ROTARY ASHRAY – A Home Away From Home

A Signature Project of Rotary Club Shimla

Overview

Rotary Ashray is a home away from home for cancer patients and their attendants who travel to Shimla for treatment at IGMC Shimla, the state’s major government hospital with oncology facilities.

Located less than 100 metres from the Cancer Hospital, Rotary Ashray provides affordable, safe and dignified accommodation to families who often travel long distances and face significant financial hardship due to the high cost of cancer treatment and the expensive accommodation available in Shimla.

The project was conceived in 2010 by then President of Rotary Club Shimla, Rtn V P Kalta, with the vision of providing a dedicated shelter for patients and their attendants.

Construction & Development

The initial construction was funded by members of Rotary Club Shimla through the Shimla Rotary Charitable Trust. The local MLA and MP contributed ₹5 lakh each towards the project.

Subsequently, SJVN Ltd. supported the construction of one floor under its CSR initiative. In its final phase, Rotary Club Shimla partnered with Tulsi Ram Bhagirath Ram Memorial Charitable Society (TRBR) to complete the remaining construction and operate and maintain the facility on a no-profit, no-loss basis.

The complex includes:

• Two floors of parking with a capacity of 35 cars, operated by MC Shimla at nominal rates, with 5 parking spaces earmarked for Rotary Ashray.
• Three floors of accommodation constructed above the parking levels.
• Rooms with double and triple occupancy.
• Two dormitories with 10 beds each.

Facilities for Patients & Attendants

Rotary Ashray has been designed to provide essential facilities that make a difficult period more comfortable for patients and their families:

• 82 KVA DG set for uninterrupted power supply
• Aquaguard drinking water in every room
• Kitchenette in every room with induction plate and utensils
• Facilities for preparing khichdi, dalia, soup, tea and coffee
• Solar water heating system
• Rainwater harvesting system
• Canteen for patients and attendants

Impact

Built at an approximate cost of ₹4.5 crore, Rotary Ashray serves nearly 10,000 patients and attendants every year.

The project reflects Rotary's commitment to compassion, dignity and service, providing not merely accommodation but a supportive environment for families during one of the most challenging phases of their lives.

Inauguration

The Sarai was inaugurated by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Jai Ram Thakur, in the presence of members of Rotary Club Shimla, trustees of TRBR Society, senior officials of SJVN and citizens of Shimla.

Acknowledgement

Rotary Club Shimla gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its members who supported this landmark project, with special appreciation to:

PP Rtn. Parikshat Mehdudia, PP Rtn. Ajit Butail, PP Rtn. Rohit Karol, PP Rtn. Ajay Sood, PP Rtn. Umesh Akre, PP Rtn. Lt. Kapil Mahashe, PP Rtn. Manu Aggarwal, PP Rtn. Sachin Verma, PP Rtn. Kawaljit Singh, PP Rtn. Ashish Malhotra, PP Rtn. Padam Sood, PP Rtn. KK Khanna, PP Rtn. Pramod Sood, PP Saurabh Raj Sood and PDG Rtn. VP Kalta.

Rotary Ashray stands as a lasting example of “Service Above Self” — transforming Rotary values into meaningful support for patients and families when they need it most.