Since 2009, The Rotary Club of Bombay has been helping deserving children with its educational programme Bhavishya-yaan. The initiative aims to impart computer skills, spoken English and life skills to students of municipal schools in Mumbai. The ongoing fundraising efforts that commenced last month will conclude with a concert at the end of August that will be headlined by Bollywood playback singer Shankar Mahadevan.
Currently, Bhavishya-yaan is in force at municipal Schools in Worli, Colaba, Lower Parel, and Byculla. In the same vein sister Rotary clubs have borrowed this same model incorporating the programme at municipal schools in Walkeshwar, Vile Parle, Deonar and Andheri East.
To execute their educational initiative, The Rotary Club of Bombay has enlisted the help of teachers from the NGO, Vidya. Each school is also supervised by a Rotary member or their spouse. The programme which previously comprised students from class VII to X has now expanded to include kids from class II onwards. The money raised from Mahadevan’s performance is expected to fund the extended programme for the next three years.
Ramesh Narayan, president of the Rotary Club of Bombay says, “We realised that over a period of time that we have taught them academics but also to dream big. None of our students start working immediately after the SSC examination. They go on to study further and basically have a much better life.” He adds that the average pass rate for the S.S.C exam in municipal schools is as low as 60 to 70%. “However, with Bhavishya-yaan schools, the pass rate is 100%,” claims Narayan. “In fact four of the municipal school board toppers were from our schools. These children go back to rather appalling conditions and unless you are able to add an element of exposure, you will never bring out the best in them. We at Bhavishya-yaan have a range of activities for our students right from Bharatnatyam and Yoga. We also take them to watch IPL and ICC matches, and art events.”
The upcoming concert is a chance for the public to help change the lives of deserving children. After all, the funds raised will go towards further developing Bhavishya-yaan endeavours.
Shankar Mahadevan Live in Concert will take place on August 23 at Tata Theatre, NCPA. Tickets are priced between ₹1000 to ₹8000. Visit bookmyshow.com.