Dear Rotary Leaders
Now you hear it
Sometimes you don’t. Human voice is an uncanny subject and its link with moods of persons are complex. During these stressful times that is happening during one lockdown after another, I found that hearing to positive reports about how people are helping to fight Covid gives a new meaning to life. My sources of hope these days have been the voices of Rotarians, both near and afar, who inform me how Rotary is stepping up its service activities. I prefer talking to Rotarians, rather than texting and I find myself being enthralled to hear about the huge impact Rotary is able to make in the healthcare area during this pandemic.
So, it was a sheer joy to hear that Medicare equipment worth about INR 300 crore (about USD 41 million) was being distributed in India through Rotary. Rotary Club of Madras North, RI District 3232 had contacted ACT Grants in USA and they put together a huge aid to be sent to India. The Indian arm of ACT Grants, United Way of Bengaluru, represents ACT Grants and Swasth Alliance, a consortium of healthcare professionals from USA. United Way of Bengaluru has entered into a MOU with Rotary India Humanity Foundation to supply many items free of cost for Covid care. They include 50,000 Oxygen concentrators,12,000 Oxygen cylinders, 5,000 BIPAP (Ventilator like machines) (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure), 100 PSA Plants (Prostrate -Specific Antigen) and 50,000 Pulse Oximeters.
These will be supplied through Rotary clubs in many parts of India and the beneficiaries will include Public Health Care facilities, Primary Health Care Centres, Covid Care centres and community health centres. NGOs who run charitable healthcare centres, selected Private hospitals and individuals who can donate the equipment to PHCs are also eligible to receive the items. The estimated value of this aid is USD 41 million.
With most of us stuck at home, Rotary leaders said, “Thou shalt not remain idle. You shalt be industrious and sharpen your skills and there is enough space for Rotarians who want to do many things.” This meant, ‘Serve Constantly,’ so that those who are fighting for life will know that everything is not lost when Rotarians are there.
I found that doing such life-saving work keeps us in fine fettle. When the Government said, “It is lockdown time, stay at home,” they did not mean, “Be idle, be happy.” Idling is not honourable for Rotarians and we have to be on the eternal treadmill to keep our projects going. Fancy university degrees and swelling bank accounts cannot buy us happiness. When you stand on the terrace of your home and stare, devoid of thoughts at the blue skies or starry nights you will hear your inner voice saying, “Serve to Change Lives.” That is exactly what we have heard before and will hear again and again as this voice emanates from our heart.