IMF & RCPC Coastal Clean-Up Valedictory Function
Every year IMF in collaboration with RCPC carries out Coastal & River Banks Cleanup involving school children and local volunteers. Citizens, particularly students, are encouraged to participate in clean up programmes to help realise the aspirations of our people for a clean river and city. The Valedictory Function of the Coastal and River Bank clean-up was held at the Poona Club on 14 July 2023, which was co-hosted by The Rotary Club, Pune Central and IMF. Vice Admiral Jaywant Korde PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), President Navy Foundation Pune Chapter, accompanied by Mrs. Aruna Korde, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mrs. Seema Bhargava, an eminent artist and coordinator River Bank Clean-up North India was the special invitee from North India.
The Valedictory Function commenced with a welcome speech by Cmde Ajay Chitnis, SC NM (G), (Retd), President RCPC who showered praises for this great initiative under taken by the students and organisers. This was followed by an address by Capt Anand Dixit, President IMF who highlighted the dangers of polluting our seas and rivers. Other dignitaries present included Cmde Rajan Vir (Retd), Founder and President Emeritus IMF, RAdm RJ Nadkarni (Retd), Cdr Mukund Yeolekar (Retd), Dr Gopi Shetty, Captain Sea Scouts & Guides, Col Julius Rocque and Mrs. Maithali Manakawad (both eminent Social Workers of Pune). Cmde PK Malhotra (Retd) conducted the programme and his contribution as Director ICC (India) was much appreciated. Ms Kritika Garg and Ms Ojal Lakhanpal were the special student guests from Punjab to grace the occasion. Sea Cadets of Pune, Sea Scouts and Guides and students from Salunke Vihar CHS actively participated in the event.
Various prizes were awarded to meritorious recipients including several children, who were proud to receive their prizes from President NFPC, President RCPC, Vice Admiral Korde and Mrs. Aruna Korde. The newly introduced Gita Vir Rolling trophy was awarded to BCM Arya School, Ludhiana as the Winners, and the Chaudhary Ran Singh Phogat Rolling Trophy to Sea Scouts & Guides, Pune as the Runners Up.
The programme was a great success towards motivating our students and ended with singing of National Anthem. Some photographs of the event are below.
