Issue : 50Vol. : 33 Date : 18-06-2014 Pages : 04

Rtn. Gopal Krishna speaks on “E-waste”

FLASH: Mr. Narayanan Krishnan has won second place in “THE ONE”, International Humanitarian award by The Rotary District 3450. Midtown nominated Mr.Narayanan for the coveted award.

(More details on page 3)

What is E-waste?

Short for electronic waste. The term e-waste is applied to all waste caused by discarding electronic devices, especially consumer electronics. E-waste is a major concern in areas of personal computing and wireless devices that are quickly discarded by consumers. The lifespan of these electronics are short-lived due to rapid technological advances and lower costs to purchase each year. Consumers generally buy new instead of reusing because their electronic device quickly becomes obsolete or it may be cheaper to purchase new. The spectacular developments in modern times have undoubtedly enhanced the quality of our

lives. At the same time, these have led to manifold problems including the problem of massive amount of hazardous waste and other wastes generated from electric products. These hazardous and other wastes pose a great threat to the human health and environment. The issue of proper management of wastes, therefore, is critical to the protection of livelihood, health and environment. It constitutes a serious challenge to the modern societies and requires coordinated efforts to address it for achieving sustainable development.

Composition of E-waste

E-waste consists of all waste from electronic and electrical appliances which have reached their end- of- life period or are no longer fit for their original intended use and are destined for recovery, recycling or disposal. The composition of e-waste is diverse and falls under 'hazardous' and 'non-hazardous' categories. Broadly, it consists of metals, polymers and semiconductors. Metals like copper, aluminium and precious metals like silver, gold, platinum, palladium and so on are the ingredients that constitute E-waste. The presence of elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants beyond threshold quantities make e-waste hazardous in nature. It contains over 1000 different substances, many of which are toxic, and creates serious pollution upon disposal.

Health Hazard due to e-waste

Pollutants or toxins in e-waste are typically concentrated in circuit boards, batteries, plastics, and LCDs (liquid crystal displays).Mechanical breaking of CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and removing solder from microchips release lead as powder and fumes. Plastics Found in circuit boards, cabinets and cables, they contain carcinogens. These chemicals can harm reproductive, kidneys It impairs foetus growth and harms infants through mother's milk. It is released while breaking and burning of circuit boards and switches.

Fumes contain chlorine and sulphur dioxide, which cause respiratory problems. They are corrosive to the eye and skin. Unless suitable safety measures are taken, these toxic substances can critically affect the health of employees and others in the vicinity – who manually sort and treat the waste – by entering their body through respiratory tracts, through the skin, or through the mucous membrane of the mouth and the digestive tract. Therefore, the health impact of e-waste is evident. There is no doubt that it has been linked to the growing incidence of several lethal or severely debilitating health conditions, including cancer, neurological and respiratory disorders, and birth defects. This impact is found to be worse in developing countries like India where people engaged in recycling e-waste are mostly in the unorganized sector, living in close proximity to dumps or landfills of untreated e-waste and working without any protection or safeguards.

Conclusion :

Considering the future scenario, it is imperative that the safe management of e-waste is to be done in an organized manner with sufficient resources and sustainable recycling technologies on the one hand and

effective legislations and monitoring mechanisms on the other.

Ms.Vanitha Bhat & Achievers of RMA felicitated

Annette.Sumukh Narendra got his Masters from University of Pennsylvania recently. He is currently

working at Tesla Motors. Congratulations Sumukh, we are proud of you.

In yet another meaningful event, Midtown recognized and felicitated Ms.Vanitha Bhat, Principal of Rotary Midtown Academy and 12 SSLC toppers of the school. The hall was full, thanks to huge turnout of RMA staff, students & their parents. Toppers beaming with confidence were felicitated by mementos and a cash prize of Rs. 1000/- each, the cash prize was sponsored by Rtn. Nandakumar. Rtn. Bheemesh was the chief guest of the evening, lauded the efforts of principal & RMA staff, he appreciated the young achievers for their achievements. Later Ms. Vanitha Bhat gracefully thanked Midtowners for their support. RMA chairman Rtn. Alagappan was onstage watching and enjoying the fruits of his hard work. Earlier Rtn. Raghavendra introduced Ms. Vanitha Bhat to the audience in his inimitable style.

Annette. Meghana Manickam with her proud parents Rtn.Manickam &

Ann.Sampoorna at the graduation day recently. She got her Masters in

Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University. Congratulations

Meghana, we are proud of you.

Naraynan Krishnan : “The One”RI Dist.3450 recognizes individuals worldwide for their exemplary contributions with

“The One”, International Humanitarian Award. The award is presented at a gala dinner (see invite on page 2) every year. Midtown nominated Mr.Narayanan Krishnan for the coveted award. It is a great matter of pride and pleasure to announce that Mr.Narayanan Krishnan got the second prize in this international award program. The award also carries a cash prize of USD 50000 plus an additional amount of USD 20000 (total 70k). More details of the award at - http://www.theonerotary3450.org/

Four finalists for 2014 were:

Barbara Karoline HofmannMozambique

Narayanan KrishnanIndia

Rosalind F. ColwillAfrica

Scott NeesonCambodia

Hearty congratulations to Mr.Narayanan Krishnan and to all the Midtowners who were responsible for recognizing & sending the Nomination. Special thanks to Rtn.Ramki, Rtn.Alagappan & Rtn.Vishwa for their efforts.

Mail by Mr.Narayanan Krishnan:Respected Chair PersonsI deeply surrender myself for the extra ordinary kindness, hospitality and love shown by each and

every amazing soul of THE ONE International Humanitarian award by The Rotary District 3450.My very very special thanks for the judges, sponsors with golden heart, the entire team from the

technician to the task makers.It was an overwhelming experience for me and Andrew in the journey of Akshaya.I also take this opportunity in thanking my Rotary club of Mysore mid town in nominating me for this

award.I pray the almighty to enrich you with immense energy throughout to carry on this by encouraging

people from the wider cross section of the society in contributing their best to this world.I find it very difficult to mention the names of this movement because each and every one have put

their life and soul towards this crystal ceremony.Thank you .. Thank you and Thank you I bow before all of you.

With tons of love & respectNarayanan Krishnan

Note: His personal mail to Midtown is purposely not published here. A pleasant surprise is in store!!!

Co

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Congratulations!!!!

Rtn.Sambasivan in his new

“Ritz”. Congrats on acquiring new set of

wheels.

1. Is it the TRUTH ?2. Is it FAIR to all concerned ?3. Wi l l i t bui ld GOODWILL and BETTER

FRIENDSHIPS?4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned ?

RotaryInformationPracticalInnovation

Next Week

Rotary Quiz

Q: RI board has agreed to merge which 2 RI Districts? a. RI Dist.3021 & 3022b. RI Dist.3031 & 3032c. RI Dist.3041 & 3042 d. RI Dist.3051 & 3052 Answer : d

Rtn. Sundar Raja Rao�th20 June

th25 June 2014

Venue: RCL Hall, JLB Road Time: 6.30 pm

Please Attend

Birthday Wishes

Club assembly by AG Rtn. Jayaprakash

Wedding Anniversary WishesRtn. P.S.Balakrishnan

nd22 June

The Unbreakable Kangaroo cup was designed by an 11-year-old girl to help her grandfather cope with his Parkinson's disease. A ceramic version of the Kangaroo cup first debuted on Kickstarter in 2012, where it raised enough funds for mass production. The new version improved upon that design by replacing the fragile ceramic with an break-resistant, BPA-free plastic. The sturdy, spill-proof cup features three handles, which provide extra stability while still allowing stacking. The handles also elevate the cup a bit from the surface of the counter or table, eliminating the need for a coaster, and allow the user to grasp the cup with two hands.

Besides improving the quality of life of Parkinson's sufferers, the Kangaroo cup could also be used by small children or other people who suffer from poor hand-eye coordination.

The Rotarian Photo Contest 2014, 1st Prize winning Photograph

Photographer: Christopher John V. Imperial, Rotary Club of Dilman North, Philippines.Photo Location: Tarlac City, Philippines

The faces of these people reaching out for help are compelling. This image tells a story, but still make you want to know more about the circumstances behind it. This easily could have run in TIME Magazine - Pulitzer Prize winning Photo journalist David Hume Kennerly.

Rtn. Dr.Raghu R.Gth25 June

President's Dinner

Venue: Hotel Grand Maurya

Hunsur Road

Time: 6.30 pm

th28 June 2014