Review of Dam Repairs RCPC has executed a number of Dam Repair Projects in Satara District. These Earthen Dams, built for collection of Rainwater in the Rain-shadow areas had developed leaks and the water collected during the monsoons was getting depleted by November each year. RCPC members contributed generously for repairs, which was done with help from experts and a core team of local farmers, by building a Trench at the catchment end of the dam, and stopping the flow of water by use of thick plastic sheets and sprinkling dry cement. We visited a Dam thus repaired last April to review the situation, and were pleasantly surprised to see the dam was full of water, and the locals assured us that the water would last till February next year. The water in the dam has also caused the water table in the vicinity to rise and the wells are full of water. We have raised funds for this project this year too and will be starting similar repairs at other dam sites early next year. Members must go and see the actual work being carried out to get a sense of participation, and to see parched areas being turned into lush green farmlands. Kudos to Rtn Giri Sakhrani and Mr. Padmakar Bhide for their outstanding work. ********************** Donation of Computers to a Rural School Ransingwadi is a small hamlet in Satara District, close to one of the Dam Repair sites. On an earlier visit to the School, Rtn Giri Sakhrani, met the Principal of the School, which has students from Classes VII to X, but did not have any computers in their inventory for covering that aspect of the syllabus. He decided to donate four computers from his office inventory to this school. The computers were refurbished and prepared for use by the students. These were presented to the School on11th December 2023. At the school we learnt that there was no aid to the school from the Central or State Government, and that the school only survived on donations from well-wishers and some local farmers. The nearby Zilla Parishad School was only up to Class VII, and thereafter either the children of nearby areas stopped studying or had to seek admission in faraway schools. The teachers were teaching without any remuneration as was the Principal, who informed us that during the last four years the school had secured 100% result in the SSC Board Examination. This year two of their students had secured scholarships worth Rs 48000/- for higher studies. We plan to take up this school for a ‘Happy School’ project, and provide them whatever assistance we can. ********************** Distribution of Spectacles at Ashagram Ashagram is an institution located about 10 Km from the town of Koregaon, in Satara District. This Institution for Mentally Challenged Children is located against the backdrop of a typically rocky hillock. on which a large number of windmills have been erected. Rtn Oni and R’Ann Nafisa Kakajiwala and Community Eyecare Cenre had conducted an eye checkup camp here last month. About 75 children were found to be in need of glasses, and these glasses were distributed on 11th December. Apart from the scenic location, the institution is very aesthetically designed, keeping in view the special needs of the children living there. In fact children is a misnomer, due to the fact that even though the affected people came there as children, they remain there even when they’re grown up. Father Thomas, who looks after the Institution has been with it for over 25 years and his dedication is visible all over the place. It was a moving experience to be there and handing over the spectacles. We saw the dormitories and the massive, spotlessly clean kitchen, which caters to the requirements of over 150 persons living on the campus. On the campus they have their own dairy, ad grow a variety of vegetables and fruits. This establishment also depends totally on donations from benefactors, who give either in cash or kind. Out of the 106 residents, over 50 are orphans. Visits to such places are eye-openers, and serve to show us that there are a lot of people doing good in the world, and dedicated humans like Father Thomas, who strive to make life comfortable for those in need.