Society Scenes

A time for UtsavThe Research and Development Establishment Ramp;DE celebrated Utsav '98 between August 6 and 9, with the emphasis bein...

A time for Utsav
The Research and Development Establishment Ramp;DE celebrated Utsav 8217;98 between August 6 and 9, with the emphasis being on technology demonstration to attract institutions and individuals having innovative ideas to collaborate with the Ramp;DE. But it was not all work as it was inundated with cultural functions. August 6 saw a tribute to Talat Mehmood by Shrikant Paragaonkar and on August 7 the Pune team that conquered Everest was felicitated. Incidentally the team had used DRDO mountaineering gear. On August 8, vocal performances by Poorvi Parikh, Alka Deo Marulkar and a sitar recital by Pt Arvind Parekh graced the evening. August 9 also had various exponents of Indian classical music performing, with performances by Pt Shreekant Deshpande and sitar recital by Saheed Parvez and a violin recital by Pt M S Gopalkrishnan.

Caring for cancer
Care India Medical Society, a group that has dedicated itself to cancer research and assistance to cancer patients, will be organising a free consultation clinic, Matruseva8217;, for gynaecological and obstetric cases for women from the urban slums of Bhawani Peth, Ganj Peth, Lohiyanagar and Kasewadi. Facilities include a general medical check up, including a pap smear test, a clinical examination of the breast and oral cavity, followed by subsidised treatment for other common ailments. The clinic will be inaugurated on Monday, August 17 at 10.30 am at 827, Bhawani Peth, adjacent to the Bhawani Mata Mandir.

Homage to guru
Maneesha Nrityalay has gained considerable reputation as a school for kathak. Every year, senior disciples of Maneesha Sathe, the founder-director of the institute, celebrate Gurupoornima by offering their own choreographed pieces to their guru. This year a two-day festival had been planned, with one performance on Sunday, August 16 and the next planned for August 23 at 4.30 pm at Tilak Smarak Mandir. The festival comprises of solo and group choreography in traditional kathak as well as contemporary forms in kathak. The entry passes will be available at the venue a day before the programme.

Creating a global village
Helping the world come a little bit closer was the agenda of the Rotary Club of Poona Parvati at their weekly meeting on August 10. With representatives of international institutions invited at the meeting, it was an evening of global solidarity and cultural exchanges. According to Mayuresh Godse, one of the Rotarians, 8220;The idea was to create a forum of people who are working with international organisations and foreigners working in India to foster an atmosphere for international understanding.8221;

The guest of honour, Gunther Hilliges, chairman of the Pune-Bremen Friendship Association and also a member of the Bremen Municipal Corporation, pointing out the immense scope of collaboration that will benefit both the cities. In his opinion, 8220;For the big problems of the world the nations were too small and too big for the small problems of the people.8221; Therefore, by creating a global wealth of people, the world could be made into a much better place.

The evening also saw cultural functions by international students from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Japan and a wonderful Japanese song performed by students of the Japanese language department of Ranade Institute. Another small step for the global village and a giant step for international understanding!

Blend of colours
The Innerwheel Club of Pune Riverside organised a painting competition on August 13 at the Jyotiba Phule High School. Wax crayons were distributed to the 500 participants. The prize distribution was held on August 15 where prizes were given to 12 children in three categories. The club also arranged a talk and slide show on low calorie diet by Manisha Angal, nutritional consultant, on August 14. This workshop coincided with independence eve celebrations.

Story continues below this ad

Talk on action plan
The Rotary club of Pune Riverside organised a talk on Citizens8217; Action Plan8217; by Avinash Dharmadhikari at Hotel Blue Diamond recently. He was presented with a cheque of Rs 10,000 by Rotarian Kantibhai Parmar for his action plan.

Janmashtami celebrated
The Holy Mission, founded by Dada Ishwar Balani, celebrated Janmashtami from August 9 to culminate on August 15. Held at the Amrit Vela Mandir, the programme commenced with havan puja, kirtans and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. On the main day, August 15, a bhog was arranged for the community.

Konkan Mail
Good news for people from Konkan. Konkanni lovers in Pune interested in subscribing to Konkan Mail, a Konk-English fortnightly newspaper, can contact Godwin Pereira, St Joseph Colony, Ramwadi, Pune 14, phone 8211; 684241.

Towards a safe city
As part of its Community Safety Project, the Innerwheel Club of Pune Central distributed reflectors to cyclists on August 14, which help in preventing accidents. This project was organised in collaboration with the traffic branch of the police department.