District Governor - Rtn. Manjoo Phadke
Mar-2024
Editor - Rtn. Madhur Dolare

Rotary Club Pune Camp Launches 'Project Indradhanush' to Empower LGBTQ+ Community Back
On the 24th of February 2024, Rotary Club Pune Camp launched a pioneering initiative titled "Project Indradhanush" aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community. This
project, inaugurated at Terrasinne Multicuisine Restaurant, received substantial backing from various NGOs operating within the vicinity. The overarching objective of Project Indradhanush is to foster inclusivity, provide essential services, and advocate for the rights of individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Objectives: Project Indradhanush is designed to address key challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community across seven critical areas:

1. Parent and Child Counselling: Providing support and guidance for both parents and children within the LGBTQ+ community to foster understanding and acceptance.
2. LGBT Sensitization: Conducting awareness programs and workshops to educate the general public and eliminate stereotypes and prejudices against LGBTQ+ individuals.
3. Free Legal Aid: Offering legal assistance and guidance to LGBTQ+ individuals who encounter discrimination, harassment or legal challenges based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
4. HIV Testing: Organizing regular HIV testing drives and providing access to healthcare services to ensure the well-being and health of the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Creating Employment Opportunities: Facilitating job placements, skill development programs and career counseling to empower LGBTQ+ individuals economically and socially.
6. Entrepreneurship Development: Offering support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals interested in starting their own businesses or ventures, promoting financial independence and self-sustainability.
7. Help in Finding Shelter for Abandoned: Providing assistance and resources to individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who have been abandoned or face homelessness, ensuring they have access to safe and supportive shelter options.

Implementation: The implementation of Project Indradhanush involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, healthcare institutions, legal
experts and community leaders. Rotary Club Pune Camp will coordinate efforts to organize workshops, counseling sessions, legal clinics, healthcare camps, job fairs and entrepreneurship development programs.

Partnerships: The project enjoys the support and collaboration of numerous NGOs operating in the area. Notably, the inauguration of Project Indradhanush witnessed the solidarity of all these organizations, signifying a collective commitment to the cause. Among these partnerships, the collaboration with Terrasinne Multicuisine Restaurant serves as a testament
to the community's support for inclusivity and diversity.

Conclusion: Project Indradhanush embodies Rotary Club Pune Camp's dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community. By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community across various spheres of life, this initiative aims to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. With collaborative efforts and continued support from stakeholders, Project Indradhanush endeavors to paint a brighter and
more inclusive future for the LGBTQ+ community in Pune and beyond.