400 Rotarians Unite in Bengaluru for World Polio Day Awareness
A significant gathering of Rotarians in Bengaluru highlights the ongoing fight against polio on World Polio Day.
Around 400 Rotarians participated in a walk to raise polio awareness.
The event was led by the Rotary Club of Bangalore and emphasized the need for continued vigilance against polio.
Rotary has been active in polio eradication efforts since 1985, with ongoing initiatives to support immunization.
On Saturday morning, approximately 400 members of Rotary District 3192 marched through Bengaluru to commemorate World Polio Day. The event commenced at the M G Road Metro station and concluded at the Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park, serving as a reminder that while India is currently polio-free, the disease still poses a threat in various regions worldwide.
The walk was inaugurated by K N Tilak Kumar, Joint Managing Director of The Printers Mysore Private Limited, who served as the guest of honour. Participants from over 90 Rotary clubs carried banners and chanted slogans, creating a vibrant atmosphere aimed at raising public awareness about polio. Vineetha Chinnappa, president of the Rotary Club of Bangalore, remarked on the ritualistic nature of the event, stating, "We meet on World Polio Day, congregate and walk forward to create awareness."
Elizabeth Cherian, a member of the India National PolioPlus Committee, underscored the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight against polio. She stated, "We are not done eradicating polio until there is not a single case in the world," highlighting the necessity for ongoing immunization efforts. The day was marked by various activities, including awareness rallies and walkathons, aimed at educating the public about the importance of vaccinating children against polio during scheduled immunization days.
Since the inception of its PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has played a crucial role in global polio eradication initiatives. The organization not only conducts awareness campaigns but also supports government immunization drives and assists at designated health centers. Rotary District 3192 Governor Ravishankar Dakoju noted that while significant progress has been made in eradicating polio globally, the organization is now shifting its focus to address challenges related to climate change and global warming.
The hour-long walk concluded outside the Jawahar Bal Bhavan Auditorium, marking a successful event that reinforced the commitment of Rotarians to continue the fight against polio and promote health awareness in the community.
