Becoming better citizens

Legend has it that in the medieval ages, King Arthur was the one who thought up the concept of a Round Table around which sat his gallant kn...

Legend has it that in the medieval ages, King Arthur was the one who thought up the concept of a Round Table around which sat his gallant knights. They shared not only a feeling of camaraderie, but were also enjoined to perform good deeds. These knights in shining armour seem to have found a more contemporary replacement in an organisation of the same name, which has spread to many countries of the world.

In 1927 Louis Marchesi started the Round Table movement in Norwich, UK. The movement came to India in 1957 and a couple of decades later, made its appearance in our city of Pune. This organisation comprises sub-units called Tables, each with about 20 to 25 members to ensure strong fellowship and a close-knit family environment.

Round Table India, with over 150 Tables and a membership strength of over 2,300 Tablers, is a full member of Round Table International and World Council of Service Clubs. Pune too has five Tables with about 80 members who, even though taking active part in a wide range of community services, have preferred to maintain a rather low profile.

A unique feature of this organisation is that their membership, which is by invitation only, is restricted to young men between the ages of 18 and 40. The age barrier ensures that young and vibrant blood always flows through its veins.

Following guidelines laid down on a national level by the President of Round Table India, Tablers in Pune have helped to implement Operation Thirst8217; by digging borewells to provide drinking water in villages, Project Smile8217; providing dental care, treatment and awareness among school children.

In the field of health, they have enthusiastically taken part in the Polio Immunisation programmes, donated life-saving equipment to the Neo-Natal wing of KEM Hospital and held cancer awareness and detection camps with Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital. They also donate food and old clothes to the leprosy centre at Alandi, various orphanages and old age homes and have helped the Suhrud Mandal, a school for deaf-mute children.

One of their main themes is Freedom through education8217; which aims to provide basic education and infrastructure facilities to the under-privileged society. Perhaps this is best reflected by the way one of the Tables is carrying out its activities.

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Instead of spreading out their benefits thinly, they have preferred to concentrate on one school. They have virtually adopted Savitribai Phule School. First they got down to painting the classrooms, followed by renovating their sanitary blocks and providing drinking water. Then it went on to donating laboratory equipment, classroom furniture and even five computers along with a printer.

But what has caused them the greatest satisfaction is the success of their Recirculating Text Book Library8217;. Starting with a mere 60 students in 1993 they now donate books to all the 2,000 students. 8220;The books are taken back at the end of the academic year, refurbished and distributed again. We8217;re glad to have inculcated in their minds a sense of responsibility. These things are more than can be quantified in terms of money,8217; states Sanjay Upponi, chairman of this particular Table.

Starting November 10, the Tablers will get down to Round Table India Week8217; celebrations with concerted community work, topped by a final get-together of all the Tables, where members will generally have a good time. 8220;After all, the idea of this organisation is also to promote friendship and self-development, enabling us to become better citizens. It is only through that, we can help others to become better citizens too,8221; is the wise remark of Tabler Vijay Bulland.