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RI Director Anirudha Roychowdhury
RI Director Raju Subramanian
District Rotaract Representatives 2024–25 Zone 4, 5, 6 & 7
Gowtham S
Srinivasan Shanmugavel
Geetika
Kaavya Jain
Machi Lakshman Rapeti
Sachin Shrikisan Purwar
Nikunj Goydani
Pavitra Tiwari
Rushil Shah
Jimmy Saraf
Rohit Ashish Ajmera
Sukhpinder Kaur
Shashank Kaushik
Sahil Jindal
Aayushi Agarwal
Suryansh Agrawal Sr
Kamadeshwar Singh
Drishti Singh
Rohit Baban Chavhan
Nikhita Sunil
Nisha Raju
Vineela Siddineni
Nagarjun Karnatakam
Nikhil Ramesh Chindak
Sanjay R
Chethan Kumar
Abhay Lohia
Surya Kiran K
Thanghapantieyaan AK
Tamilarasan Mani
Juvana Jasmin K
Mohamed Safiullah Jahangir Ali
Sanjana Varma
SasiKumar Janakiraman
Aloka Dey
Rinku Kumar
Rahul Singh
Shehneela Khan
Rotaract News
Editor
Rasheeda Bhagat
Deputy Editor Jaishree Padmanabhan
Senior Sub Editor Muthukumaran V
Sub Editor
Kiran Zehra
Administration and Advertisement Manager Vishwanathan K
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The tragedy of illegal Indian immigrants
As a proud Indian citizen, I’ve squirmed, as I’m sure you’ve done too, at the painful sight of planeloads of handcuffed and chained illegal Indian immigrants being sent back home by the hyper-steroid-mode US government. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said in the US, most of these undocumented Indians are “children of very ordinary families lured by big dreams and promises.”
in the US! Think Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Indra Nooyi…
So how many Indians are staying illegally in the US? The numbers are varied and confusing; one set contradicts another. But an authentic source quoted by the BBC is a recent paper written by Abby Budiman and Devesh Kapur, social scientists from the Johns Hopkins University, who have researched the demographics, entry methods, locations, etc. The number of illegal immigrants vary largely, depending on the differing calculation methods. The Pew Research Center and the Center for Migration Studies of New York put the estimate at 7 lakh illegal Indian immigrants in 2022, making them the third-largest group after Mexico and El Salvador. But in contrast, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) puts the figure at 3.75 lakh, making it the fifth largest group. The official data from the Department of Homeland Security puts the number at only 2.2 lakh in 2022. The numbers may vary, but there is agreement that these numbers have dropped over the years; the reasons given are Covid and a sizeable number getting legal validation by some means.
One can argue that given India’s huge population — upward of 1.5 billion — a few lakh people are a drop in the ocean. But more than numbers, this is about pride, dignity, respect. Which Indian would be comfortable watching her countrymen being sent back like convicts? The Hindi film Aa ab laut chaley might be as cliched as such films tend to be, but it did touch a sensitive spot in the heart, and one cheered on for the protagonists who root for returning home from the US, and the recent Shahrukh Khan starrer Dunki is another heartbreaking film, even though badly made, on the same topic of illegal immigration.
Amidst the conflicting numbers, this research paper says that the Pew and CMS high numbers are unlikely as that would mean that one in four Indian immigrants in the US is undocumented, “an unlikely scenario given migration patterns. Indian immigrants are one of the fastest-growing groups in the US, surging from 6 lakh in 1990 to 3.2 million in 2022.” And look at how well the Indian diaspora has done
The connect to Rotary lies in thousands of Indian Rotarians being engaged in improving livelihoods across the country. A decent income in a stable vocation is sufficient to prevent most people from leaving home and undertaking a dangerous journey to a foreign land. After all India is not a war-torn country or conflict-ridden region. Those who take high risks to illegally migrate to so-called wonderlands, often putting their lives in danger, would not do so if they had viable options at home… to lead a decent life. As we make giant strides across the world on the wings of technology, higher education, sharper minds, unadulterated focus and the willingness to work hard, one looks forward to the day when our fellow citizens will turn away from taking such high risks to illegally cross borders to countries which clearly don’t want them.
Wohsubahkabhitohaayegi (That dawn will come too…), as Mukesh sang so beautifully in the film Phir subahhogi .
Rasheeda Bhagat
Small Acts, Big Impact in Ranchi
Jaishree
Often when we brainstorm about big ideas, we miss out the smaller but significant things. That’s what struck us when we provided the basic necessities to small vendors,” said Vaibhav Kumar, president of RAC Xavier’s College, Ranchi, RID 3250, describing Innovation Oasis, one of the club’s most impactful service projects. Through this initiative, the club provided essential tools and equipment to small-scale vendors to help them improve their livelihoods.
Among the beneficiaries were a woman skilled in tailoring who received a sewing machine, a young laundry cart operator gifted with an iron box, and a cobbler equipped with footwear repair kits. A grocer was given containers and water jars, while a food cart vendor received cooking vessels and a large umbrella. “We identified over 15 such small vendors, assessed their needs, and provided resources that could enhance their income and bring more comfort to their lives,” explained Kumar.
The project included items like banners, plastic stools, benches, tube lights and groceries, all procured at a total cost of around `40,000. The Rotaractors of this institution-based club involved 85 student-volunteers from the college, met vendors across Ranchi, understood their requirements,
meticulously sourced and distributed the materials to the beneficiaries. The entire project was executed within just two weeks. This is the second consecutive year the club is executing this project; last year’s edition supported 12 vendors.
The club’s other significant service projects include Project Vayumandal where saplings are planted every year in selected locations. “We place tree guards to protect the saplings and nurture the plants until they grow.” The environment drive also includes
Members of RAC St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, with beneficiaries of Project Innovasion Oasis.
clean-up drives to remove plastic, glass and other waste thrown from public spaces.
The club supported its parent club, RC Ranchi, in organising a large-scale medical camp in the city. “We helped doctors conduct tests for blood pres-
sure, diabetes, anaemia and other health parameters, and assisted with crowd management,” said Kumar.
One of their most ambitious feats came during Project 3250 Infinity in January. “We created a record by completing 50 projects worth `5 lakh
in just 3 hours and 2 minutes,” said Kumar. Over 10,000 people benefited from activities like dress and footwear donation, distribution of stationery and lunch boxes to students, labour safety kit donations, fruit distribution to senior citizens, wheelchair donations to people with disabilities, and awareness street plays on AIDS and substance abuse.
Another annual activity of the club is Project Arogyam, a medicine distribution project through which the club members pool funds to purchase medicines that are donated to government hospitals, helping underprivileged patients. “This year we donated medicines worth `8.25 lakh. We have a good rapport with these hospitals and they have agreed to provide free treatment to patients referred by us,” he said.
As part of Project Shiksha, the club has adopted Tharpakaa School which caters to children from underprivileged families. Every weekend, the members visit the school to conduct digital literacy sessions, cultural activities and academic support classes. This is a long running project of the club, said Kumar. All 25 members of the club, along with 800 volunteers from the college, participated in Project Road Guardians to sensitise schoolchildren about road safety and traffic rules.
Rotaractors with cartons of medicines ready for distribution to government hospitals.
Packing medicines for distribution.
Important information for Rotaractors
Rotaract Club Excellence Award
Rotaract clubs can find their goals in Rotary Club Central. Clubs that set, achieve, and report goal achievement’s of at least half of the goals by the end of the Rotary year will earn a Club Excellence Award. Be sure to report all achievements in Rotary Club Central by June 30, 2025.
Report incoming club officers
Report incoming officers via My Rotary (See the How to Manage Club Officer guide for help). This gives them access to valuable online reports and tools to help them prepare for their role. If you experience any issues while trying to install your incoming club officers, contact data@rotary.org for assistance.
Rotaract dues payment
Please remember to pay your club’s dues at the earliest. Officers can sign in to My Rotary, select My Rotary from the navigation menu before selecting your club’s name. From there, select Finance and choose Club Invoice from the options to pay January 2025 Invoice.
Club project
Rotary News Trust in Chennai publishes Rotaract News quarterly. Share your noteworthy service project summary along with high resolution
action photos in jpg format to rotarynewsmagazine@gmail.com
In the coming months, some of the Rotaractors will be graduating from your college/institution. Please encourage them to visit the Club Finder to locate Rotaract clubs near them to join community-based Rotaract clubs.
RI Board decisions
The RI Board in its October meeting has approved the following:
•Adopting a worldwide Rotaract membership growth goal of 125,000 Rotaractors by July 1, 2030.
•Revising the Grow Rotaract Operational Plan to better facilitate a smooth member’s transition from Rotaract to Rotary club membership, while also strengthening collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
•Rotary clubs may waive club dues and admission fees for members under age 35. In addition, clubs may pay district dues for new members and may reduce the per capita district dues for new members in this age group.
Yadhumanaval , the programme to empower girls, particularly in the smaller towns and villages of India by PDG VR Muthu, RID 3212, has picked up traction and is being implemented in other districts with help from Muthu, his club RC Virudhunagar and his Yadhumanaval team led by a retired professor of
English and motivational speaker Jayanthasri Balakrishnan.
Under the leadership of District 3231 Governor M Rajan Babu, this programme was held in five colleges and caught the interest and imagination of around 8,500 college girls from private and government colleges in the cities of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Kancheepuram and
Tiruvallur, in Tamil Nadu, with the sessions being sponsored by PDG Muthu’s Idhayam group.
Saritha Muralikrishnan, the district chair for women’s empowerment, who was in charge of this project is wonderstruck when she describes to Rotary News the mindblowing interest that the girls, “most of whom are from rural backgrounds, showed in this project. In DG Babu’s hometown of Tiruvannamalai, the session was attended by nearly 3,000 girls, and as the rooftop auditorium had open sides, the girls were literally overflowing in the verandas, trying to get a glimpse and hear what was being said.
“In my hometown of Kancheepuram, the hall had a capacity of only 1,500, but there was so much of demand for this programme that the girls
themselves volunteered to remove the chairs, saying that this would accommodate over 300 more girls. The hall was overflowing and from the veranda, more girls were peeping in, listening to the talk and lapping up the question and answer session,” says Saritha, who is a member of RC Kanchi Infinity.
She said that for lack of space only second and third year students were invited, and the “first year students were so angry and asked why they had been left out. So I told them there was no place inside and I would upload the whole session on YouTube and share the link with their vice-principal.”
An interesting sidelight she gives is that “after this programme, the principal, who had earlier been indifferent, held my hand and thanked me. And later, she called me twice and said that
if you do more programmes like this, please come to our college!”
As the Tamil word Yadumanaval implies (she is everything), this project is all about women’s empowerment and selfesteem, and while talking to the girls the lead speaker Jayanthasri talked about the important role that education will play in their lives giving them not only self-esteem and self-confidence but also a meaningful career.
DG Rajan Babu who had attended a session overflowing with a whopping number of over 3,000 college girls in Tiruvannamalai was amazed at the response the speaker managed to generate from the girls. “Basically, most
of these girls are from a rural background. It was really surprising to see how interesting and lively the Q&A session was, and the girls asked so many questions about how to overcome fear and face social norms and taboos. I was impressed to find them boldly speaking out even about things like infatuation, which is an issue adolescents grapple with. We found that this was a super hit programme in all the five centres it was organised. I am really grateful to PDG Muthu and the Idhayam group for sponsoring this programme,” he said.
On the kind of issues which are occupying the mindscape of girls from small towns and rural India, Saritha
Jayanthasri Balakrishnan, an educationist and motivational speaker, addressing students in RI District 3231 as part of the Yadhumanaval programme.
said that most of them asked questions related to the practical ways in which they can improve their lives… make their living conditions better. Most of them were not aware of so many things, including the importance of education, or what is going on in the world around them. “They wanted to know what should be their priorities and what field they should choose for a better future. They asked about so many things including the need to use sanitary napkins, and often we found tears rolling down our cheeks when we learnt from their interaction that they do not have the money to buy even the most basic necessities.”
She adds that the team including Jayanthasri and Rtn D Vijayakumari from RC Virudhunagar, who is the overall head for this programme, were very happy to note how seriously the girls took what was suggested during these sessions. “They were not shy to ask questions, and even Muslim girls, who are normally very shy, opened up when the Q&A session began. Once the questions started flowing in we were not able to stop the students. We had kept about 20 minutes for the questions but the girls kept asking and we had to extend the 90-minute session to two hours and more. Even after we came down from the stage, the girls approached all of us and kept talking about their concerns and what is important to them,” said Saritha.
Two interesting takeaways from these five sessions in RID 3231 were “complaints about parents. They said our parents keep fighting with us all the time, so that we find very little peace in the house!”
The other related to attraction to boys or doubts on how to decide about a possible relationship with the opposite gender. “They would beat around the bush a little and put it indirectly. For instance, they would not say what
do I do when I am attracted to ‘someone’; they’d say ‘when I am attracted to something’! As expected, the questions were loaded, or veiled. They’d ask if someone asks us to do something, what should we do? But the meaning was obvious and Jayanthasri would advise them to first of all themselves analyse whether the step the girl decides to take would be right or wrong for her own future.”
Next, to take that analysis further, they should talk to a genuine, reliable, level-headed and mature friend, an elder sister if they had one, or even their parents. “As always, adolescents face many emotional problems and as elsewhere, in these areas too, there are cases of girls getting misled, giving up their education, eloping and facing pregnancy at such a young age.
DG M Rajanbabu (fifth from L) with Jayanthasri at a programme in one of the colleges. PDG A Sampath Kumar is on the right.
During these sessions, the girls were told how important it was for them to realise the value of completing their education to secure their future.”
Summing up the entire initiative, Saritha says a lot of effort went into selecting the right institutions and areas to conduct the programme. “There was so much demand for these sessions which were held in four districts, that Vijayakumari could give us only five sessions, even though we’d have liked to do at least two more as we realise that these kind of sessions should go hand-in-hand with academic courses.”
Overall, the students asked questions related to their future goals, freedom, growth, success, depression, inner battles, how to deal with low self-esteem and achieve their potential. “We were so moved to find a few girls bursting into tears during the interactive sessions, proving that they had opened out their hearts to the speaker,” says Saritha.
She is happy that through this project, the district team was able to empower the girls sufficiently to be able to stand up and ask questions, clear their doubts and seek advice from an expert on women’s empowerment. “For after all, when we empower a girl, we are empowering her entire family and our nation as well,” she adds.
A day of joy and bonding
Kiran Zehra
To promote inclusivity and community engagement, the Rotaract Club of Government Bikram College of Commerce, RID 3090, organised an outreach event at the Navjivini School of Special Education in Sular, Patiala. The school has been serving children with intellectual disabilities since 1981 and is known for its diverse programmes in education, caregiver training, and manpower development.
“Navjivini School has played a vital role in special education in our region. The dedication of their staff
A Rotaractor with the students.
Club president Raghav greets a student.
and their long-running programmes like the Diploma in Special Education, have made a real difference. They’ve also been instrumental in training both professionals and parents. We’re proud that our Rotaractors chose to visit and learn, not just about the work being done, but about how to engage children with intellectual disabilities with sensitivity and respect,” says Kusum Lata, principal of Government Bikram College of Commerce
The event included interactive sessions with the students, a lunch for around 160 children sponsored by Rtn Rajiv Goyal of RC Patiala Mid Town, and the distribution of chocolates by Rotaractors. For many of the students, “it was a welcome break from routine and a chance to engage in lively games and activities,” says Raghav Garg, club president. “We didn’t go there to teach or do anything big, but just to spend time and connect. Some students came up and introduced themselves right away. Others took a little longer, but once they warmed up, they were laughing and talking with us,” he adds.
Club secretary Harsimardeep Kaur says, “One student insisted on showing all the artwork she has done in her classroom. It was clear she took pride in her school, and it was great to be welcomed into her world like that.”
The event was conducted under the guidance of Kusum Lata and club in-charge Reetu Kapoor. Club members Aksh Goyal, Rishab Sharma, Keshav Garg, Bhavika Madaan, Vridhi, Kalpana Pathak, Kabir Nokwal and Bhumika Bansal played an active role in coordinating the day’s activities, alongside the president and secretary.
“It was a learning experience for all of us,” says Bhavika, one of the volunteers. “We saw how much thought and care goes into supporting these students. It gave us a lot to think about.”
A student at the Navjivini School of Special Education.
Inmates enjoying their lunch.
In a spirited drive spreading love and bonding, 40 volunteers including 7–8 members from the Rotaract Club of Rajkot, RID 3060, distributed fruit platters to 3,000 individuals and pet animals at the underserved communities across many areas of this city in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Project Gratitude in Action is a one-day field visits to the deprived colonies of Rajkot like the Mahua area, Kalawad Road and the city outskirts where families struggle to eke out a decent living. “We tied up with Fruit Cart, a mobile vendor of fruit juices and vegetables, and invited volunteers for the project well in advance to form eight teams which were guided by the lead Rotaract team on where to go, and how to distribute the foot platters to the marginalised people,” says Dimple Naik, club president. The project teams fanned out across the city to distribute vitamin-rich fruits arranged nicely in a papier-mâché bowl with lid.
A fruit platter with love in Rajkot
V Muthukumaran
The Rotaractors were joined by members of the Interact Club of Wadi, the Robin Hood Army, Rajkot, and the Wing Foundation, a local NGO, in the fruit distribution. “We started at dawn, around 5.30am, procured fruits from the Fruit Cart, chopped them all, and neatly arranged them in the papiermâché bowls. Then we set out in all directions as teams to reach out to the poor communities,” explains Dimple. Though the club has been
Rotaractors with less privileged families and their children at Project Gratitude in Action.
The project teams fanned out across the city to distribute vitamin-rich fruits arranged nicely in a papiermâché bowl with lid.
doing the project for the last 4–5 years in a small manner, “only this time we have taken up the fruit distribution on such a mega scale, both in planning and execution.”
Project Stree
Since July 2024, Project Stree has distributed over 10,000 sanitary pads to girl students across 12 government schools with the aim to reduce the dropout ratio among them under Phase-1. “Parents advise their wards to drop out from schools if they find it difficult to cope with menstruation woes,” says Dimple. She led a Rotaract team to engage students on how to tackle the “social taboos and stigmas linked with periods and the need to continue school education, the key to a successful life with professional career.” Even parents were addressed by Rotaractors on the need to continue their girls’ education. Under Phase-2 of Project Stree, over 15 girls have recounted their experience of overcoming the challenges, both at home and school, during menstruation through short
Above: A tiny tot happy to receives a fruit platter.
Below: A girl is all smiles at a deprived neighbourhood.
Project Behind the Mask has taken up mental health awareness campaign on social media for men Rotaractors.
video clips. Now in Phase-3, more than 70 Rotaractors from RIDs 3060, 3131, 3040, 3055, 3170 and 3220 (Colombo) have narrated their ‘My First Period Story’ through social media posts along with their pictures. “We are in talks with Rotaractors from other countries including Nepal and Egypt to join our menstrual hygiene campaign to make this project a global endeavour,” explains Dimple.
On the other side of the gender divide, Project Behind the Mask has taken up mental health awareness campaign on social media for men Rotaractors. “We have just started this mental wellness initiative and till now, seven Rotaractors from our district have uploaded their social media post narrating the way they tackled health issue challenges with their pictures above the write-up,” she explains. “We will be expanding the social media post on mental health for Rotaractors from other districts too.”
Next, the Rajkot club is planning to conduct physical sessions for district Rotaractors on how to cope with mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression with expert counsellors and psychiatrists giving motivational talks. A business consultant, Dimple has been a Rotaractor for the last five years, and “in the next Rotary year, 2025–26, I will join my parent club, RC Rajkot, to expand my service activity and range,” she smiles.
Above: Fruit platters being distributed to an underprivileged family. Below: RAC Rajkot president Dimple Naik reaches out to deprived children.
RID 3234 Rotaractors contribute over $21000 to TRF
Team Rotary News
TRF Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okaro (5th from L) and her spouse Kingsley with DRR J Sasikumar (R), DRRE S Sathish Kumar (3rd from R), DGND Dr Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan and Rotaractors.
This is probably the first time a Rotaract district has contributed a huge sum to The Rotary Foundation,” said TRF Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okaro as she recognised RI District 3234 Rotaract for its contribution of $21,374 to TRF. Ijeoma from Nigeria, was the RI President’s Representative for the RID 3234 district conference in Chennai. “Over 20 clubs in our district have contributed to the foundation,” said DRR J Sasikumar. The trustee also visited some of the impactful service projects done by Rotaract clubs in the city.
RID 3170 bags another CSR grant
Following a CSR grant of ` 25 lakh from Ayu Foundation, the CSR wing of Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products in Belgaum, DRR Nikhil Chindak has been instrumental in bagging yet another CSR grant from the same corporate recently.
This time, the funds were used to procure three dialysis machines which were installed at the Vijaya Ortho and Trauma Centre, a multispecialty hospital in Belgaum. The Hitech Dialysis Centre at the hospital was inaugurated by Deepa Sidnal, MD of the dairy firm.
“A dialysis session that originally costs around ` 3,000 will be provided at just ` 700 here, making
quality healthcare more accessible to those in need,” said DRR Chindak, a member of RAC Belgaum South.
The earlier CSR grant was used to provide cervical cancer vaccines to 1,000 school girls in January.
DRR Nikhil Chindak (2nd from L) with representatives from Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products at the inauguration of the dialysis centre.
Leadership lessons for Rotaractors
Team Rotary News
The 2025-26 Rotaract Zone Institute for DRREs, DRRNs and District Rotaract Secretaries from India and Sri Lanka was held in Ootacamund
and hosted by Rotaract District 3203 led by DRR Tamilarasan Mani. The district’s DRCC Kamlesh Kataria was the event chairman and PDRR Srivarshan was the event
secretary. Throughout the institute, the delegates from 27 districts were engaged in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops and inspiring sessions. They explored innovative ways to enhance their leadership skills, community service initiatives and professional development.
DG Suresh Babu inaugurated the event which was held for four days. PDGs Ravi Vadlamani, A V Pathy, George Sundararaj, RID 3206 DG Sundaravadivelu, PDRRs Karthick Kittu and Daryl D’Souza guided the delegates on various Rotary aspects such as membership growth and retention, contribution to TRF, leading service projects and DEI concept.
RID 3203 PDG Arul Jothi Karthikeyan distributed the graduation certificates to the DRREs at the valedictory
event. The delegates were treated to local sightseeing which also served as an opportunity for bonding.
Rotaract Leadership Academy
Around 43 Rotaractors from across 11 RI districts aspiring for leadership roles participated in the Rotaract Leadership Academy (RLA) hosted by RI District 2982 at Salem in Tamil Nadu in November. RLA provides Rotaractors with a deep understanding of Rotaract’s structure, equipping them with skills to improve their clubs and prepare for a successful Rotary year both at the district and club levels. This programme offers a combination of fundamental insights and practical knowledge, allowing participants to enhance their leadership skills and positively impact their clubs and communities. Originally planned in Wayanad in Kerala, the venue was changed due to landslides, and the SEARIC MDIO
RIDE M Muruganandam addressing Rotaractors at the Rotaract Leadership Academy in Salem.
approached RI District 2982 to host the event. Under the leadership of DRRS Gowtham and his dedicated team, the event was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for the delegates. It was the dis-
trict’s first multi-district Rotaract event.
RI Director Elect M Muruganandham shared valuable insights on the importance of membership growth across Interact, Rotaract and Rotary. He encouraged delegates to build leadership at
all levels, focusing on fostering mentorship and sustainable development.
DG V Sivakumar appreciated the Rotaractors for the smooth progress of the RLA programme.
The inaugural day focused on introducing the basics of Rotaract,
with sessions designed to provide a strong foundation for all participants. The following two days featured leadership training and interactive workshops. PDRRs Naveen Senna, Raj Vamshi, Sumankitha Vommina and Essaki Sekar shared their expertise, imparting valuable lessons on leadership, club management and Rotaract operations.
The curriculum included how to raise funds for service projects and grow Rotaract membership, orientation on Rotary Avenues of Service, Rotary hierarchy and Rotary Action Groups etc, said Gowtham.
On the last day, after the sessions the delegates visited Yercaud, a hill station near Salem.
Rotaract delegates at the RLA in Salem.
Incoming DRRs at the Rotaract Zone Institute in Ooty.
Project Pratibha nurtures rural talent
V Muthukumaran
Here is a mega stage extended by Rotaract District 3192 for government school students, mostly from rural areas near Bengaluru, to showcase their extracurricular talent and hone their skills to succeed in their chosen life path.
Project Pratibha, a 10-yearold talent show, is growing bigger and livelier each year as district Rotaractors pull all stops to make
it a grand success each year. “We had the one-day fun fiesta on Feb 1 this year, which attracted 625-plus students from 25 rural schools around the city. We had a day full of cultural events and literary programmes at the Dwaraka Auditorium at the Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS) which were thoroughly enjoyed by the participants,” says Sangeetha Prabhu, project secretary.
Before 2014, the event was held in a small manner by RAC Presidency College. But after noticing its popularity, the District Rotaract leadership of the then RID 3190 stepped in to make the project a mega event with more resources and publicity.
However, in the last two years (2022–24) they could not hold the much awaited talent show “as we could not get the nod from the government to hold such a marquee event for students in one of our college campuses,” she says. They made up for the missed events, “with a grand show at the RUAS with a line-up of art competitions such as group dance, solo dance and singing, mono acting, stage plays, and literary contests like essay writing, elocution, poster-making
Rotaractors at the inaugural of Project Pratibha at the Ramaiah University, Bengaluru.
and debates.” The one-point focus of Rotaractors is creating a sense of patriotism among students “as nation-building is foremost in our mind.”
Around 250 students were screened by a team of doctors at the general health check-up and oral hygiene camp held on the sidelines of the main event.
Project Pratibha offers a platform for “rural students from Class 5–9 to build character, leadership traits and nurture diverse talent through lively interaction,” says Sangeetha, also director, District Community Services. Having been in Rotaract for three years now, “I enjoy helping children from lower strata of society to upskill themselves and move up in life.”
An IT professional and member of RAC Bangalore Bhuvaneshwari Nagar for three years, she wants to do more service activities being in Rotaract, “before joining a Rotary club in the next 4–5 years or so.”
District Rotaract secretary Rakshith Shetty says local legislators in and around Bengaluru provide material and moral support to Project Pratibha as “we have over 20 cultural shows and games that hone the skills of rural students who rarely get such a huge opportunity that will shape their lives.” A data analyst in an IT company, Shetty, a Rotaractor for five years and from RAC Swarna Bengaluru, has plans to join a Rotary club next year.
Winners being given a trophy and citations.
A triumphant winning team with their trophy and citations.
Students at a group literary competition.
TA ‘sole’ stirring initiative
Jaishree
he exuberant laughter and the twinkle in the eyes of the little child made our day,” recalls UG Akshara, president of the Rotaract Club of SSS Shasun Jain College for Women, Chennai, RID 3233. She was speaking about a sixyear-old child who jumped with joy after slipping on a brand-new pair of slippers — her first ever — gifted through the club’s Project Soles to Smiles
The initiative, conceptualised by club secretary Nivitha Varshini, initially aimed to provide footwear to 500 underprivileged individuals.
“We were thrilled to exceed our goal, eventually distributing slippers to 811 people, many of whom had never worn slippers in their lives,” says Akshara.
Nineteen other Rotaract clubs in the city supported the project.
A member of a participating Rotaract club gives a pair of chappals to an elderly man.
Footwear being distributed as part of the Soles to Smiles project.
celebrate Pongal at a home for transgenders.
Below: Club president U G Akshara (L) and secretary Nivitha Varshini present a sari to a transperson as part of Pongal celebrations.
Volunteers fanned out across slum communities, collecting foot sizes and returning the next day with perfectly fitting slippers.
“Local footwear retailers were generous with discounts once they heard about our mission,” she adds.
For the past two years, the club has also marked
Pongal, Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival, by reaching out to underserved groups. This year, the team visited a transgender home, spending the day with 25 residents. “We gifted them sanitation kits they had requested, along with new saris to celebrate the festival,” says Akshara.
Left: Members of RAC SSS Shasun Jain College
Ever since the global blood donation campaign, Mahadan, was conceived and launched 10 years ago by SEARIC MDIO, a resource centre for Rotaractors that covers 45 RI districts across nine countries in South East Asia, the project has become “a passionate movement for Rotaract clubs that not only saves countless lives, but also boosts the public image of Rotary across the world,” says IPDRR Aman Khan, RID 3040, and a global coordinator, Mahadan 10.0
Over the decade around 10 lakh units of blood was collected by Rotaract clubs during special camps held on World Rotaract Week (March 10–16) in which “Rotary clubs and Rotarians also pitch in to donate blood. This quantity of blood (10 lakh units) would save not less than 30 lakh lives around the world. Each unit of blood saves three lives as components like plasma, white blood cells and platelets are separated, and delivered through blood banks,” explains Khan.
On the latest Mahadan drive, “we have set new benchmarks in service as we
Right: DRR Nikunj Goydani (4th from R), District Rotaract secretary Tanzeela Sheikh (right), and Mahadan 10.0 secretary Saurabh Nayak (centre), along with Rotaractors and Rotarians.
Mahadan project sets a global
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collected over 78,570 units of blood across the world, that would save 235,000 lives, thanks to the efforts of 1,000-plus Rotary and Rotaract clubs across 37 RI districts.” The clubs were supported by local NGOs and corporates in their Mahadan camps.
At RID 3040 consisting of Madha Pradesh and eastern Gujarat, over 35 Rotaract clubs hosted Mahadan camps under the leadership of DRR Nikunj Goydani and District Rotaract secretary Tanzeela Sheikh. “While we had a symbolic target of 3,040 units, we ended up collecting over 3,500 units of blood,” says Khan. “More than just a blood donation drive, Mahadan has become a global movement of hope, unity and service, mobilising changemakers across borders,” says DRR Goydani. This time around, an exclusive website (www. mahadan10.com) was designed by its global secretary Saurabh Nayak “for effective coordination, reporting and data collection across the RI districts,” says the DRR.
The Mahadan website has all the information about the donors and NGOs, and “will be a useful databank for patients and hospitals who can access it anytime and find the list of donors and blood banks in their locations,” says Aman Khan. RID 3040 launched a Mahadan anthem, composed and produced by RID 3120 Rotaractors, that was uploaded on over 50 music streaming platforms, “thus turning out to be a rallying jingle for the noble cause and inspiring thousands in the mission to save lives,” he says.
With the efforts of DRRs and Mahadan ambassadors across the world, “the Rotaractors had mobilised thousands of donors and spread awareness on a global scale like never before,” says Goydani. RID 3040 team will be submitting the Mahadan 10.0 reports collated from around the world to international Book of Records with the aim to create the record as one of the largest global blood donation drives.
Left: Mahadan 10.0 global coordinator Aman Khan (5th from R), along with RID 3040 Rotaractors.
IPDRR Aman Khan (centre) with Rotaractors at the Mahadan camp.
Kiran Zehra
Cleanliness and food donation drives
Every Ram Navami, the Bhavnath temple located near Girnar Hill in Junagadh, Gujarat, sees a throng of devotees for the celebration of Parikrama, a pilgrimage involving walking around the mountain, starting at the Dudheshwar Temple at Bhavnath Taleti and following a 36km route. “This Hindu tradition is celebrated with great fervour. It is a time of
area. Soon, RAC Junagadh joined the effort. Their first participation happened during Ram Navami when they decided to celebrate the festival with a clean-up instead of a traditional event.
“We didn’t think twice. When we saw the condition of the route, we knew we had to do something,” says Ahuja and adds that “Now, twice a month, our members trek up and down that route, clearing the litter left behind. It is physically tiring but mentally satisfying.”
The initiative aligns with the broader clean-up efforts led by the Forest Department and Junagadh Municipal Corporation, but the Rotaractors’ regular involvement helps maintain momentum even after the major drives conclude.
Alongside these environmental efforts, the club also runs Project Shivaya, a weekly food donation drive aimed at reaching
devotion but also, unfortunately, of litter. The aftermath of the annual Girnar Parikrama leaves the forest trail scattered with plastic wrappers, food containers, and other waste,” says Sanju Ahuja, president of RAC Junagadh, RID 3060.
It was this recurring sight that made Akshat Dhanesha, a member of RC Junagadh, to take action. With a small team, he began regular clean-up drives in the
underserved areas in and around Junagadh. Every Monday, club members distribute homemade meals like khichdi, patties, lassi, or lemon juice to those in need.
“We’ve kept it simple,” says Nevil Vithlani, a club member. “We collect `3,000 to `5,000 every week — mostly from within our club. A lot of the time, someone donates to celebrate a birthday or a personal milestone or in memory of a loved one.”
With 145 members, explains Ahuja, “our club has strong internal participation. We hardly step out to ask for funds. Around 20 members contribute regularly to fund the drive. Food preparation is handled by club member Jai Krishna Vudhudev, who runs a catering business. If the number of beneficiaries exceeds 70, other Rotaractors step in to help with logistics and distribution”
Above & right: Children receiving food from the Rotaractors.
Left: A cleanliness drive at the Bhavnath temple located near Girnar Hill in Junagadh.
During the June 2023 floods, when parts of Junagadh were badly hit, the club continued the food drive without pause. Over 200 people received meal packets that week. “Service doesn’t stop when it rains or floods,” Ahuja says.
Though both projects are run consistently, the club avoids publicity. “We only take beneficiary photos for our own records,” says Ahuja. “We’re not doing this for the credit. We do it because it is needed.”
RAC New College celebrates 50th year
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Next Rotary Year (2025–26), the Rotaract Club of New College, RID 3234, will be celebrating its golden jubilee, 50th year, for which “we have planned to do around 150 impactful service projects to mark the milestone. Our faculty has decided to invite past presidents, secretaries and some former members to honour them with mementos for their noteworthy service,” says Vasantharaja S, club secretary.
A fellowship dinner (or a grand lunch, if it is in morning) is being arranged during the felicitation event as part of the club’s golden jubilee celebration.
Around 20 Rotaractors took care of transportation of over 50 wheelchair-bound women athletes for their practice sessions at the Nehru Indoor Stadium under Project Basketball Beyond Boundaries. In partnership with a local NGO, Better World Shelter which trains differently-abled women for Para Olympics and other para sports in the country, the club members took turns to pick up trainees at the two designated spots in Kilpauk (20 women) and the NGO campus (over 30 women) and transport them to the sports stadium on all
three days of the practice session.
Project 3234, a signature initiative of the club mentored by Rtr Mohammed Jawad, earned the goodwill of the community as it “completed 64 service projects and programmes in just 32 hours with efforts from 32 Rotaract clubs of the district in January this
year,” says Vasantharaja. “All our double-quick projects had reached out to over 300 beneficiaries across age groups in the neighbourhood.”
One among the Project 3234 initiatives is a mega blood donation camp on the college campus with the support of the Indian Red Cross Society and the Royapettah Government
Hospital, and “we collected more than 350 units of blood and delivered it to the hospital.”
Gameistry fun New College Rotaractors with the help of Rtn Seshasai from RC Madras, their parent Rotary, hosted a ‘fun and gaming session’ for 150-plus new members
Wheelchair-bound women basketball players being helped by Rotaractors at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai.
from different clubs at a resort hotel in Cholavaram in North Chennai. “We named this fun activity as ‘Gameistry’ and co-hosted the event with 10 other partner clubs, thanks to Seshasai sir for letting out his hotel to our fellowship event for free,” he explains.
Club president TA Runey is a pillar of support for all “30 Rotaractors with his motivational talks and guidance that enable us to do projects with enthusiasm,” says Vasantharaja, doing his BCom, final year, and
Above and Below: Rotaractors transport a physically-challenged athlete from the bus to the stadium.
aspires for a managerial career in the private sector. His two-year Rotaract journey has “changed me from being an introvert into a confident person
now with the ability to speak in public meetings and Rotaract events.”
While he does not have plans to join a Rotary club “anytime soon,
I will be with Rotaract even after leaving college as I will be joining a community-based club to continue with my service outreach,” he smiles.
Bridging generations
Jaishree
A student learns to write as part of RAC Delhi Genesis Midwest’s project Shiksha
ki Seedhi.
The Rotaract Club of Delhi Genesis Midwest, RID 3011, celebrated its second charter day (Feb 1) with the elderly inmates of Silver Lining Old Age Home in Delhi. “We began our first community project at this home last year when we spent a day with the senior citizens, played games and shared some fun activities with them,” says club secretary Sanskriti Singh. The club came full circle when they came back to the old age home. “This time we joined them in singing some soulful retro melodies, and humming new tunes in unison.”
The day was filled with games, heartfelt conversations, and nostalgic stories. “We were awed by their resilience and the positive attitude they displayed, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Their stories deeply inspired us,” she adds. The club also celebrated Holi with the residents, bringing vibrant colours and festive cheer into their otherwise quiet routines.
The club recently hosted a carnival at the Dwarka International School which attracted over 1,000 visitors. A major highlight was Mahadan 10.0, a blood donation drive where 72 units of blood were collected. In addition, 17 people were screened for thalassaemia. A health camp, conducted in collaboration with the Max Hospital and Clove Dental Clinic, provided medical checkups for over 500 individuals, including eye and dental screening.
Club members with students at the Week End School.
The carnival also featured Project Bloomora, aimed at promoting sustainable living. “We sourced seeds and saplings from nurseries and sold them at subsidised rates,” says Sanskriti. Various eco-friendly products were showcased, and workshops educated attendees about environmental conservation.
An innovative Virtual Reality experience transported participants to the Amazon rainforest, deep-sea scuba diving sites, and the icy stretches of the Antarctic Ocean. These immersive journeys highlighted how technology can be a powerful tool in raising awareness about climate change and sustainability.
The event garnered public support for the club’s flagship initiative, Shiksha ki Seedhi, which was begun last year. This three-tiered educational programme empowers 50 underprivileged children by equipping them with academic knowledge, life skills and basic resources.
At the Weekend School in Paschim Vihar, Rotaractors teach core subjects like English, Math and Science. The second tier, the Life Skill Development Programme, imparts training in communication, leadership, public speaking, financial literacy and digital skills through expert-led sessions. The third component, Kadam: Shiksha Ki Aur, provides students with recycled notebooks and stationery while educating them about environmental responsibility.
“Our goal is to reach 200 students by next year and expand the programme across New Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh,” says project coordinator Hitanshi Dhingra. To further strengthen their efforts, the club recently launched a Teaching Intern Programme, a 4–6 week structured internship offering training and certification for volunteer educators.
Funds for these initiatives are raised through member contributions and support from local sponsors.
Rotaractors interacting with an elderly woman at the Silver Lining Old Age Home.
Celebrating joy with less privileged
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It was all about celebrating happiness for Ahmedabad Rotaractors, RID 3055, as 13 Rotaract clubs came together for doing Project Sprinkles of Joy, a oneday event spread over a month. The teams — three club teams in an area — can select any date from Dec 15-Jan 14 for taking up a slew of welfare initiatives for the less privileged families and children.
Visiting an old age home, Jeevan Sandhya, and having fun time with the elders; distributing food packets and sparingly used clothes to 80 families at Maninagar, Bastrapur and Kankaria, deprived areas; spending time with 50 children at the anganwadi, Bodakdev, and holding fun games for them, after which delicious food was served to all,
are some of the social activities done by the city clubs. “Around 64 Rotaractors formed teams for doing projects that brought ‘sprinkles of joy’ on the faces of beneficiaries, mostly marginalised people and children,” says Saloni Dalal, zonal Rotaract representative.
On the eve of Makar Sankranti (Jan 14), colourful and aesthetically designed kites were given to 70 children (below 20 years) at Bopal, a jhuggi jhopdi (shanty area) in the city. After this, the Rotaractors visited Prahlad Nagar, an area lacking in basic amenities, and gave winter fruits such as orange, peach and watermelon to children. RACs Ahmedabad Asmita, Midtown and Prahlad Nagar, along with 10 other clubs, took up welfare initiatives from Dec-Jan under
Above: Rotaractors celebrate the birthday of a child at an anganwadi.
Right: Homeless children are being given food packets.
Below: A grand lunch for children at an anganwadi under Project Sprinkles of Joy.
this project with coordination from Saloni and Raj Mrug, zonal Rotaract secretary.
In July-August last year, umbrellas and raincoats were distributed to 150 families eking out a tough life across six jhuggi jhopdis in the city under Project Rain Shield. In a heartwarming gesture, members of RAC Ahmedabad Narol bought over 2,000 rakhis (wrist bands among siblings on Raksha Bandhan) from visually-impaired girls at the Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, a blind school, and sold them to their families, friends and other Rotaractors under Project Rakshika (Aug 2024). “The beneficiaries, all of them visually-impaired poor girls, were very happy, and the profits we got from the bulk sales were used to buy stationery items that were distributed to children,” explains Saloni, a past president of the Narol club.
Recalling her seven-year-old Rotaract journey, she says, “the youth wing of Rotary has taught me HR and interpersonal skills, especially the knack of dealing with diverse people, besides helping me learn some management techniques in real life situations.”
Saloni is working as a finance manager in a private firm, and “at present I am yet to decide if I need to join Rotary or not, but in the long run will become a Rotarian for sure,” she adds.
Colourful kites of varying sizes and shapes given to children during Makar Sankranti.
Literacy and selfrespect
Kiran Zehra
At first glance, the ability to sign one’s name might seem simple even ordinary. But for many construction labourers across Ahmedabad, it is a skill that can mean dignity, independence, and a step towards a better life,” says Rutvesh Prajapati, president of the Rotaract Club of Ahmedabad Elysium, RID 3055.
Recognising this basic need, his club launched Project Hak se Hashtakshar, a monthly outreach initiative that teaches daily wage labourers how to sign their names. “The project falls under Rotary’s focus area of Basic Education and Literacy, and was recently featured in the South East Asia Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC) Spotlight magazine for its innovative and impactful approach,” he brims with joy.
“It’s heartbreaking to see hardworking individuals still using thumbprints for things like banking or school admissions,” says the club president. “We realised that learning to sign their own name could be a powerful first step towards literacy and self-respect.”
The club members visit construction sites each month, conducting one-on-one awareness sessions with workers. Pens and diaries are distributed to help them practise in their free time. “It’s not just about learning to sign. It’s about being seen, being counted and being proud of your identity,” says Prajapati.
Women labourers learning to sign.
We see this not just as a project, but as a movement. Every signature is a story of change.
Rutvesh Prajapati club president
The idea for the project was born out of a community assessment, where club members spoke to construction labourers, community leaders, and local partners. Through surveys, focus groups, and personal observations, they discovered how lacking even this most basic skill was affecting workers’ ability to participate in social life.
One labourer, hesitant at first, smiled after signing his name for the first time. “Mujhe laga main kabhi nahi seekh paunga Ab lagta hai main kuch kar sakta hoon (I thought I’d never be able to learn. Now I feel like I can do something),” he said, holding on to the diary given to him.
As the club continues to expand the initiative, they are also working on building sustainable partnerships with schools, community centres and local organisations. Prajapati explains that the long-term goal is to train volunteers who can keep the momentum going and widen access to basic education. “We see this not just as a project, but as a movement. Every signature is a story of change,” he smiles.
Club members along with construction workers after teaching them to sign their names.
A group of construction workers at a basic literacy session.
Now more than 1,200 students at three government schools at Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district, around 70km south of Bengaluru, have access to clean drinking water as they have new water filter units installed by the Rotaract Club of Koramangala,
V Muthukumaran
RID 3191, under its maiden Project Paatashala.
Clean drinking water for rural students
Recalling the project’s genesis, club president Sowmya Prasad says, “under the leadership of our immediate past president, Ram M Narayanan, we conducted a mega fundraiser, Gamepoint V 5.0, its fifth edition, in May 2024 in which over 100 Rotarians
Rotaractors, along with teachers and students, at the installation of a water filter unit at a government school in Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
and Rotaractors took part in a shuttle badminton tourney. We began with aim to install at least one water filter at a government school badly in need of drinking water.” But once they started pitching the fundraiser idea to the sponsors and Rotarians, “many Rotary clubs wanted to take part in the sports meet for a noble cause.” The
Koramangala club mobilised ` 1.37 lakh from the event, and started to install three water filter units at schools in Kallanakuppe, Aanamanahalli and Kallalli villages in Kanakapura taluk (one primary and two government high schools) in November last year. Finding the children not having dining sets for the midday meals, the Rotaractors donated 150 stainlesssteel (SS) plates and 80 cups for drinking water to two primary schools at Banavasi and Kallalli vilalges, and an Urdu medium school nearby. “The food plates and cups which will be benefit 500 students from LKG to Class 5 were sponsored by my father, Renuka Prasad, a non-Rotarian who is into textile business,” smiles Sowmya.
Above: Students doing puja at the inauguration of a water filter system.
Below: Children at a primary school which was given a set of stainless-steel plates and cups for its Midday Meals programme.
Her father is doing charity for over decades now, and “he believes in doing social service and charity at his personal capacity.”
It was the idea of past president Narayanan to conduct a mega tournament to fund the “water, sanitation and hygiene project in schools. He appointed a three-member project team — Rtrs Jamal, Swaroop and Aravinth — which spearheaded the Gamepoint event that earned us much goodwill among the Rotary fraternity,” recalls Sowmya. And for Paatashala , the club’s Community Service director Yashik P K coordinated with the Rotary Club of Kanakapura for a “smooth rollout of our installation process.”
On their part, Rotarians from RC Kanakapura did the ‘needs assessment’ study to identify the beneficiary schools which were in dire need of potable water.
Gamepoint V 6.0
On March 8, box cricket was played by 16 Rotary, Rotaract teams led by women captains under Gamepoint V 6.0 which also marked Women’s Day. “Around 30 Rotarians and over 40 Rotaractors formed cricket teams to contest this year’s Gamepoint We have raised `3.91 lakh from the sports contest which will be used for women’s education projects,” explains Sowmya, who is also a member of RC
Bangalore Koramangala, their parent Rotary.
After finishing her higher education, she is now helping her father in garment business, and reflecting on her seven-year-old Rotaract journey, she says, “I like doing community service, and in Rotary, though this is my first year, I will do long-term sustainable projects with the help of club members.” Right now, she is quite happy leading RAC Koramangala, a 15-year-old community-based club.
Rotaractors and members of RC Kanakapura, along with teachers, at the installation of a water filter unit at a government school.
All the club’s 75 members, who are drawn from various professions, have registered themselves at the My Rotary portal as mandated by RI Board.
Mansa Rotaract to host Discon
V Muthukumaran
Hectic work is on at the Rotaract Club of Mansa City Royal, RID 3090, as they will be co-hosting the two-day district conference (June 21–22) titled Sampan (end of the year) along with RAC Nabha Greater. “DG Sandeep Chauhan will be giving his presidential address, followed by the plenary sessions on Rotaract membership, TRF-giving, and service projects,” says DRR Sahil Jindal, a charter member of the Mansa club.
Around 150–170 Rotaractors from 20 clubs of RID 3090 and 25–30 Rotarians are slated to participated in the discon which will have an Awards Night ceremony on the first day in which top performing clubs and Rotaractors will be recognised with mementos and citations. “We have a session on My Rotary registry to guide members on how to update their profiles on the RI portal,” says Jindal. In the evenings, fun games and partying with music and dance will create an “exciting ambience for Rotaractors to mingle and widen their network.”
Dr Manav Jindal, founderchairman, Manav Jindal Hospital, Mansa, conducted an ortho check-up camp in which 200 patients were screened at the Lions Bhawan.
“Medical tests for sugar, BP and BMI were held and medicines were distributed. Also test reports of x-ray and MRI scan were given at discounted charges,” he says. Earlier, they conducted a dental camp for 100 patients and given counselling for oral hygiene. “In the next three months, we will conduct 2–3 dental camps in government schools, and a general health camp for the public.”
DRR Jindal will be forming five new clubs, and induct 100-plus Rotaractors in the next three months, “so that for the entire year, we would have added 10 new clubs and over 200 new
Rotaractors.” One of his focus areas is to urge the Rotaractors to register their IDs on My Rotary portal, so that “their work is recognised and we come under the radar of Rotary International.”
He will be joining RC Mansa Royal on July 1, and “to begin with, I will guide and motivate Rotaractors to become active Rotarians too,” says Jindal, who looks after his family business of wholesale/retail stores in Mansa as a director. Among his wishlist is to do cancer detection camps in and around Mansa after becoming a Rotarian. Hope he could tick off this medical camp goal right away in the checklist.
Dr Manav Jindal (left) and Rotaractors at the ortho check-up camp.
Dr Man a av Jindal and Rotarractors at t the e or o tho camp.
Rotaractors celebrate Lohri, a harvest festival, with a camp fire.
Bees know no borders, neither do Interactors
Kiran Zehra
Bees know no borders,” said Rhyda M, an Interactor from Bengaluru, sharing an example of Israeli and Palestinian beekeepers collaborating through initiatives like Honey of Peace.
“Nature can succeed where politics often fails,” she noted, speaking at the Environmental Solutions for Peacebuilding, a virtual event hosted by RI District 3192 and Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), South Asia. The discussion brought together young leaders and Rotarians from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh, each presenting solutions that connected environmental action with peacebuilding. The event served as a countdown to the Rotary South Asia International Peace Conference, scheduled in Bengaluru in March.
Rhyda highlighted the Korean DMZ Peace Park, “a once-militarised strip of land between North and South Korea that was left untouched for decades, and which has now been transformed into a thriving sanctuary for endangered species. Could similar peace parks emerge in other conflict-prone regions?” She posed the question to fellow Interactors and Rotarians urging them “to think of ways environmental conservation could become a shared, borderless mission.”
She also put forward two solutions: “AI-powered platforms to manage natural resources in conflict zones and mobile water purification units for areas lacking clean drinking water.” Acknowledging the logistical and financial hurdles, she emphasised the need for early intervention. “Change begins at the grassroots level. Schools must take climate change and
Above: A beekeeper checks beehives at an apiary.
environmental challenges more seriously. If we create awareness early on, we can inspire students to take responsibility for protecting and improving the environment.”
RID 3192 DG Mahadev Prasad said that “while millions of dollars are spent on development projects worldwide, peacebuilding often remains sidelined. If bees know no borders, neither do Interactors. This platform allows young leaders to share solutions, address local environmental issues and tackle global challenges together. These Interactors aren’t just talking — they’re proposing solutions that could reshape how communities, and even nations, approach peacebuilding.”
Schools must take environmental challenges more seriously. Early awareness can inspire students to take responsibility for protecting and improving the environment.
A child enjoying a merry-go-round ride at the Korean DMZ Peace Park, at Pyeong Hwa Land, near the Civilian Control Line of Korea’s Demilitarized Zone.
From Pakistan, Jozia Mariam spoke about water scarcity and its unequal distribution in her country. She highlighted government and international efforts, such as Bondhe-Shams and Water for Women, but stressed that “these initiatives alone aren’t enough. We need to build large and small dams to store and manage water better, educate communities on water conservation and pollution, and encourage rainwater harvesting to make efficient use of natural resources. Pakistan needs urgent investment in water infrastructure. Sustainable water management can reduce conflicts over resources.”
Runaiya Rahman Alim from Bangladesh highlighted that “over the last five decades about 85,000
An illustration on the topic Environmental Solutions for Peacebuilding.
households have been displaced in my country due to riverbank erosion.” Citing Assam’s success story, where riverbanks were stabilised by planting bamboo saplings, she said that this was “a sustainable solution compared to the jute bags that serve as temporary reinforcements. Replantation is the only long-term solution.” She called for stakeholders, NGOs and international organisations to step in “not just to restore riverbanks but to help displaced communities rebuild their lives.”
Gavit Althugedhara from Sri Lanka suggested reforestation of the civil war affected areas. He cited Cambodia’s initiative, where “the United Nations planted 150,000 trees to restore land devastated by conflict. Sri Lanka is also focused on eco-tourism by investing in conservation projects. Our country is boosting tourism, creating jobs and increasing biodiversity, proving that environmental restoration and economic development can go hand-in-hand.”
Making a difference
Prosthetic limb camp at Adampur
More than 130 physically-challenged people and amputees had registered for the 12-day artificial limb distribution camp held by RAC Adampur City, RID 3070, with the support of its parent RC Adampur City at the Hanuman Mandir. The beneficiaries were given proper trials after the prototype limbs were fitted on them to avoid discomfort to them in future. All the transport, accommodation, meals, and other amenities were arranged by the club.
During the valedictory ceremony, the prosthetic limbs were fitted on the beneficiaries by doctors and trial walk was done. The amputees thanked the Rotaractors and Rotarians for making their lives easier with artificial limbs.
A Rotaractor being felicitated at the artificial limb fitment camp.
Rotaractors and women holding sanitary pads at an anganwadi.
Sanitary pads distributed in Sonipat
Around 200 sanitary pads were distributed to women at an anganwadi centre, students and teachers of Jagruti School in Rathdhana village in Sonipat district under Project Kali , an initiative of Project Aaina from the Rotaract Club of O P Jindal Global University, RID 3012.
The importance of menstrual hygiene, lifestyle changes and dietary habits for better health was explained to the beneficiaries by the Rotaract team. Also, the school principal and anganwadi in-charge were engaged by the Rotaractors on the need for community participation in their MHM campaigns.
Fun games at old age home
With the aim to bridge the generational gap, members of RAC Ahmedabad Bopal, RID 3055, visited an old age home and interacted with 150 elderly inmates. They were treated to an engaging afternoon of games and riddles, and the winners were given prizes under Project Noor-e-Inayat
The elders displayed their talent at laughter sessions, and everyone were given socks that will keep their foot warm during wintery nights. It was a day that remained etched in the memory of senior inmates at this home.
Footwear
distribution in Amritsar
A footwear donation drive was taken up by members of RAC Amritsar-Nectar, RID 3070, reaching out to 65 underprivileged persons. DRR Sukhpinder Kaur and the club’s co-chair Manjit Singh led the volunteers in the distribution of slippers. The Rotaractors spread out to the underserved communities and delivered the slippers to the needy people, thus earning goodwill among the marginalised families.
An elderly woman hugs a Rotaractor at an old age home.
Children happy to receive footwear from a Rotaractor.
Making a difference
DG Sivakumar and PDG
Dharmesh Patel flagged off a two-day Bullet Bike Rally to create road safety awareness by Rotaractors of RID 2982 in Hosur. On the first day, the rally concluded in Rasipuram, and in the last day the riders returned to Salem. A sum of `18,000 was raised to support End Polio Now initiatives during the bike rally.
Rotaractors joined hands with the Regional Transport Office and the Aravind Eye Hospital to distribute over 100 spectacles to lorry and other commercial vehicle drivers as part of Road Safety Week events. The distribution was held at the RTO, Kandhampatty.
Awareness session on cervical cancer
Over 150 students attended an awareness session on cervical cancer hosted by RAC Gorakhpur Galaxy , RID 3120, at the MGPG College, Gorakhpur. In her talk, Dr Akriti Gupta focused on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cervical cancer. Recognising the early warning signs and symptoms, learning about diagnosis, treatment, and the management options were explained to the girl students. During the interaction, the prevention strategies including the vaccination option were discussed between the students and the doctor. The talk session on a critical health issue of college students lifted the public image of the Rotaract club.
Bullet Bike Rally by Rotaractors
Cancer awareness drive in a Gorakhpur college.
A physically-challenged woman presents a memento to a Rotaractor.
Skilling the physically-challenged
Project Aram – Moment(o) of Hope is an initiative of RAC MOP Vaishnav College for Women, RID 3234, that trains underprivileged and physically-challenged persons in creating mementos using recycled materials, thus turning what was discarded as waste into a creative object. The mementos are presented to dignitaries and chief guests at events as a symbol of gratitude and wellness. The proceeds from the sale of these mementos are given directly to the artisans for their financial security, thus restoring a sense of dignity among them. “Project Aram not only provides the differently-abled and underprivileged with creative skills for self-reliance, but also fosters confidence and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives,” says Anika Balaji, project contact of the club.
Mau Rotaract transforms school walls
With the aim to spread awareness about Rotary, the members of RAC Pride Mau, RID 3120, conducted a public image project titled Colours of Change at the PM Shri Composite School, Ranipur. The Rotaractors transformed the walls of this government primary school into vibrant colours showcasing Rotary and Rotaract world.
Local artists were hired to paint the school walls with attractive graphics and pictures along with the Rotaract Wheel. In recent months, various competitions including quiz, dance and singing were held at the school, and students were given stationery kits and books. A sports meet (competition) was held for students to get them involved in sports like volleyball, cricket, tennis, badminton and board games. All the participants were given certificates, while the winners were presented with medals, along with certificates.
The Rotaract team is creating a lasting impact on children through multiple activities, so that they develop a sense of understanding of the world.
A Rotaractor with schoolchildren.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs host mass wedding for underprivileged girls
Kiran Zehra
For 22-year-old Meena, the daughter of a daily-wage labourer, her wedding day once seemed like a distant dream. But on Makar Sankranti this year, she stood hand-in-hand with her groom under a festively decorated pavilion in Uklana, Haryana,
surrounded by blessings, music and hundreds of smiling faces, thanks to a mass marriage initiative organised by the Rotary Club and Rotaract Club of Uklana, RID 3090.
Meena was one of the 12 brides married at the large-scale community wedding hosted on January 14, aimed at supporting families
Brides receiving a silver coin.
who cannot afford the financial burden of traditional ceremonies. The event, now an annual fixture, was conducted with full Hindu rituals — from the jaimala (exchange of garlands) to the saat phere (seven sacred vows) amidst Vedic chants.
“It felt like a dream,” says Meena. “I never thought I would wear a bridal lehenga or be part of something so grand. They treated us like family.” More than 500 guests, including the brides’ and grooms’ families, relatives and locals, attended the celebration. Refreshments and lunch were served to all.
Each bride received a dowry-free gift kit worth `40,000 containing essential household items — a bed, mattress, utensils, clothing for both bride and groom, a sewing machine, and more. The couples were also gifted wristwatches, silver coins, and envelopes containing `1,100 in cash.
Behind the scenes, project chair
Bajrang Mohan Soni, along with Vijender Garg and Sajjan Soni, worked tirelessly
to bring the event together. Rotaract club president Rajat Mohan and his team ensured smooth arrangements for breakfast and lunch.
Rotary club president Mahendra Soni, speaking at the conclusion of the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, donors and attendees. “This project is not just about marriage,” he said. “It’s about dignity, equality, and giving these young women a new beginning with respect.”
The initiative, at a total cost of arround `6 lakh, was funded entirely through community support. The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising the compassion and coordination displayed by the clubs.
Chief guest Mohan Lal Singhal and his wife Sunita Singhal, known for their philanthropy, attended the event for the second consecutive year. Presiding over the ceremony was Kumar Tyagi, PWD officer at Hisar, accompanied by his wife. Both praised the initiative and announced donations of `3 lakh and `50,000 respectively to support similar efforts in the future.
Brides and grooms with club members.
Project Tarang, a show-stealer in Bengaluru
V Muthukumaran
For the first time after the then RID 3190 (Bangalore region) was split into two as RIDs 3191 and 3192 in 2023–24, Project Tarang was held with pomp and glitz at the PES University, Banashankari. As a showpiece event for students to display their extracurricular talent, the one-day cultural expo staged by the Rotaract District 3191 saw 700-plus youngsters and children from 20 government schools contesting in a number of competitive genres.
A string of exciting stage shows that had group dance, solo dance and
singing, mono acting, short plays and fancy dress pinned the audiences to their seats all through the day, while literary and artistic sessions like rangoli, drawing, quiz, Spell Bee and science exhibition provided intellectual fodder to the visitors at the PES grounds.
“Around 80 Rotaractors worked hard for the success of Project Tarang, and DG Satish Madhavan appreciated their work and urged the youth to take part in such cultural events to hone their skills in his motivational speech at the end,” says Madan Mohan B, project chair. DRR Abhay Lohia thanked the sponsors and 25 Rotarians who had
RID 3191 DRR Abhay Lohia felicitates Prof V Krishna, dean, Student Affairs, PES University, Bengaluru, at the inaugural of Project Tarang
A rangoli art competition in progress.
made the cultural medley a “a grand success in its maiden version.”
Cash prizes, medals and certificates were given to the winners of all competitive events, and “the 700plus students were given stationery kits consisting of exam pads, books, geometry boxes, pens and pencils,” says Mohan, also chair of district
public image. “In the coming years, we will expand Project Tarang to make it bigger in its reach and appeal for all government school students in and around Bengaluru.”
Ganesh visarjan
In September last year, RACs Bangalore Highgrounds and South West, along
A student gives a demo for district Rotaract leaders at the exhibition.
with 12 other partner clubs, celebrated Ganesh Utsav with day-long programmes.
Following an early morning puja at a Ganesh pandal, Jay Nagar, Rotaractors staged a cultural show of music and dance (Sandalwood). “We served a delicious lunch to all the participants including 140 Rotaractors, a few Rotarians and other volunteers. Later on, we felicitated Rotaract and Rotary club presidents with mementos for their support in holding Ganesh visarjan,” explains Mohan who is a director, member retention, at RAC Bangalore Highgrounds. A grand procession was conducted with the Ganesh idol in the lead accompanied by music and dance, before the clay statue was dissolved in Ulsoor Lake with tamte (drum beats).
As a Rotaractor, Mohan says, “I have won many friends, acquired leadership skills, and become a good speaker now, thanks to the eight-year grooming through event management.”
Employed as a senior administrator at TESCO, a global merchandise retailer, he will be joining a Rotary club after a gap of one year or so, he smiles.
