Kolkata, 3rd March 2025 — In the heart of Kolkata, the Rotary Club of Salt Lake Metropolitan (RCSLM) is preparing for an exceptional gathering that will transcend the ordinary. On the 5th of April, 2025, the majestic Science City will serve as the stage for “An Evening with Dr. Kumar Vishwas,” an event that seeks to blend the art of poetry with the noble cause of philanthropy. This gathering promises to unite an esteemed assembly of professionals and social leaders in the shared pursuit of transformative community initiatives, fostering both artistic expression and social change.
The Rotary Club of Salt Lake Metropolitan has been a steadfast force for good since its inception in 2008. Like the gentle ebb of a river that nourishes the land, the club, with over 25 distinguished members, including doctors and community leaders, has carved a path of selfless service, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. Through its numerous initiatives, the club has touched countless lives, focusing its efforts on areas such as healthcare, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, embodying the true spirit of humanitarianism.
The club’s impactful projects have had far-reaching effects. One of its key initiatives, Dignity in Mobility, provided 550 wheelchairs to those who were previously unable to move independently, restoring their dignity and freedom. Project Prayaas (Muluk), a hospital-on-wheels, brings crucial healthcare to underserved communities, ensuring that medical aid reaches those most in need. The Matri Raksha initiative stands as a cornerstone of the club’s efforts, addressing the widespread issue of anaemia in women. So far, 5,000 women have benefited from this program, with the goal of reaching an additional 15,000 in the future.
In the field of healthcare, the Andhere Se Ujala project has brought light into the lives of 5,000 cataract patients, restoring their vision and, with it, their ability to experience the world in all its vibrancy. Meanwhile, Project Swabhlamban has provided 550 unemployed youth with the means to earn a livelihood through the provision of cycle vans and rickshaws, empowering them to sustain themselves and their families. In Mathurapur, Project Gowshaala has provided milk-yielding cows to 20 families, creating a sustainable source of income and improving their quality of life. Additionally, Project Dignity has focused on improving rural sanitation, building 60 low-cost toilets and seven rainwater harvesting ponds in Amta, which has enabled multi-crop farming and brought prosperity to the region.
Looking ahead, RCSLM’s efforts are poised to expand further. The Matri Raksha initiative will be expanded through the organization of 150 health camps, offering even more women access to vital healthcare services. Furthermore, the Shoring the Shores project aims to plant 2.5 lakh mangrove saplings in Gadkhali, a region where the preservation of embankments is crucial for both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
The evening with Dr. Kumar Vishwas will be more than just a gathering of minds; it will be a celebration of generosity and hope. The funds raised from this distinguished event will directly support RCSLM’s Matri Raksha and Shoring the Shores projects, driving lasting change in the spheres of healthcare and environmental sustainability. It is an opportunity for the community to stand together, forging a path toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
At the heart of this extraordinary event are the guiding figures of RCSLM, including CA Sunil Singhi, the President; Dr. Shaktirupa Chakraborty, the President Elect; Abhishek Dugar, the Convenor of the Program; Dr. Aruna Tantia, Ashok Kumar Surana, Kusum Chamaria, Archana Goyel, Inder Kr. Bagri, and Sherya Dugar. As this poetic evening unfolds, it promises not only to showcase the talents of Dr. Kumar Vishwas but also to catalyze meaningful change, weaving together the timeless beauty of poetry with the noble mission of service.