Kolkata/IBNS: Rotary International District 3291, encompassing regions of West Bengal and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has revealed an expansive blueprint to provide substantial community assistance amounting to approximately Rs 58 crores.

The comprehensive initiatives were unveiled by the newly appointed District Governor (DG), Hira Lal Yadav, who assumed office on July 1 and is set to serve until June 30, 2024. This endeavor aligns with Rotary International’s overarching theme for the year, "CREATE HOPE in the WORLD," under the leadership of RI President R. Gordon R McNally.

DG Yadav detailed a series of impactful projects that will be spearheaded by his team, underlining their commitment to enhancing the well-being of the region's residents. Noteworthy among these initiatives are plans for 55,000 free cataract surgeries at the 11 eye hospitals overseen by various Rotary clubs in the area.

The district will facilitate the distribution of 500 Hands of Hope (Fitted LN4 Prosthetic Hands), 100 complimentary heart surgeries, 300 free health camps, the establishment of an ICU on Wheels, and the provision of an accident rescue van for local law enforcement.

The district will also initiate the creation of 50 Paediatric Cancer Care & Rehabilitation units, conduct 15 Thalassemia Awareness Programs accompanied by a substantial Rally, and commit to a minimum of 20 awareness sessions focusing on Mental Health throughout the current Rotary year.

Demonstrating its dedication to bolstering regional healthcare infrastructure, Rotary District 3291 announced the establishment of a Blood Bank in Howrah, the creation of 5 Dialysis Centers, an additional Eye Hospital to supplement the existing 11, a Mobile Dental Clinic, and a Mobile Mammography Unit dedicated to Breast Cancer detection. The district further outlined plans to distribute 1 LAKH sanitary napkins to economically disadvantaged female students in local schools.

In harmony with its environmental conservation mission, Rotary District 3291 will lead efforts to plant 1 LAKH mangroves, 50,000 trees, and 25,000 mango trees, offering a dual benefit of environmental preservation and income generation for economically marginalized farmers.

Fostering gender empowerment, the district will orchestrate skill development programs and self-defense training as part of the Virangana project aimed at benefitting young women.

In tandem with its commitment to literacy, Rotary District 3291 has set its sights on uplifting adults through the education of a minimum of 2500 individuals, complemented by initiatives such as School Building Upgrades, the Installation of Computer Labs, and the donation of Tables and Benches to local schools, facilitated by various Rotary clubs.

The district's commitment to the Ganga Safai Abhiyaan initiative will see substantial efforts towards the comprehensive cleaning of the banks of the river Hooghly, encompassing the installation of toilets, dustbins, and associated facilities at identified ghats.

DG Hira Lal Yadav expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of local government bodies and emphasized the continuation of ongoing projects such as the construction and renovation of rural and community toilets, the installation of drinking water kiosks, and the establishment of safe drinking water facilities in schools and government hospitals.

The district leader extended an invitation to the corporate sector to actively participate in Rotary clubs as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavors. He also stressed the importance of local media as significant stakeholders in the century-long development work undertaken by the organization, welcoming their ongoing collaboration and support.