Rotary Club of Poona Midtown-RYLA
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RYLA Conducted by the Rotary Club of Poona Midtown at Krishnarao Mundhe High School, Junnar on 15th November, 2025
The Rotary Club of Poona Midtown conducted a full-day RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) programme on 15th November, 2025 at Krishnarao Mundhe High School, Junnar.
This RYLA benefited nearly 650 students, offering them guidance, exposure, and inspiration for their future.
Programme Highlights
Inauguration
The programme commenced in the presence of school authorities and Rotarians from Junnar. All visiting Rotarians and Anns were honoured with shawls and coconut, expressing heartfelt gratitude.
Sessions & Activities
Yoga Session
Rtn. Dr. Shubhada Jathar led a Yoga session for students of 7th to 10th standards, focusing on mental clarity, physical fitness, concentration, and stress management.
Handwriting Competition
A handwriting competition was conducted for 450 students, promoting neatness, discipline, and improved presentation.
Girls’ Session
Dr. Rutuja delivered a special session for girls on menstrual hygiene, physical changes, and emotional well-being, offering essential guidance in a comforting and informative manner.
Boys’ Session
Rtn. Sameer Mohire conducted an interactive session on “How to Improve Your Communication Skills,” covering confidence-building, grammar, vocabulary, body language, and effective communication habits.
Sanitary Pad Vending Machine
A Sanitary Pad Vending Machine, donated by Rtn. Smita Shah, will provide girl students with easy, private, and reliable access to sanitary pads, improving menstrual hygiene and reducing absenteeism.
Alexa Doll Donation
An Alexa Doll was also donated to the school to answer students’ questions instantly and encourage their curiosity and inquisitive nature.
Vijay Bhatkar Skill School Inauguration
A key milestone was the launch of the Vijay Bhatkar Skill School, jointly established by RCPM and the Rotary Club of Junnar Shivneri.
This ₹1,00,000 vocational project will empower Adivasi and Katkari students with essential skills for a brighter future.
Wildlife Slide Show
Himani Joshi presented an engaging slide show on wildlife and bird conservation, which the students watched with tremendous interest.
A Stark Reality
During this session, when students were asked, “How many of you have actually seen a leopard?”
Every single student raised their hand.
This emotional moment left a deep impact on everyone present—revealing the harsh and frightening reality of these remote tribal areas, where encounters with wild animals are not rare occurrences but a part of the children’s everyday lives.
A dedicated team of 27 Rotarians and Anns worked meticulously for several days and was present on-site from the previous day, ensuring seamless planning and flawless execution. This RYLA was conducted under the guidance of President Rtn. Dr. Chandrashekhar Valhvankar and Youth Director Rtn. Minal Avachat, whose leadership shaped every element of the programme. A special mention goes to RYLA Chair Ann Vrushali Deshpande, whose tireless efforts and coordination were central to the day’s success with special efforts of AG Rtn. Dhananjay Rajurkar, whose support added great strength to the overall execution.
Rtn. Sameer Mohire
