Arogyabhaan :Promoting Children’s Holistic well being Original write up by PP Vivek Kulkarni/ Modified suitably by Pres. Amita Nene

After successfully conducting Tarunyabhan (Sex Education for Adolescents), Manovedh (Strengthening Mental Health of teens entering college), Good Touch/Bad touch ( Making girls aware of intentions of people around) over years, Rotary Club of Pune Metro ( RCPM ) wanted to take leap forward towards Holistic approach covering all round aspects of Children well being.

In that context, RCPM Project Evaluation team came across a Program (hƩps://www.arogyabhan.org/about-arogya-bhan.html) by Arogybhan organization founded by Dr. Mohan Des, a Doctor by profession and social catalyst by Passion. RCPM team was impressed with their content coverage, innovative approach, team expertise and India wide experience of conducting the program. Thus was born Project Arogyabhaan of Rotary Club of Pune Metro that is being conducted at the Pune Municipal Corporation school, Pathare School, Kharadi, Pune. This School primarily caters to children of uneducated parents from economically weaker section. Once conceived, project received financial support from Manaji Rajoji Hindu Sanitorium (MRHS) Trust.

Arogyavhaan Project started in August 2024 and named as ‘Releshani’ by the enthusiastic participants and 5 half days sessions on Saturdays for 80 boys and Girls from 7th and 8th Standard were conducted. Similar program was named by the next lot of participants as ‘Tandurust’ with contents suitably modified program contents to address the needs of 5th and 6th standard Boys and Girls and this program has been completed just before the Diwali holidays. On the same lines the Program this time has been named by the participants as ‘Dhashtpusht’ and it will be conducted later for 3rd & 4th class students after Diwali Holidays.

The Program under Project Arogyabhaan covers Understanding body, mind, physical & emotional well being, relationships at personal, family and social levels & creating awareness and sensitivity towards ones own mind & body as well as that of others. The program uses unique and effective, Interactive communication methods to keep children engaged in activites (drawing, singing, skit, group discussion and more) all which convey a message that is in line with the thought process and mindfulness that we want to inculcate amongst today’s youngsters. There is ample opportunity all through the modules provided to the participants to express themselves via various media and showcase group creativity.

A special Showcase session was organized on October 19th, to all stakeholders through the work achieved so far under Project Arogyabhaan.

As per RCPM tradition, program started with School Principal welcoming all. RCPM Project Director PP Anjali Sahasrabuddhe explained project and the social need. It was followed by RCPM President Amita Nene talking about RCPM, connecting with Students and felicitating Rtn Madhavi Chouhan and Rtn Manjiri Kuvawala of MRHS Trust for their Support. Program was also attended members from Behere Senior citizens home, who were very impressed with the work achieved and showed interest in continuing association with RCPM and the school to assist in running development programs for school children.

Dr Mohan Des and his team conducted a 3 hour walk through where the participants showcased their expressions and their thoughts through creative art/drawings & articles, and they also talked about what was taught to them, what they learned and their overall program experience. This was aƩended by students from 3rd/4th/5th/6th class as well. All of them were given tour of all the art work done by Relashani participants, thereby motivating them and arousing their interest in the program. Program ended with Vote of Thanks by School and theme Song of Arogyabhan.

Some of the RCPM members who have been witness to initial sessions, were amazed to see the kind of growth and mature understanding demonstrated by the participants in the Showcase session, thus vouching for the positive impact of the program. The participants are now applying program learning, openly talking to each other on topics considered taboo 2 months back and also showcasing more sensitivity towards each other. It was really impressive to see the Creative Art work done by the participants. This learning should help these students in manoeuvring the difficult teenage life. We feel this surely can be considered as a success coming out of this program.