Rotaract: The Year That Was

Rotaract (Rotary in Action) originally began in 1968 and has grown into a major service, leadership, professional and community service organization with over 9,539 clubs spread around the world. The Manipal chapter of Rotaract is one of the largest organisations in the university and is very active in fulfilling its mission. Here is what they did last year:

Community Contact Program: This unique initiative taken up by Rotaract involves weekly visits to nearby orphanages, old-age homes, rehabilitation centres for mentally challenged people, and other community institutions. Their aim is to brighten up the day of those otherwise neglected by society by spending quality time with them, bringing refreshments and organizing other recreational activities with them! So far, Rotaract has collaborations with over 15 such centres which they visit at least once a semester.

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The Meraki Waltz: Rotaract successfully hosted Manipal’s first and biggest Masquerade Ball which saw a stupendous participation from all colleges under Manipal University. Using it as a means to raise awareness and funds towards Women Empowerment, they also managed to give Manipal an unforgettable night of dancing, masks, and numerous surprises.

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Pitch Fever: Rotaract’s own unique version of gully cricket is an ode to the favourite childhood sport. Organized on campus, the new and innovative rules set by the club attract cricket fanatics and non-enthusiasts alike and see the participation of both students and faculty!

Blood Donation Camps: Organized in collaboration with KMC hospital, this is an initiative taken up by the club in order to supplement the hospital’s Blood Bank. The event encourages students to voluntarily donate blood and save lives. Strongly supported by the University, faculty members and college administrators turn up in huge numbers to do their share for society. An extension of the Blood Donation Camps, the Red Line App is an attempt to consolidate the blood groups and contact numbers of all students and faculty of MIT so that in case of emergencies as cited by KMC, there are potential donors available at the touch of a button.

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Cloth Collection Drive: Organized in the odd semester, this is another unique initiative taken up Rotaract. Students give away old clothes at designated points in each hostel and the clothes are then distributed among villages around Manipal and Udupi. Special care is taken to ensure that each piece of clothing donated is usable.

Dhol Baje: This is the biggest cultural night of Manipal which sees the participation of all 18 colleges under Manipal University. A unique theme of DJ-Dandiya keeps the crowd entertained all night! The proceeds raised through selling tickets go to charity in support of the socio-economic causes supported by Rotaract.

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Apart from organizing their own events, RCM also actively contributes towards the organization of various functions of Rotary Club, Udupi: its parent body. This gives the members of the club an opportunity to interact with senior members of the club and brings to light the various ways one can continue to contribute to society even after graduating from college.

So far this academic year, the have donated Rs 1000 to members of MIT’s security and staff who are also parents of a single girl child. The club has also donated a substantial amount towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Venugopal Temple. Not to shy away from their responsibilities towards the environment, one of their ongoing projects involves donating books about rainwater harvesting to students of schools in and around Manipal.  They also donated a sum of Rs 10,000 towards one of the orphanages the club collaborates with on the occasion of Children’s Day.

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