Rotary Club of Pune Baner Hosts Successful ‘Purplethon’ Walkathon for Epilepsy Awareness

Pune, 26th March 2024: The Rotary Club of Pune Baner, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Education & Business Management and Indus Champs School, recently orchestrated a meaningful event, the ‘Purplethon’ walkathon, at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.

The primary objective behind the event was to raise awareness about Epilepsy Surgery within society, drawing the enthusiastic participation of over 350 individuals. Notably, the youth turned out in significant numbers to support the cause. Participants embarked on a five-kilometer walkathon within the stadium campus, with provisions for drinking water, refreshments, and first aid. To ensure safety, medical professionals were stationed at strategic intervals along the route. The walkathon, aptly titled ‘Walk for a Cause,’ commenced under the auspices of Rotarian Manjoo Phadke, District Governor of Rotary International District 3131.

Following the walkathon, attendees were treated to a lively Zumba demonstration, led by Zumba trainer and Rotarian Smeeta Shitole, Assistant Governor (Zone 6) of Rotary International District 3131. Notably, the Rotary Club of Pune Baner has been instrumental in facilitating Epilepsy surgeries in partnership with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Dr. Nilesh Kurwale, Head of the Epilepsy Center at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, delivered an informative speech on the disorder of epilepsy, emphasizing the potential for complete cure or control through appropriate treatment. Dr. Kurwale highlighted the safety and transformative impact of surgery for complex or drug-resistant epilepsy cases, underscoring its significance for patients and their families.

Surgery costs for underprivileged patients are covered through Corporate Social Responsibility Funds, with the Rotary Club of Pune Baner spearheading 15 successful surgeries since July 1, 2023, as revealed by Club President Rtn. Jigneshh Karria during the closing ceremony.

The event witnessed active participation from esteemed individuals including Rtn. Captain Pradeep Nadkar, Rtn. Priiya Karria, Rtn. Sapna Agrawal, Associate Dean of IIEBM Dr. Bhole, IIEBM faculty member Sandeep Mane, Rotaract Club President Rtr. Pranav Bhegade, and Indus Champs School faculty member Swati Gupta.