Currently, the van provides testing for non-communicable diseases, liver disease screening, dental hygiene checks, and general consultations. Patients are linked to appropriate care when needed. Plans are underway to introduce a mobile ultrasonogram to assess fatty liver disease, a growing health concern.

By offering preventive healthcare, this initiative helps reduce the burden on hospitals and aligns with Tamil Nadu’s public health goals. “RCCT has been supporting health and education initiatives for the underprivileged since 1998,” says Club President Rtn Shalin Shah. Interested organisations can contact 73587 64200 for more information.

Over three years, the club has celebrated the unique talents of these children. The team embarked on an initiative to uncover more diverse skills among special children. In recent months, they connected with individuals, groups, and schools to gather insights into various talents. The multi-talent hunt featured 200 participants in competitions in fashion shows, dance, writing, drawing, painting, keyboard, and public speaking.

“This endeavour aims to build awareness, recognise, appreciate, acknowledge and spot their talent and make them grow higher in their new skill to enrich their future living community and support a more inclusive world,” said a statement from the club.

Comprising a mixed bag of performers, the grand finale was held at Hotel Le Meridian on Oct.13. The event was judged by prominent singers – Yugendran Vasudevan, Devan Ekambaram, NSK Ramya and Ganga. More than 200 guests, including celebrities, attended the finale. 

Chief guest for the event was Rtn Mahaveerchand Bothra, District Governor – RI District 3233. President Rtn Shalin Shah and Chairman of the event Rtn Eashwar Prasad ensured that the event showcased the talent beautifully. The proceeds of this event will be utilised for various community projects of Rotary.

Winners of different categories:

• Carnatic: Winner – R.Shrinidhi (Rotaract Club of REC), Runner up – Balaje MS Viswanaathan (RC Chennai Octave);
• Junior: Winner – Utkarsh Snehal (RC North west), Runner up – Sathvikasri (RC Chennai Adyar);
• Young Adult: Winner – Jayaprakash (Rotaract Club of REC), Runner up – V.Meghna (RC Chennai Utsav)
• Western: Winner – Gautham Garg (RC Chennai Capital), Runner up – V.Aishwarya (RC Chennai Octave);
• Senior Female: Winner – Deepa Venkatraman (RC Chennai Octave), Runner up – Rtn. Laxmi Mohandas (RC Chennai Royals);
• Duet: Winner – Aishwarya / Rangarajan (RC Chennai Octave), Runner up – A.Akash / Shrinidhi (Rotaract club of REC);
• Senior Male: Winner – Ankit Shah (RC Chennai Capital), Runner up – Anindya Ghosh (RC Chennai Gemini);
• Group: Winner – S.Nagarajan (RC Madras North), Runner up – Gautham Garg (RC Chennai Capital);

Special Awards: Sumithra (RC Vadapalani), P.Shivathmika (RC Chennai Adyar), A.Akash (Rotaract Club of REC), Adhithya (Rotaract Club of REC), Myttre (RC Melodies), Ankit / Gautham (RC Chennai Capital), A.S.Rangarajan (RC Chennai Serenity).

More than 20 Rotary clubs along with 200 NSS volunteers from Ethiraj College, Loyola College and St.Thomas Mount formed a human chain holding placards and banners with messages on why and how to keep our environment/ beaches clean and protect marine life.

Dr Vaneeta Agarwal, Director NSS, University of Madras, chief guest, spoke on the importance of having litter-free beaches, and the need to create awareness of the effects of littering on marine life.

Rtn Sarada Ramani – Chairperson Community Services (Rotary District 3234), Rtn Uma Maheshwari – Chairperson Environment (District 3234) and Rtn Krishnamurthy – Madras Besant Nagar encouraged all to continue spreading the message of ‘Clean Chennai Green Chennai’.

Rtn Saiseshan Chairman Literacy RID 3232, Inspector M.Thankaraj (L&O), Sub-inspector V.Rajendran (Traffic) were the chief guests. Students and early morning walkers at Elliot Beach participated in planting saplings. Bluewaves aims to create a green canopy at Besant Nagar.

In another event, the team, under the guidance of Police Commissioner Sandeep Roy Rathore, IPS, the Sastri Nagar police station and Thoraipakkam J9 police Inspector K.Rajaram, created awareness of the ill effects of drugs, among the residents of Besant Nagar, on May 19. They spoke to parents on how to monitor their children and watch for any change in behaviour. Friendly conversations and the distribution of fruits and buttermilk made it a pleasant event.

“Our motto is to help the street animals keep hydrated and help prevent them from drinking contaminated water. With temperatures rising, water is crucial for all living beings.  We request everyone to do their bit by keeping a water bowl outside of their house so stray animals can have clean drinking water. We thank Happipets and all the golden hearts for their contributions, apart from volunteers from Sri Sankara Vidyashram School, Thiruvanmiyur,” says Jyoshithaa and Monika. The team is also putting reflective collars on stray dogs to make them more visible in low lights, thus avoiding accidents and injuries to the voiceless. 

The team can be contacted at 78713 88982.

“What would you do if your child was one of the ‘1 in 100’ children born with a heart defect? Parents are willing to move heaven and earth to save their child’s life, but often, their options and finances are limited. Sadly, routine surgical procedures freely available in the developed world are out of reach in almost every African country,” said a statement from the Rotary Club of Chennai Thiruvanmiyur (RCCT), prompting them to take steps to change this. They are now providing open heart surgery to African children with heart issues, for free.

In Phase 1, six affected children from Africa were identified and brought to India, in association with Indian Association Uganda and Healthy Heart Foundation Uganda. They were operated at Namar Hospital, Royapettah, by Dr Prashant Shah and Dr Prem, philanthropist doctors. RCCT thanked Flexco for sponsoring the project.

The event saw the planting of 150 saplings., each accompanied by a tree guard, along key areas such as Mount Poonamalle High Road, ANE Salai, and VGN Nagar.

Rtn. N.S.Saravanan, Governor-elect of RI District 3234, was the chief guest. He underscored the significance of community involvement in tree planting and the importance of enhancing the city’s greenery. Pasumai Moorthy, from Pasumai Amaippu and a resident of Vannanthurai, donated the saplings and highlighted the need for diligent maintenance of the newly planted saplings, stressing adequate watering and care.

Also present at the occasion were Jamila Pandurangan – President of the Iyyappanthangal Panchayat, Rtn. C.Muthusamy – Chairman of Public Image, Rtn. Dr K.P.Vijayakumar – the organiser of the initiative, Union councillors Ushanandhini Ethiraj and Loganayaki Swaminathan, residents and office bearers of Prince Highlands and members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Prestige.