Rtn. Gopal Krishna spoke on the topic of e-waste. E-waste refers to waste from discarded electronic devices and is a major concern due to the toxic materials they contain and their rapid obsolescence. It consists of metals, polymers and semiconductors that can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. Exposure to these materials can cause serious health issues. Considering the increasing amounts of e-waste, proper organized recycling and disposal methods along with effective regulations are needed to promote sustainability and protect people and the environment. Mr. Narayanan Krishnan from Mysore was awarded second place in The One International Humanitarian Award by Rotary District 3450 for his exemplary contributions, receiving a cash prize

1. 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 terme-wasteisappliedto allwastecaused bydiscarding
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
societiesandrequirescoordinatedeffortstoaddressitforachievingsustainabledevelopment.
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
createsseriouspollutionupondisposal.
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
releasedwhilebreakingandburningofcircuitboardsandswitches.
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
landfillsofuntreatede-wasteandworkingwithoutanyprotectionorsafeguards.
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.

2. 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
inhisinimitablestyle.
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.

3. 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
oftheawardat-http://www.theonerotary3450.org/
Fourfinalistsfor2014were:
Barbara Karoline Hofmann
Mozambique
Narayanan Krishnan
India
Rosalind F. Colwill
Africa
Scott Neeson
Cambodia
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.Vishwafortheirefforts.
Mail by Mr.Narayanan Krishnan:
RespectedChairPersons
I deeply surrender myself for the extra ordinary kindness, hospitality and love shown by each and
everyamazingsoulofTHEONEInternationalHumanitarianawardbyTheRotaryDistrict3450.
My very very special thanks for the judges, sponsors with golden heart, the entire team from the
techniciantothetaskmakers.
ItwasanoverwhelmingexperienceformeandAndrewinthejourneyofAkshaya.
IalsotakethisopportunityinthankingmyRotary clubofMysoremidtowninnominatingmeforthis
award.
I pray the almighty to enrich you with immense energy throughout to carry on this by encouraging
peoplefromthewidercrosssectionofthesocietyincontributingtheirbesttothisworld.
I find it very difficult to mention the names of this movement because each and every one have put
theirlifeandsoultowardsthiscrystalceremony.
Thankyou..ThankyouandThankyou
Ibowbeforeallofyou.
With tons of love & respect
Narayanan Krishnan
Note: His personal mail to Midtown is purposely not published here. A pleasant surprise is in store!!!
Courtesy:Internet
Congratulations!!!!
Rtn.Sambasivan
in his new
“Ritz”. Congrats
on acquiring
new set of
wheels.

4. 1. IsittheTRUTH?
2. IsitFAIRtoallconcerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER
FRIENDSHIPS?
4. WillitbeBENEFICIALtoallconcerned?
Rotary InformationPractical Innovation
Next Week
Rotary Quiz
Q: RIboardhasagreedtomergewhich2RI
Districts?
a. RI Dist.3021 & 3022
b. RI Dist.3031 & 3032
c. RI Dist.3041 & 3042
d. RI Dist.3051 & 3052 Answer:d
Rtn. Sundar Raja Rao
th
20 June
th
25 June 2014
Venue: RCL Hall, JLB Road Time: 6.30 pm
Please Attend
Birthday Wishes
Club assembly by
AG Rtn. Jayaprakash
Wedding Anniversary Wishes
Rtn. P.S.Balakrishnan
nd
22 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
versionimproveduponthatdesignbyreplacing
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
thecupwithtwohands.
Besides improving the quality of life of
Parkinson's sufferers, the Kangaroo cup could
also be used by small children or other people
whosufferfrompoorhand-eyecoordination.
The Rotarian Photo Contest 2014, 1st Prize
winningPhotograph
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.G
th
25 June
President's Dinner
Venue:
Hotel Grand Maurya
Hunsur Road
Time: 6.30 pm
th
28 June 2014