In This Issue

Pg. 1

Rotaract Club of Drishti- Installation

Pg. 2

NID

Pg 3

Tree Planting & Elocution Competition

Pg. 4 & 5

Charter Nite & Rotaract News

Pg 6

Rotary Community Corps of Chinna Nilangarai

Pg 7

Forthcoming events, B Days & Anniversaries

Rotaract Club of Drishti – Installation – Feb 13

“Vasan eye care/ Dr. Agarwal eye hospital could not give us a vision, but you Rotarians are

giving us the vision, by forming this Rotaract club” evoked thunderous applause and was

part of the speech by a visually Challenged Rotaractor, who is the sergeant at arms of the

newly formed Rotaract club, “Rotaract club of Drishti”. Hearing this I wallowed in a

heightened sense of momentary hubris and it took me a while to usher in some sanity. But

altogether on a different note, the reason why this is here is to give you all glimpse of how

creative in thinking our visually challenged Rotaractors can get and to make it abundantly

clear to all of us that they are like you and I.

Chief Guest AG. Rtn. Ganesan arrived on time and was surprised to see just three or four

students and few Rotaractors from the District. The function began with a well rendered

invocation song, followed by charter president Rtr. Dharmalingam welcoming everyone.

President Bala, congratulated the board and members of the new club and wished them to set

grandeur goals and promised all the support to achieve them.

DRR (District Rotaract representative) .Rtr. Manikandan also congratulated the new team

and gave examples of how a few visually challenged people have excelled in a chosen field

and urged all the Rotaractors to emulate them. Mr. Ramesh Srinivasan, a visually

challenged, and vice president of Polaris Software was also present on the occasion and

congratulated the students on taking the initiative and forming the club.

THE CONCH (For Private Circulation Only)

Fortnightly bulletin

Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel-RI Dist.3230

Club No: C0000 26227 Chartered on: 23rd

Feb’89

Issue Date: 01st March 2012

The coordinators of the newly formed club Mr. Raghuram and Mr. Vijaykumar thanked Rotary for creating a platform for them

to come together and assured that they will help the students to achieve the Rotaract goals. Chief Guest AG Ganesan cited the

example of former American president Franklin Roosevelt who was stricken by poliomyelitis and how he demonstrated

indomitable courage to overcome it. He also briefed the students about Rotary and how Rotary has contributed in eliminating

polio from the country.

The function ended with a fellowship and a sense of excitement.

While Drishti is the first of its kind for the District, a District Rotaract official observed it is the first in South East Asia. More

importantly, we all will be happy that the visually challenged have come forward to serve their own and we have a forum to

find out their needs and aspirations and accordingly develop plans to take forward our mission to educate and develop the

visually challenged with greater impact.

Contributed by Rtn Karthik Narayanan

NID – Feb 19

Our Club assisted the Primary Health Centres at Thoraipakkam and Chemmanchery in the polio immunization programme

on the NID. The above programme was successfully carried out by the Primary Health Centres at Thoraipakkam and

Chemmanchery. In Thoraipakkam covered area (Thoraipakkam, Perungudi and Kottivakkam - 31 booths) 14,849 children

and in Chemmanchery covered area (Semmanchery, Enjambakkam, Neelankarai and Palavakkam - 29 booths) 12,406

children were administered the polio vaccine. Total no of booth covered by our assistance were 60 and children covered

27,255.

At the Thoraipakkam booth, MLA Thiru Kandan and Councillor Karnan inaugurated the vaccine administration. Our Rtns

Panduranga Rao (braving his indisposition) and Sankara Narayanan brought their grandchildren for polio administration,

accompanied by their families. Our Rtn Dr. Jaisankar, a pediatrician himself, adminstered the vaccine to a few children. All

our Rotarians not only enjoyed the fellowship, there was fun and frolic too with the grand annets!

Our Club assisted the PHCs in

- IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign by meeting a part of auto

- and audio equipment charges

- Distribution of vaccine on 19 Feb (For Thoraipakkam, our Rtn Kingston Victor spared his van. Thank you,

Rtn Victor!)

- In Chemmanchery, the PHC got the van from a school and we agreed to meet diesel cost

- Breakfast expenses

-Contributed by Prez Bala

Tree planting – Feb 22

As part of environmental project 50 saplings were planted at Govt Higher Sec School ,Okkiam on 22 Feb 2012.The saplings

were provided by the school through District Forest dept.Our club provided the tree guards for the safety of the plants.Pres

Bala,PP Thangamuthu & Panduranga Roa participated along with me.Students from the Interact Club and Pasumai padai

activiely participated in the tree plantation and also assured to water the plants & take care of them.

- Contributed by Rtn S Anand

ELOCUTION COMPETITION at MGR Janaki College - Feb 22

There is a proverb which goes like this, “As the grace of man is in the mind, so the beauty of the mind is eloquence.” And

truly the participants of elocution competition did exhibit their beauty of mind in the elocution competition organized by our

parent club Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel which was held on 22nd of Feb, 2012 in our college.

Rtn. Balasubramanian, President, RCMC; Rtn. Karthik Narayanan, Director, New Gen, RCMC and Ann Vilasini Karthik

presided over the function. Rtn. Balasubramanian addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of the elocution

competition.

Rotaractors from Rotaract club of Government college of Physiotherapy, Rotaract Club of Dr. MGR Janaki College for

women and Interactors from Government school of Okkiam Thoraipakkam participated in this. They shared their views on

various topics about Rotary and Rotaract in English & Tami. They left no stone unturned on this topic, we had speakers to

talk on topics right from the history of Rotary & Rotaract, to its core values and the services offered. The audience had a great

deal of knowledge and a chance to listen to the vibrant speakers.

A special mention must go to Preethi .S, Sasikumar .P and Chidambaram .E from Government school of Okkiam

Thoraipakkam. It was really pleasing to hear them speak so well. They caught every one’s attention and also got appreciation

for their work and we wish them all the best.

The judges Rtn. Balasubramanian and Ann Vilasini Karthik did have a tough time choosing the winners. The first place was

bagged by TA. Amutharasi for her excellent style and speech. All the participants were encouraged by Cash prizes by our

parent club. After the competition we had lunch where we shared some of the experiences of the day.

We would like to thank our parent club for organizing this competition and also for their encouragement and efforts.

- Contributed by Rtr Amritha Ravikumar

Charter Nite Celebrations – Feb 23

The Senator Hall at Residency Towers in T.Nagar wore a festive look on thursday the 23d Feb’12 evening with

RCMCians, anns & annets welcoming the Chief Guest Rtn.PDG Ramakrishna Raja- District Trainer 2011-12,

Rtn.PDG Krishnan V.Chari the Guest of Honour, awardees of the evening with their families & visiting Rotarians

from other clubs of Dist 3230 on the occasion of its charter-nite.

Apart from 23rd

Feb’12 being the world understanding day, it also happens to be the day in which namma “Rotary

club of Madras Coromandel” was chartered 23 years ago on 23rd

Feb’1989. Incidentally RCMC shares the rare

honour with two other clubs in the world of sharing its birthday on 23rd

February with the Rotary movement itself.

Ann Bharathi invoked the blessings of God almighty followed by an unusually crisp welcome address by President

Bala. Keeping with the tradition at RCMC, the past Presidents of the club were honoured by the Chief Guest

Ramakrishna Raja.

Birthday cake cutting followed. Just as the presence of Rtn.PDG Chari -the Past President of Meenambakkam Club

which gave birth to RCMC brought back memories of our club charter President Late T.R.K to our club old timers,

President Bala called upon charter first Lady Uma Krishnaswamy who was present amongst the audience to cut the

birthday cake and she graciously obliged. With Ann Uma Anand’s birthday coinciding with the club’s charter day, it

was Rtn.Anand’s turn to offer a piece of cake to Ann Uma.

Director of Club Service Subbu went on to the next part of agenda of honouring three distinguished Rotarians of

RCMC who have done outstanding service to the club - Rtn.O.S.Arun, Rtn.PP.Kalyan & Rtn.Jeeva and called upon

Rtn.PDG Chari to do the honours. Annet Abhinav Arun & Ann Hema received the honours on behalf of Rtn.O.S.Arun

& Ann Viji Kalyan on behalf of PP.Kalyan followed by Rtn.Jeeva cheered by the RCMCians.

Following its tradition of recognizing eminent citizens of Chennai who have dedicated themselves to the cause of

serving the society through their vocation, “For the sake of Honour” awardfor the year 2011-12 was given to

Ms.Uttara Bharat Kumar the founder of Nalamdana the NGO which is creating the AIDS awareness in an exemplary

manner tirelessly over the past several years through the creative use of theatre arts and street plays. Ms.Uttara

Bharat Kumar in her acceptance speech was humility personified thanking her parents for giving freedom to follow

her passion in serving the society.

The Vocational excellence award was bestowed upon Mrs.Subhashree Thanikachalam of Maximum Media who has

several laurels to credit including her famed Marghazhi Mahotsavam in Jaya TV. Her acceptance speech again was

marked by humility, making RCMCians proud of choosing the right recipients for its highest honours.

New member Kiran Sebastian was inducted by Rtn.PDG Chari and his wife Priya and Annet Jonathan were also

present.

Scholarship commemorating the memory of Charter President Late TRK to a deserving meritorious student of

Okikiam Thorapakkam school where the club has an active Interact club was announced by PP.Perkinian. One could

notice happy smile from the headmaster of Okkiam School who was present at the occasion on hearing the

announcement. Scholarship to a deserving meritorious student from Avvai Home in memory of Past President Late

Arunachalam was announced by Rtn PP.Thangamuthu.

Speaking at the occasion, Rtn.PDG Ramakrishna Raja patted RCMC and its President for its services to the

society and recalled the long struggle in eradicating Polio from India and the need for Rotarians to persevere until

polio is completely eradicated from Pakistan, Afghanistan & Nigeria the three countries where Polio is still

endemic to call it a Polio free world.

Secretary Suresh who proposed the vote of thanks ensured that everyone who was associated with the charter-nite

celebrations was thanked including Annet Tushita Parthiban who donned the mantle of MC and asthan

photographer Rtn.Anand . While the curtains came down on the official function with the National Anthem,

FMLR – Family of Music Loving Rotarians enlivened the fellowship with old classics of film songs.

The bonhomie witnessed at the fellowship that followed the function and dinner were witness that RCMC had

several friends and admirers amongst the Rotary fraternity what with representatives from several city clubs

gracing the function.

A point to note. With the club chartered on 23rd Feb1989, the year long silver jubilee celebrations will commence

on 23rd Feb 2013 culminating on 23rd Feb 2014. Dr.Jaisankar President Elect will be leading the club in its silver

jubilee year and Rtn.Karthik Narayanan President nominee will follow him. RCMC eagerly looks forward to its

silver jubilee year.

-Contributed by Rtn R Sridhar

Rotaract News

In the Rotaract District conference RCMC was felicitated for forming the new Rotaract club of Drishti. We have

received a citation from them and the same has been sent to the archives.

Our Drishti Rotaractors had participated in dance show in the district conference. Furthermore Rotaract club of

MGR Janaki college won the competition held during the New Generation month of September for 20 projects

done by them during that month. They were also felicitated during the District conference.

Our Club is contributing Rs. 44250 for Rotaract District Conference. The following members have contributed.

Pres Bala. Rs21000

Karthik Rs.5000

Ganesan: Rs.3000

Subbu: Rs.3000

Suresh: Rs.2000

Anand: Rs.2000

Balance Rs.8250 is from Club account as registration cost for 15 Dristhi Rotaractors @ Rs. 350 and 30 College of

Physiotherapy Rotaractors @ Rs. 100 per head

Rotary Community Corps of Chinna Nilangarai – Feb 28

Office-bearers (President, Secretary, Treasurer & Cashier) of Rotary Community Corps (RCC) of Chinna

Nilangarai, sponsored by our Club, were installed today in the presence of District RCC Additional Chairman, U

Karunanithi, The RCC is aimed at contributing to hygiene, education and welfare of the fishermen community in

Chinna Nilangarai Kuppam. About 30 community members were present.

After some initial talk by me on how Rotary can be of help to the community and the need for their own RCC, the

office-bearers were elected by consensus:

President: G. Santhanam

Secretary: R. Sekhar

Treasurer: K. Sekhar

Cashier: B. Venkataraman

Their installation was received with ovation by the assembly. There are now 20 members in the RCC, including the

above office-bearers.

Gajendran Santhanam is a qualified engineer and businessman. He enjoys the confidence of the community and

promises to lead the RCC well. In his address, Rtn U Karunanithi related how his club, Rotary club of

Thiruvanmiyur, is serving the Irula community to educate themselves and integrate with the society. He also stressed

the need for cooperation, consultation and consensus and avoidance of conflict in working for the community.

The members almost with one voice wanted improvement of the sewage system to be taken on priority. I suggested

to Mr. G. Santhanam to draw up a proposal for our consideration and assistance.

-Contributed by Prez Bala

Forthcoming Events

March 4 – Classification talk by Rtn Karthik Narayanan, 9am @ Boat club

March 11 – Governor’s visit to RCMC, 4pm onwards @ Alumni Club.

Editorial Team:

Ann Vijaya Kalyan

Rtn Raj Shankar & Ann Rekha Raj

Rtn V Subramaniam

Reach us at:

F2, Nikhil Apartments

19 M.G. Road, Shastri

Nagar,

Adyar, Chennai- 600 020

For information on Rotary International log on to:

www.rotary.org

For information on Rotary Club of Madras Coromandel

Log on to:

www.rotarymadrascoromandel.com

CLUB MEETING:

The Club meets at the Boat Club

every Sunday at 9.00 am

OFFICE BEARERS 2011-12

President

Rtn PHF G. Balasubrahmanyan

Imm. Past President

Rtn PP PHF C. Perkinian

President Elect

Rtn PHF Dr. V. Jaisankar

Vice President

Rtn PP PHF S Ramanathan

Secretary

Rtn S. Suresh

Treasurer

Rtn S. Jayapandi

Sergeant-at-arms

Rtn PP PHF P.Thangamuthu

DIRECTOR

Club Service

Rtn V.Subramanian

Community Service - Health

Rtn PHF S.Anand

Community service - Development

Rtn PHF S.Anand

Vocational Service

Rtn PHF A.Anjaiah

International Service

Rtn PP PHF R Ravi

Club Advisor/Trainer

Rtn PP PHF N.Srinivasan

New Generation

Rtn Karthik Narayanan

CHAIRPERSON

Membership Development

Rtn PP PHF S .Ramanathan

Public Relations

Rtn R.Jeevanandham

Rotary Foundation

Rtn P.S.Suresh

Polio Plus

Rtn PP PHF Panduranga Rao

Fellowship

Rtn PP PHF.N Subramanian

Fund raising

Rtn O.S.Arun

Birthdays

Rtn PP R Narayanan Mar-02

Annet V S Shivkumar Mar-02

Rtn PP R Ravi Mar-04

Rtn PP R Sankaranarayanan Mar-05

Annet Aswini Anjaiah Mar-13

Wedding Anniversary

Rtn B Viswanathan & Ann Shyla Mar-04

Rtn Karthik & Ann Vilasini Mar-11

Rtn PP Thangamuthu & Ann

Sudha

Mar-13

RCMC Family Events

The upanayanam of Annet Rudradev was held on Feb 26 at the ISKCON Temple

premises in Thiruvanmiyur. In connection with this, Rtn PP Ravi & Ann Shobana

had hosted a dinner on Feb 25th, which was attended by a few Rotarians with

families

Rtn V Subbu & Ann Shashi invite you all with family for their son Harsh's

upanayanam on March 4 (10am to 12noon) at TAG Centre, TTK Road, Alwarpet,

Chennai -18

Rtn B Viswanathan & Ann Shyla invite you all with family for their daughter

Gowri's wedding on March 11 at Sri Subham Hall (near Mandaveli

market).Muhurtham – 6 to 7.30am ; Reception on March 10, 6 – 9pm