Rotary Club Pune Central Organises Free Eye Camp for Special Needs Children at Buddy Centre
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 16th June 2026: In a heartwarming initiative aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs, Rotary Club Pune Central organised a Free Eye Check-Up Camp at Buddy Centre, B.T. Kavade Road, Pune.
The camp was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Rotarian Oni Kakajiwala, Rotary Ann Nafisa Kakajiwala, Rotarian Munir Chinoy, and Rotarian Lt Col Julius Rocque (Retd.), whose commitment to community service ensured that students, parents, caregivers, and staff members of Buddy Centre had access to essential eye care services.
The initiative benefited numerous members of the Buddy Centre family by providing professional eye examinations, guidance on eye health, and increased awareness about the importance of timely vision care.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the institution, Karen Karbhari, Founder and CEO of Buddy Centre, said:
“At Buddy Centre, we believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare and opportunities that support their overall well-being. We are deeply grateful to Rotary Club Pune Central and the entire team for their compassion and generosity. Their thoughtful initiative has touched many lives and reaffirmed the power of community partnerships.”
The management noted that access to healthcare services can often be challenging for families of individuals with special needs, making such outreach programmes especially meaningful.
Rotarian Oni Kakajiwala shared:
“Service above self is not merely a motto; it is a responsibility. We are honoured to collaborate with Buddy Centre in supporting children with special needs and their families. Good vision contributes significantly to learning, confidence, and quality of life, and we hope this initiative creates a lasting impact.”
Reflecting on the spirit behind the programme, Rotary Ann Nafisa Kakajiwala said:
“The smiles, trust, and warmth we received from the children and families were truly inspiring. Small acts of care can make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful to be part of this journey of inclusion and support.”
Rotarian Munir Chinoy added:
“Community health initiatives like these strengthen the bonds between organisations and the people they serve. It was a privilege to contribute towards ensuring that these families receive the attention and care they deserve.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Rotarian Lt Col Julius Rocque (Retd.) remarked:
“True service lies in reaching those who need us most. The resilience and spirit of the Buddy Centre community remind us why such initiatives are important. We look forward to many more opportunities to serve.”
The students, parents, caregivers, staff, and management of Buddy Centre extended their heartfelt appreciation to all the organisers and well-wishers who continue to support the Centre’s mission of empowering individuals with special needs.
Their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have not only facilitated access to essential healthcare but have also reinforced the values of compassion, dignity, and inclusion.
As Buddy Centre continues its work towards enriching the lives of individuals with special needs, partnerships with socially committed organisations such as Rotary Club Pune Central stand as shining examples of how collective goodwill can create lasting positive change.
