban Heritage Rtn. Natasha Treasurywala
Environment Rtn. Madhusudan Daga
APRIL 2 APRIL 3 APRIL 6 APRIL 6 DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. HIRANMAY BISWAS
Rtn. Ravi Rtn. Adi Rtn. Suresh Rtn. Kalpana
Sports Rtn. Sanjiv Saran Mehra
Sheth Godrej Goklaney Singhania
Yoga Rtn. Manoj Patodia
Vocational Training Rtn. Varsha Daiya
Night Study Centre Rtn. Jamshyd Vazifdar
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. PRADEEP GUPTA
Attendance Rtn. Bipin Kapadia
APRIL 7 APRIL 7 APRIL 8 APRIL 10
Rtn. Shanta Rtn. Ghanshyam Rtn. Manjeet Rtn. Ramesh In-Camera Rtn. Zinia Lawyer
Chatterji Sheth Kripalani Dhir DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. (DR.) ASHOK KIRPALANI
ANNIVERSARIES Talwada Projects PP Rtn. (Dr.) Rahim Muljiani
APRIL 3 Phiroze R. Vakil Eye Centre (PRVEC) Rtn. Homi Katgara
Rtn Ptn Reshma and
Ajit Deshpande Medical Centre
Rtn Suresh Goklaney (ADMC)
Rtn. Tara Deshpande
APRIL 10
APRIL 11 APRIL 12 APRIL 13 Cancer Aid Rtn. (Dr.) Ian Pinto
Rtn. (Dr.) Rohini Rtn. Mahakhurshud Rtn. Nilesh Rtn Ptn Fouzia
and PP Dr Rahim
RCB – Medical Centre Rtn. Manoj Patodia
Chowgule Byramjee Parekh
Muljiani DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. VINEET BHATNAGAR
ROTARIAN PARTNER APRIL 5 APRIL 12 Fund-Raising Rtn. Pradeep Chinai
BIRTHDAYS Rtn. Ptn. Vrishali Pispati Rtn Ptn Zarina and The Rotary Foundation &
APRIL 2 APRIL 9 PE Framroze Mehta Global Grant
PP Rtn. Pradeep Saxena
Rtn. Ptn. Amita Malkani Rtn. Ptn. Mehroo Bali
APRIL 13 Gender Equality Rtn. Arin Master
APRIL 4 Rtn. Ptn. Vandana Sinh
APRIL 11 Rtn Ptn Rachna and
Rtn. Ptn. Urvashi Minawala Skill Development Rtn. S. V. Prasad
Rtn. Ptn. Rachna Agarwal Rtn Arvind Agarwal
DIRECTOR-IN-CHARGE RTN. MEERA ALREJA
Printed and Published by President Preeti Mehta for Rotary Club of Bombay, Literacy / Bhavishya Yaan Rtn. Jamshed Vakharia
contact@rotaryclubofbombay.org; Editorial Content, Design & Layout by The Narrators,
thewriteassociates@gmail.com; Printed at Indigo Press, indigopress@gmail.com
Child Welfare Rtn. Rajesh Shah
Regd No. MCS/091/2015-17; R.N.I NO. 14015/60. WP P License No. MR/TECH/WPP-89/South 2015 Anand Yaan / Elder Care Rtn. Alok Sekhsaria
Scholarships Rtn. Roda Billimoria
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