Seen during the inauguration of GML, from left to right: Rtn. Dipesh Thakur, President –RcPalghar, Rtn. Rakesh Mishra, Chief Coordinator of Palghar Project, Rtn. Mayank Gandhi, Project Partner from NGO Global ParliPalghar, DG Rajendra Agarwal, Rtn. Akshay G. Mehta, Avenue Chair and Rtn. SnehaPathak, Past President – Rc Queen’s Necklace
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 15: A Dream Project of 25 lakh fruit tree plantation has been taken up by Rotary District 3141 under the leadership of Rotary District Governor (DG) Rajendra Agarwal in the Rotary Year 2021-22, which began from 1st July 2021.
On July 4, 2021the fruit tree plantation project was inaugurated at Wada (Dist. Palghar). DG Rajendra Agarwal and project partner Mayank Gandhi, Hon. Rotarian from Rc Bombay West were the Chief Guests. The event was attended by over 150 Rotarians and family members from Mumbai and Palghar areas. Rotarians from Palghar District BhagwanPatil and Dipesh Thakur have been working on this project and coordinating with all the farmers for the last six months.
The event started with a detailed overview of the project being given by Avenue Chair Akkshay G Mehta. He also shared how this project can become the base for multiple other projects that Rotary Clubs can take on in the future, such as in the areas of Education, Health, Nutrition, etc. He reminded the audience of the target of getting each Rotarian to sponsor at least 1 acre of fruit tree plantations, RC Sobo committed to sponsoring 108 acres on the spot.
This was followed by the motivating address by Chief Guest Mayank Gandhi sharing his passion for Changing India for the better.
Finally, DG Rajendra Agarwal took center stage and shared his passion& dream for the project and how it will also support the 7th Area of Focus for Rotary – Environment.
This was followed by the inauguration of the solar pump (sponsored by RC Bombay West) at a very scenic spot in Wada. Next to the Solar pump in Wada was the farm where the Sapling Plantation event took place.
The Fruit Tree Plantation project has multiple benefits:
* The income of farmers goes up by a minimum of five to six times. Farmers and in turn villages become prosperous.
* The pain of displacement from their own homes, moving to urban areas, and living in slums is avoided.
* Other industries like making jams, juices, etc are made possible.
* Export opportunities can also be explored.
The Fruit Tree Plantation Project was a joint project of Rotary District 3141 and Global Parli, Palghar. The Lead Club to the project was Rc Queen’s Necklace, Mumbai.
The Supporting Clubs for the project were Rc Boisar – Tarapur, Rc Palghar, Rc Manor & Rc Wada. Lunch was sponsored by Rc Mumbai Harmony.
Divya Agarwal
