Rotary leaders.
Members of INPPC with Rotary dignitaries.
INPPC Chair Deepak Kapur; Above: PDG Aziz Memon, Advisor, IPPC.
Section of the audience.
Facing page top from left: PRIP Rajendra K. Saboo; PRIP Kalyan Banerjee; RIPN K.R. Ravindran. Facing page bottom from left: IPPC Chair Dr. Robert S. Scott; Vice Chair and Incoming IPPC Chair John F. Germ; Incoming TRF Trustee Sushil Gupta.
Bhatia, Vijay Gupta, K.P. Kamaluddin and Sam Patibandla. District PolioPlus and Routine Immunisation Orientation and Planning Meet, logistics, motivation and advocacy were discussed in the session. Concluding session was addressed by Dr. Rashmi Sharma, PE, Inner Wheel Association of India, Ms. Nicole Deutsch, Senior Programme Manager, UNICEF, India, Dr. Manoj Desai, RI Director-nominee and Dr. Robert Scott, Chairman, International PolioPlus Committee. Dr. P. Narayana, Vice Chairman, INPPC thanked everyone for their participation. Meeting adjourned for participants to have lunch and to leave to their respective districts to share the joy and information with their Rotarians. PDG Sam Patibandla, National Committee Member, India National PolioPlus Committee MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 41
Opportunity knocks.
You hold the key. Save the home of Paul Harris, a living tribute to friendship, tolerance, and peace. Go to www.paulharrishome.org.
Adv_ Opportunity knocks.indd 2
4/25/2014 4:33:59 PM
C O P Y R I G H T © 2 0 1 4 B Y R O TA RY I N T E R N AT I O N A L . A L L R I G H T S R E S E RV E D .
A ROTARY PRIMER
GLOBALOUTLOOK A ROTARIAN’S GUIDE TO GETTING AND KEEPING MEMBERS
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
F
or the past decade, Rotary’s membership has lingered around 1.2 million. That means for every person who joined in the last 10 years, another person left. Today’s numbers show Rotary is not only stagnant but in decline in many areas. Our membership total as of 1 July 2013 was 1,185,000 — the lowest figure in almost a decade. What are we doing about it? In this issue, we talk with RI President Ron Burton about the challenges facing the organisation and the $3 million effort to help clubs get and keep members. We explore the four pilot programmes that 700 clubs around the globe are testing to keep current members engaged and to attract others. We also talk to leaders in areas where Rotary is growing rapidly and ask, “What’s your secret?” Read on to find out what they say and get ideas to grow your club.
44 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
EXPERT ANALYSIS
RI PRESIDENT RON BURTON ON WHY MEMBERS LEAVE AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT
R
ILLUSTRATIONS BY OTTO STEININGER
on Burton is the 2013–14 President of Rotary International. But 30 years ago, he was an uninspired Rotarian ready to quit his club. That’s why he calls on Rotarians around the world to Engage Rotary, Change Lives — because he knows firsthand that without a sense of purpose and belonging within their club, members leave. After polio eradication, increasing membership is Rotary’s highest priority. With global membership stalling and numbers in many regions dropping, Rotary’s leaders aim to renew the organisation through a series of plans created from member feedback. The 16 regional plans provide a roadmap of reasonable goals to help every club build Rotary. We spoke with Burton to find out how these plans will affect you and your club. How do you describe the Regional Membership Plans? The idea is to allow a region of Rotary to develop a plan for recruiting and retaining members that will work in that region. We know that one size doesn’t fit all. What works in the United States may not work in other places, so the plans give Rotarians flexibility in how they attract members, and they build a sense of ownership, since the plans are based on member feedback. How will these plans help Rotary gain members? I think it’s the enthusiasm we’re injecting into this. People respond to a challenge. We’ve asked all the Directors to
give us a definite number of members we can hold them accountable for adding. They’ve gone to every District Governor to get a number. The plans put our goals on paper and build support from the Directors, the District Governors, club Presidents, and members. You’ve seen all 16 Regional Plans. Is there one tactic to attract new members that stands out? One strategy involves giving Rotarians who sponsor new members recognition on their Rotary pin. It’s a flat backer that fits behind the pin, and its colour signifies how many members the person has brought in. It’s an incentive, and it looks pretty slick. How will the plans affect the average Rotarian? Most of us had to be invited by a friend to become a Rotarian. Once we invite new members, we have to give them a reason to stay. We can always use more hearts, hands and feet on the ground to do the great work of Rotary. The plans challenge members to accept that even in their hometowns, they could do more and be more productive if their club had more members. What if some clubs are happy as they are? Add a new club with a new look. A fourth club was chartered in my hometown of Norman, Okla., USA, last year. We’re a community of 110,000, and we have about 300 Rotarians — that means there’s a few people left who would be good members. For example, my club is a MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 45
lunch club on Thursdays. Some people just can’t do lunch on Thursday. We kept a list of those people and contacted them when we started a breakfast club. Every community has a couple of champions who can help charter a new club. Is there a “silver bullet” that will boost Rotary’s membership? Engagement. I quit my Rotary club because I didn’t have anything to do. Then they asked me if I’d chair a committee. The club President said, “We’d like you to be in the club. Would you chair our Rotary Foundation committee next year?” I stayed because I thought it was an important role. The key is to give people the opportunity to contribute to their communities. You quit your club? I did. I joke about it now, but 30 years ago, I had little kids, a full-time job, and you do the things you think are important. If all you’re doing is eating a bad meal every week at the Holiday Inn, you’re not going to stay in your club. That’s why I stress the importance of engagement. We all have so many things calling on us that, to retain members, each one of us has to feel fully engaged. What do you think turns people off about Rotary? I ask this question all the time. I say, “Look at your Rotary club. Would you join this club today? If not, why not? What would you do to change it?” Some people get turned off by singing. Some clubs have a lot of fines. That’s not to say that every tradition is silly, but it may not be for everybody. Find out what people like and don’t like about your club by doing exit interviews.
“German clubs put an emphasis on personal connections between members and their families, and try to develop programmes and events in which many play an active role,” says Rotary Coordinator Peter Iblher. “We try to create an impression of club life as being rewarding and valuable for members and their families.”
Where is Rotary growing? Rotary is growing in India and many parts of Asia. It’s strong in Thailand and Taiwan. We also have a big effort to grow in Africa. What can other Rotarians learn from these regions? There’s excitement about Rotary in these areas, especially in India. Rotary is visible. It’s a prestigious organisation there, and people know what Rotary is and does. But I think people feel good when they help someone else, no matter where they are in the world, so if there’s one thing to learn, it is to identify and take on great club projects that meet a need in your community. What’s one thing any member could do right now to support Rotary? Invite someone. Get them involved, and keep them involved. If you find that magic, they’ll keep themselves involved and invite others. I’m living proof of that. 46 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
Per Høyen, who will serve as 2014–16 RI Director, credits some of the membership growth in his zone, particularly in Lithuania (which has doubled its number of Rotarians since 2003), to favourable media coverage and positive government relations. “Lithuanian Rotarians get the media interested in the projects they are doing all over the country. This ‘free’ PR creates a lot of interest among people and makes it easier to get new members, because people know what Rotary is doing.”
WHERE IS ROTARY GROWING AND WHY?
“The average age of Rotarians in Africa is younger than in the United States or Europe. Clubs are relevant and vibrant, and support the belief that it is an honour and a big deal to become a Rotarian,” says Thomas Branum, Reach Out to Africa Committee Chair and Past RI Director.
In India, three districts are collecting data to develop a plan for starting new Rotary clubs for the sons and daughters of Rotarians. Members also recognise Rotarians who recruit new members, and invite prospective members to half-day seminars to learn about Rotary. “We target former Rotaractors and encourage them to form new Rotary clubs,” adds Ulhas Kolhatkar, a Rotary Coordinator and Past District Governor. “We also encourage participation from second-generation Rotarians.”
“One way we’ve been successful in Taiwan is by focusing on alumni — people who were in Group Study Exchange and former Rotaractors. We keep track of these people. If we can sponsor a club with a short meeting and no big meal, that will help to keep them,” says Gary C.K. Huang, who will serve as 2014–15 RI President.
Countries and areas with largest membership declines, 2003–13
Countries and areas with largest membership gains, 2003–13
# of members lost
# of members gained
% loss
% gain
UNITED STATES
-58,481
-15%
INDIA
+34,068
+38%
JAPAN
-23,248
-21%
KOREA
+12,671
+26%
ENGLAND
-7,743
-16%
GERMANY
+11,114
+27%
AUSTRALIA
-5,260
-14%
TAIWAN
+7,567
+49%
CANADA
-4,167
-14%
BRAZIL
+4,045
+8% MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 47
THE $3 MILLION PLAN TO RENEW ROTARY
T
he RI Board of Directors allocated US $3 million to create and support Regional Membership Plans, recognising that a global approach would not be as effective as local strategies guided by member feedback. The aim is to increase Rotary membership around the world. The plans outline goals for 16 regions and the steps for achieving them. “The world is different now,” says Allan Jagger, Chair of the RI Membership Development and Retention Committee and past RI Director. Jagger was involved in creating the plan for clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. “We have to look at where we’ve come from, what’s working, and change what isn’t.” In Great Britain and Ireland, an analysis of the data found that bringing in new members isn’t the problem — it’s keeping them. Jagger says the team looked into why and discovered that the way Rotary was sold to prospective members didn’t fit the reality of joining a club. The membership plan for Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland responded by recommending a club “visioning” process to help clubs become more attractive to members, both new ones and the ones they already have — something Jagger says hinges on service. “The only way to make clubs more effective is to do more service,” he explains. “The more service you do, the more recognition Rotary will get. The more recognition, the more members you will acquire.” In Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, regional leaders focused on what they already do well. “There will always be weaknesses,” says Jessie Harman, a Rotary coordinator from Australia. “This is about identifying strengths and giving Rotarians and clubs examples of best practices and other tools they can use to strengthen Rotary.” One asset in this region is member diversity. To remain strong in this area, leaders set a goal of increasing female members by 6 percent, young members by 5 percent, and culturally diverse members by 3 percent. To work toward that, the Rotary Club of Christchurch South has launched an effort to recruit past Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participants as members. Though regional leaders developed the plans, it is up to individual Rotarians to make their clubs into groups that people will want to join — and stay in. 48 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
700 CLUBS TEST NEW WAYS TO ENGAGE AND ATTRACT MEMBERS Four pilot programmes that allow clubs more freedom to determine meeting frequency, add new categories of membership, and gain flexibility in club operations launched in 2011–12. The pilots — Corporate Membership, Associate Membership, Innovative and Flexible Club and Satellite Club — run through 2016–17.
Corporate Membership Gives companies the opportunity to partner with their local Rotary club and appoint up to four employees as active members
TIP: LESS IS MORE In a pilot study that ran from July 2007 until June 2013, biweekly meetings were linked to a higher rate of membership growth. The pilot showed an overall 90 percent positive impact, with improvement not only in membership but also in fundraising, community service, and support for The Rotary Foundation. The pilot enlisted 200 clubs. Of those, 80 percent chose to hold meetings either twice a month or every two weeks.
Satellite Club Allows clubs to conduct multiple meetings during a week, each taking place at a different location, day or time
Associate Membership Offers a trial membership without the full rights and responsibilities of active members
Innovative and Flexible Club Provides the freedom to create a club that better fits community and member needs
QUESTIONS?
Email: ripilotprograms@rotary.org
CASE STUDY: FROM SCHOLARS TO ROTARIANS
CASE STUDY: BUDDY SYSTEM
Members in Japan are recruiting recipients of the Yoneyama
One strategy for member retention in District 5790
Scholarship, which is sponsored by Rotarians. The effort has
(Texas, USA) is the “buddy system.” Groups of
already produced two new clubs: the Rotary Club of Tokyo
four members stay in touch and support one an-
Yoneyama Yuai (with 32 members, all former scholars liv-
other. Members are paired with one close buddy,
ing in Japan but originally from 10 different countries), and
and the membership chair assigns a minimum of
the Rotary E-Club of District 2750 Tokyo Yoneyama (with 27
two more buddies to make a team. One person is
members who meet through the club’s website and live chat,
appointed the team leader and coordinates occa-
but gather in person for club events).
sional get-togethers and activities.
MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 49
Not sure why your club is shrinking? Ask these questions: (1) Is my club’s meeting time, format and location
convenient for members with families or younger professionals still building their careers?
(2)
How well does my club reflect the age, gender and professional diversity of my community?
(3)
Whose interests are reflected in my club’s programmes?
(4)
Do ceremonial activities take time away from speakers, club business, project planning and networking?
(5)
Does my club have a plan in place to contact guests after they visit?
M O R E O N L I NE View your region’s plan by searching for “membership plans” at www.rotary.org/myrotary. 50 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
LITERACY
The campaign to eradicate illiteracy from India is gaining momentum and firing the imagination of the Rotarians. As we pledge to achieve our goal of total literacy in India, our awareness of the countrywide literacy situation and the initiatives of various actors to meet this challenge assume importance. The challenge of total literacy has two clear dimensions. We must ensure that every new-born gets quality elementary education, at least, when it enters the school-going age. Simultaneously, we must also make functionally literate the vast numbers of non-literates, men and women of all ages, particularly the 15–35 year olds for they constitute the most productive sinews of the national economy. We can further sharpen our focus on specific groups like the women/girls, traditionally disadvantaged children/young adults and the geographical areas that have lagged so far in literacy. The State is the largest player in this nationwide campaign. Knowledge of the government’s
programmes and other measures is thus the first necessity. Understanding of the gaps between the governments’ commitments and the problems faced in implementing them at the grassroots level can enable us to effectively leverage the State resources — human, institutional and financial — to our own and help us optimise the outcomes of T-E-A-C-H. Our success in eradicating the scourge of polio is proof enough of this strength of ours. The most notable State initiative is the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (the RTE Act) which came into effect from 1st April 2010. The RTE Act codifies the Constitutional fundamental right of children (6–14 years) to free and compulsory elementary education (Classes I–VIII) and certain corresponding duties of the State and other actors. Important provisions are summarised in the Box ‘RTE Act.’
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4/30/2014 11:31:15 AM
CHILD’S RIGHTS • No school/capitation fees or expenses for elementary education and free supply of text books, writing material and uniform • No parent/child screening for admission • Provision, by Central/State/Union Territory (UT) government/local authority, of i. ‘neighbourhood school,’ i.e., school within 1 km walking distance for class I–IV and within 3 kms for class VI–VIII children ii. more than one neighbourhood schools in densely populated areas iii. free transportation to neighbourhood school or nearby residence in remote areas (for, school distances > above limits) iv. information to the community, after school mapping on this basis, of the specific school locations v. admission and free education of weaker and disadvantaged sections children to class I in neighbourhood private schools to the extent of at least 25 percent of class I strength and reimbursement of expenditure so incurred by such schools
STATE’S DUTIES • Central and State governments to both provide funds to execute the Act • Central government, apart from carrying out the duties of ‘appropriate government’ for schools owned/controlled by it, responsible to i. prepare the National Academic Curriculum ii. develop and enforce standards for teachers training and
iii. provide infrastructure including school buildings, teaching staff and learning equipment iv. ensure non-discrimination in school against children from weaker/marginalised sections of society v. provide special training for children not admitted to any school/children who have not completed elementary education vi. provide training to teachers and ensure each school follows the academic calendar vii. ensure good quality elementary education according to specified standards and norms viii. ensure that no new school is started/allowed to function without certificate of recognition form designated authority and schools, already existing before the RTE Act, obtain such certificate within 3 years of the Act’s commencement • Appropriate government to also provide one year of free pre-school training for children
PARENTS • Parents to admit their children/wards to school and ensure that they receive elementary education
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT • Each government/government-aided school to set up a School Management Committee (SMC) • 75 percent of SMC members to be from among parents and guardians of school students • Proportionate representation to parents/guardians of disadvantaged students from weaker sections of society • 50 percent of SMC members to be women
iii. provide technical support to States/UTs for promoting innovations, research, planning and capacity building
• SMC Chairperson/Vice Chairperson from among parent members; Head/Senior-most Teacher to be the Member-Convener
• State governments/local authorities responsible to
• SMC to meet once/month; meeting minutes to be publicised
i. ensure admission, attendance and completion of elementary education of all children and maintain their records up to the age of 14 years ii. prescribe academic curriculum and courses for elementary education
• SMC to oversee school working, prepare school development plan and monitor utilisation of government grants; grant sanction dependent on school development plan
52 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
Our Campaign Against Illiteracy.indd 52
4/30/2014 11:31:15 AM
• SMC to communicate children’s RTE rights to the school neighbourhood population and protect children’s rights while in school
TEACHERS • Teachers to: i. be regular and punctual in attendance ii. ensure completion of curriculum within specified time iii. assess ability of each child and recommend required special training iv. conduct parent-teacher meetings to apprise parents on attendance, learning ability and actual progress of each child • 1 teacher/30 students for classes I–V; 1 teacher/35 students for classes VI–VIII • 1 teacher each for (i) Science and Mathematics (ii) Social Sciences and (iii) Languages for classes VI-VIII • Full-time Head Teacher for school with > 100 students • 200/220 working days/academic year for classes I–V/ classes VI–VIII respectively, 45 hours/work week
SCHOOL FACILITIES • Each school to have i. all-weather building with 1 classroom/teacher ii. 1 office-cum-store-cum Head Teacher’s room iii. separate toilets for boys and girls iv. safe and hygienic drinking water facility v. kitchen for mid-day meals vi. playground vii. 1 library viii. teaching/learning equipment and play/sports equipment ix. fenced premises
CURRICULUM AND CHILD EVALUATION • State Council for Educational Research and Training to be the academic authority to develop age-appropriate academic curriculum • Medium of instruction to be the child’s mother tongue • Comprehensive and continuous evaluation (CCE) of child’s understanding and application of knowledge, no periodical examinations
May I also share with you that in accordance with a decision of the National Committee, we have appointed Mr. Anupam Dasgupta, a former Secretary, Government of India as the CEO of the Rotary India Literacy Mission. We also have with us Ms. Amrita Paul, a communications specialist as our Communications Manager. They will assist us in our endeavours. Friends, you would see how the specific components of our T-E-A-C-H programme gel with the RTE Act provisions. Thus, ‘T’ - Teacher Support which aims at strengthening the professional abilities of primary school teachers through training by our volunteers and making available e-modules to bring the best available teaching aids and methods to the teacher in the remote schools fits snugly in the RTE Act provision to impart training to teachers. Likewise our ‘H’ - Happy School is very much in line with the 9 improvements in school facilities committed to be provided under the Act. We need to recognise these synergies and build on them. In the coming issues of Rotary News, I shall elaborate on the two other major Government initiatives, viz., the ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ (SSA) for Universal Elementary Education (UEE) - (classes I–VIII) and that for adult education, i.e., the ‘Saakshar Bharat’ programme. Thereafter, we will discuss how, with this background, you and the National Committee of the Rotary India Literacy Mission can march ahead on war against illiteracy, in partnership with not only the State apparatus but also the civil society, nongovernmental organisations, corporates and individual and groups of volunteers. PRID Shekhar Mehta Chairman, Rotary India Literacy Mission
Register as a volunteer on www.rotaryteach.org and select to work for T-E-A-C-H. Donate through Cheque/Demand Draft to “Rotary India Literacy Mission” and send to your respective District Governor. MAY 2014
Our Campaign Against Illiteracy.indd 53
ROTARY NEWS 53
4/30/2014 11:31:16 AM
ROTARY ACTS
The Rotarians of RI District 3230 recently went on a highly supreme mission of advocating organ donation through the Mass Organ Donation Pledge programme that attracted around 4,500 pledges, creating a record of sorts.
O
rgan donation provides another chance to live — both for the donor and the recipient: for, a piece of the donor will still live within the recipient by virtue of the donated organ, and for the recipient it is certainly a renaissance — a fresh lease of life that he could enjoy with the new donated organs. Thousands of people die each year, due to chronic diseases of the liver, kidney and heart; they could have been with us today if they had a viable organ available for transplant. Statistical research reveals that every year in our country, 2,00,000 people die of liver disease; 1,50,000 people await kidney transplant but only 5,000 get one, and several more suffer from corneal blindness and await transplant. Organ donors are incredibly insignificant in number in India compared to the statistics around the world. Studies
54 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
show that with a population of 1.2 billion people, organ donors count to 0.08 per million population in India. Lack of awareness and lack of proper drive among the people, apart from religious sentiments contribute to this low number of organ donors in our country. Myths and misconceptions about organ donation discourage potential donors from making the decision to donate organs after their death. Surveys reveal that people would have come forth with their wish to donate their organs if they had received more information. A major reason for the shortage of organs is that many people who had the inclination to donate their organs had not recorded their wish about organ donation or discussed it with their families. Organ donation can save lives. When you donate, you are not just saving a life; you are saving a whole
family. You give a child back to the parents, husband back to the wife and a parent back to the family. Sparing a deep thought to this noble deed can certainly inspire every human being to elevate himself as an organ donor. One person has the opportunity to save eight lives through the gift of organ donation and enhance the lives of 50 people by way of tissue donation. Organ donation is the harvesting of a person’s organs after he or she dies for the purpose of transplanting them into another person. All of us irrespective of age or medical condition can be organ donors. Vital organs such as kidney, liver, intestines, pancreas, heart and lungs can be donated in case of ‘brain death.’ Other tissues like corneas, skin, bones and heart valves can be donated only in the case of natural death. The human body has remarkable
fortitude for receiving organs; and this unique ability of the human body gives us a second chance at life in case of an organ failure. Concerted effort to raise awareness on this subject is the need of the hour across our country; and who better than Rotarians can be the catalysts to inspire people to make a contribution to pledge their organs and live even after our own time has passed. This Rotary year, the District Community Service Health team of RI District 3230 led by the dynamic Rotarian Mythili Muralidharan turned the spotlight on organ pledge and the joint meeting of 20 Rotary clubs showed a keen interest by the Rotarians to sign the pledge to donate their organs. This amazing response kickstarted the programme to organise a Mass Organ Pledge campaign which would also serve to create awareness among the public about the concept and also dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding this superior form of giving. This mega initiative that would entail gifting a life to someone in need was organised on March 29, 2014 in association with the District Rotaract Council and Delvin Formulations, a pharma company, at Pallavan Engineering College in Kanchipuram, about 70 km from Chennai. More than 1,000 Rotarians from the city and city-plus Rotary clubs zealously took part in the event. Around 4,000 students and Rotaractors also played a
significant role in organising the programme. With the guidance and the vibrant energy of the District Governor A.P. Kanna, the Mass Organ Pledge campaign aimed to get the maximum number of pledges within an hour to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records. It may be noted that the District has already made it to the Guinness Book of Records with the biggest hi-five hand formation, with the participation of 7,084 Rotaractors during the Presidential Conference on New Generations and again District 3230 holds the Guinness Record for the largest amount of book collection (8,00,000 books) in a week which was donated to the ‘Change Libraries’ set up in schools catering to students hailing from economically weak families. The organ pledge campaign had 4,500 people (that included Rotarians, Rotaractors, Anns and Annettes and other students) enthusiastically signing up for the organ donation within
one hour of the inauguration of the programme. Meticulous planning was done to make this mammoth programme a grand success. Thirty five video cameras were arranged to capture the signing session as required by the Guinness team. Many juries were also invited to witness the event. Bar coding, another requisite for Guinness recognition was done and has been sent to Guinness office for certification. At the end of the day, the Rotarians and the Rotaractors were a happy crowd, for they have contributed towards saving several precious lives, unmindful of whether a Guinness record is made or not. The event was also a great platform to enlighten people about organ donation; to educate the public that organ donation is not a tragedy, but it can be a beautiful light in the midst of one.
Jaishree
Organ donors flashing their Donor Cards. MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 55
Compiled by Kiran Zehra
RC MUTHUPETTAI RI District 2980 The club in association with Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore conducted its 100th eye camp. After testing 300 poor patients, 100 cataract surgeries were performed.
RC ARIYALUR RI District 3000 School furniture was donated to Poiyur Panchayat Elementary School. This would provide the students with a better learning atmosphere.
RI District 3010 In aid of thalassemia patients, clubs from all over the district participated in a blood donation camp that collected 114 units of blood. In order to create awareness, a skit was also performed.
56 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
RC KOTHAPETA RI District 3020 Note books and stationary was distributed to elementary school students in the region. This would assist them in learning better.
RC AKOLA MIDTOWN RI District 3030 The club organised an ENT check up for students of Rajeshwar Convent, Akola. The club extended full support to students who required further treatment.
RC INDORE GREATER RI District 3040 The club constructed a toilet block at a deaf and dumb school at Mhow Naka, Indore. This would help in maintaining hygiene at the school campus.
RC PALANPUR CITY RI District 3051 Under its permanent project the club distributed grocery items to 200 poor families. This will help the families to face their economical lows.
MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 57
RI District 3052 Governor of Rajasthan, Her Excellency Mrs. Margaret Alva (left) inaugurated the NID at Raj Bhavan in the presence of DG Anil Agarwal, and other Rotarians of RI District 3052.
RC GWALIOR YUGAL RI District 3053 Shanti Nikethan, home to senior citizens and orphan children received a shower of blessing by the club in form of healthy food and grocery items.
RC ANKLESHWAR RI District 3060 In order to enhance the public image of Rotary the club conducted a walkathon. Rotarians participated with great pride of being associated with Rotary.
RC HOSHIARPUR ROYAL RI District 3070 Sewing machines were distributed to unemployed poor girls to help them earn a living by taking up the stitching vocation.
58 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
RC DEHRADUN RI District 3080 The club in association with Mahadevi Institue of Technology organised an AIDS awareness rally and blood donation camp.
RC CENTRAL HISAR RI District 3090 An eye camp conducted by the club witnessed the examination of 200 poor patients and over 10 cataract surgeries were performed.
RC MUZAFFARNAGAR VISHAL RI District 3100 In order to preserve dead bodies in a hygienic and sound fashion the club donated freezer boxes to a mortuary at Nayi Mandi, Muzaffarnagar.
RC AGRA TAJ CITY RI District 3110 The club donated educational toys to Aradhana Bhavan, a school for poor students in order to assist them in their learning.
MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 59
RC LUCKNOW KHAAS RI District 3120 The club organised a medical camp for adults, health camp for small children and a seminar on child nutrition at Jaitanpur village.
RI District 3131 Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon was conferred with Rotary Excellence Award by RI District 3131 for her various philanthropic activities. The award was presented to her by RIDN Dr. Manoj Desai, DG Deepak Shikarpur and Rtn. Sudhir Gadgil.
RC PANDHARPUR RI District 3132 The club donated a hearse van to Tilak Samarak Mandir. The total project cost was Rs.6.5 lakhs.
RC BOMBAY AIRPORT RI District 3140 Solar water heaters were donated to the boys and girls dormitories at Adivasi Ashramshala, Palghar. This would provide the residents with warm water at any hour.
60 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
RC BHADRACHALAM RI District 3150 Clothes, books and stationary were distributed to orphan girls at Charla. This would help the girls to study with dignity.
RC GUNTAKAL RI District 3160 Food, fruits and medicinal aid was provided to patients who had under gone IOL surgeries in order to help them with a speedy recovery.
RC HONAVAR RI District 3170 The club conducted a blood donation camp at SDM College, Honavar. Over 50 students participated in the camp.
RC SHIMOGA CENTRAL RI District 3180 In a move to help renovate Sri Sharada Devi Andaravikasa Kendra, a school for the visually challenged, the club donated a path roller. This would even out the pathway and children would be able to move around with ease. MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 61
ROTARY ACTS
Clearing of the canal in progress.
Under the blue sky lies a land consecrated to service of nature. Trees and water spark the signs of prosperity, courtesy RC Tirupur Thirumuruganpoondi, RI District 3202. When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American poet. Rotarians of RC Tirupur Thirumuruganpoondi, RI District 3202 are working towards the beautification of their land. You wouldn’t find sprawling buildings or exotic architecture here. The flashes of green and blue are a testimony of man working for and with nature. Indeed Rotary has become the chosen genius. Clearing of a 4.5 kilometre canal for transportation of water to fields that yield grain and crop is a constructive solution yet a tedious task but when Rotary gets down to getting
things ameliorated, tedious becomes tranquil. The mission of RC Tirupur Thirumuruganpoondi is to offer an organic and non-chemical answer to the environment of the village. Manual cleaning of the canal involved uprooting of fully grown wild plants, removal of wastes and restoration of the canal pathway. Villagers lent their complete support in the process. This was just the beginning of the ‘Rasatha Kulam Project.’ The next level involved the desilting of a 6 acre lake. This lake is a major source of water supply to the 4,000 acres of land making desilting all the more necessary. The water from the lake is used in agricultural
lands and the cleared canal space will provide a hassle-free flow of water into the land. The project does not just stop with this. The quality of water also came under the microscope of Rotary and the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were drastically reduced. TDS is directly related to the quality of water purification system and affects everything that has direct or indirect consumption of water with high TDS levels. Water table of a region can be described as the nervous system of the geology of an area. The Rasatha Kulam Project that costs Rs. 3.3 lakhs does not just focus on providing water to agricultural land; it also implements
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the purification of the geological nervous system of Thirumuruganpoondi. Efforts of increasing the ground water level to revitalise crop growth and create an eco-friendly zone has also been initiated. RC Tirupur Thirumuruganpoondi in all aspects is grooming its land. The ‘Pasumai Poondi’ project of the club does not operate in an ivory tower. Rotarians of this region literally have their hands full of mud, planting trees throughout the region. They didn’t just stand and give away plants. Like a loving gardener they sat down to firmly ground the green future. These plants were also protected with a netting to avoid being eaten by animals. Rotarians involved the people of the village to participate in this noble cause. Children, men and women actively participated in the event. “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps
Gardening for the future.
friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love,” said Saint Basil. Rotary in its deeds of goodness has planted seeds of love that will flourish forever. From outer space the only colours that stand as an identification of the earth are the colours, blue and
green. From a distance RC Tirupur Thirumuruganpoondi has enhanced the identification of the world in a very small way but when you see it up close, the club has left a signature on the face of the earth. Kiran Zehra
MAY 2014
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ROTARY ACTS
School and college students hailing from the rural belts of Tuticorin, a district on the southeast part of Tamil Nadu were empowered with soft skills and an invaluable opportunity to build self-confidence and develop leadership skills. All this was possible through the RYLA programme organised by Rotary Club of SPIC Nagar, RI District 3212.
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eens and the early twenties are the most vital and the most significant period of man’s life. It is the right age when character is formed, and when these young people have to be instilled with values and empowered with positive thoughts and self-confidence, strong enough for them to be sure of what they do. Rote learning and book knowledge alone cannot provide the essential strength for these youngsters to face the challenges of the world. They have to be trained to think differently, act independently and perform confidently. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) concept practised by Rotary clubs across the world offers the perfect platform to train youngsters aged 14 to 30, emphasising on personality development, leadership and good citizenship. The young adults gain exposure to a variety of issues and
people, and also learn valuable information and life skills. The Rotarians of RC SPIC Nagar, RI District 3212, organised the RYLA programme with a difference. While youngsters in the urban regions and metros have lot of opportunities to get themselves equipped with various kinds of life skills, it is the children at the semi-urban and rural belts who suffer from poor self-esteem and low self-confidence. Although these youngsters are intellectuals in their own right, without the necessary exposure and unreasonable feeling of ‘hailing from a village,’ they let the right opportunity pass by. Lack of proper presentation and communication skill and a positive attitude plague the mindset of these youngsters. Enlightened with this thought, the Rotarians put their heart and soul in designing a unique workshop
especially for the rural children, thus giving shape to a fabulously unique RYLA. And indeed, at the end of the programme, all the participants seemed to be brimming with self-confidence, being able to speak their mind and perform what they are good at, with a flourish. That is the power of RYLA. Not one, but 27 RYLA programmes were conducted by the club in a span of two months, thus empowering 10,000 rural students across 37 institutions. Students from government schools, government-aided schools, schools run for destitute, Boys Home run for the minor law-offenders and also from colleges in the rural areas were part of the RYLA programmes. The series was inaugurated by Mrs. Madhumathi IAS, Commissioner-Tuticorin Corporation. The Commissioner was generous in her praise for Rotary and she conveyed
A RYLA participant brings out her oratorical talent. 70 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
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her confidence that such an intensive empowerment programme would not only shape the participant mentally but, in turn, it would also give them a bright future. The various interactive workshops had efficient trainers who had won international laurels. “If the mind is intensely eager, everything can be accomplished — mountains can be crumbled into atoms,” observed Swami Vivekananda. The RYLA aimed to implant this confidence and courage in the young minds. A specially- designed RYLA was also organised to impart leadership virtues in engineering college students. This exclusive RYLA was organised in association with Rotary Club of Ramnad, RI District 3212 and it had participants from eight engineering colleges. They were given additional input such as resume preparation, group discussion and mock-interview. There is more to learning — more lessons to be learnt beyond books. These are life lessons or survival skills that would transform even a timid person into one with enough courage and confidence to face the world.
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Section of the enthusiastic participants.
In short, the RYLA called out to the young adults, these sentiments of Swami Vivekananda: “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.” Rotary acts as a catalyst to bring out the power lying untapped and dormant within every youth through its supremely effective RYLA programme. “Our duty is to encourage everyone in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the truth,” said Swami Vivekananda.
He also says, “Individuals being raised, the nation and its institutions are bound to rise.... The salvation of India, therefore, depends on the strength of the individual, and the realisation by each man, of the divinity within.” By organising this leadership programme, the Rotarians of Rotary clubs of SPIC Nagar and Ramnad have succeeded in performing their duty towards the ingenuous youngsters of their district, empowering them to take on the world with a zing. Jaishree
MAY 2014
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RC JABALPUR EXCELLENCE RI District 3261 The club distributed sweaters and clothing among children of an orphanage. This would help the children to wear decent clothes and keep themselves warm during winter.
RC KEONJHARGARH RI District 3262 The club conducted health camps in the region. Patients were tested and treated for various health ailments. The club also assisted them with medical aid.
RC SALT LAKE METROPOLITAN RI District 3291 The club in association with RC Santa Barbara Sunrise, RI District 5240 and TRF distributed over 200 cycle-rickshaws and vans to poor families in order to help them earn a living.
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RC BUTWAL RI District 3292 The club donated computers to Sadhana Women School and Ganesh Lower Secondary School in order to enhance the computer skills of the students.
RC KOTTAI PATTUKKOTAI RI District 2980 The club in association with KTP Hospital conducted an ENT and dental check up for 850 students of Patron Russell Primary School.
RC TIRUCHIRAPALLI NORTH RI District 3000 The club conducted a routine immunisation program of Hepatitis B and TT for close to 100 orphan children living at “Cornerstone Home DKSHA.”
RC SAHIBABAD RI District 3010 In order to help under- privileged students at Kazipur village the club distributed stationary items, note books and uniforms amongst them.
MAY 2014
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RC ANAKAPALLE RI District 3020 The club donated wet grinders to poor women. These women will now be able to support their families and lead a dignified life.
RC AKOLA RI District 3030 The club conducted an Adventure and Personality Development Camp for its RYLA students at Melghat forest, Vidarbha.
RC INDORE MEGHDOOT RI District 3040 Eye check up of close to 200 patients followed by distribution of spectacles and cataract operation was undertaken by the club.
RC UDAIPUR ELITE RI District 3052 A visit to historic sites in the city was organised by the club for over 50 visually challenged students. This educational outing was an informative experience for them.
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RC GWALIOR GALAV RI District 3053 In order to help poor and under- privileged families from the slum regions, the club distributed new clothes to them.
RC BHAVNAGAR RI District 3060 At a workshop organised by the club, LN-4 prosthetic arms were distributed to physically challenged people. Training on usage of the arm for writing and holding things was also provided.
RC AMRITSAR EAST RI District 3070 The club distributed chairs to Bhai Dharam Singh Setlight Hospital, Amritsar. The chairs will help patients to sit comfortably and wait for their turn.
RC DEHRADUN WEST RI District 3080 The club conducted a health camp for differentlyabled men and women from Dudhli village, Uttarkhand. Hearing aids, spectacles, white canes, crutches and wheel chairs were distributed post the check up. MAY 2014
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RC NABHA RI District 3090 The club displayed banners of Polio Free India at various important landmarks in the city in order to celebrate the colossal achievement.
RC KHATAULI RI District 3100 The club conducted an eye camp at Sri Devi Mandir Kanya Inter College. At the camp 550 patients were tested and close to 200 cataract surgeries were performed.
RC KANPUR GAURAV RI District 3110 The club in association with Rotaract club of Kanpur Gaurav and Inner Wheel Club of Kanpur West conducted a dance competition “Nrityangana� for young boys and girls.
RC FAIZABAD RI District 3120 In order to promote literacy, educational charts, books and stationary items were distributed by Rotarians of the club to adults in Sakhupara village, Faizabad.
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RC PUNE TILAK ROAD RI District 3131 The club conducted various competitions for special children as part of the club’s silver jubilee celebration. The special skills of the children enthralled the audience.
RC AURANGABAD WEST RI District 3132 The club in association with RC Bandar Sungai Petani, Malaysia, RI District 3300 conducted a Rotary youth exchange programme for Interactors of their clubs. This was a new and exciting experience for the Interactors of both the clubs.
RC BOMBAY METROPOLITAN RI District 3140 A rain water harvesting project was organised by the club at Kelewadi and Vicharewadi villages. Water filters were distributed to the villagers in order to promote the club’s initiative.
RC SECUNDERABAD SPECTRUM RI District 3150 The club donated grocery items and clothing to Kamalamma Old Age and Orphans Home in order to provide the inmates of the home with a better standard of living.
MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 77
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
I
have been a member of the Rotary Club of Madras South (RCMS), RI District 3230, for the last 36 years. RCMS, the second oldest club in Chennai, has often drawn high praise — and not just during the annual Governor visits! At present the club has some 65 members. The club faced a mid-life crisis during the mid-90s. Somehow it lacked spark. Membership dwindled, and there were no takers for leadership positions. The 35 year old club had more Past Presidents than ordinary members. The average age of members was over 60; young members inducted with a lot of effort didn’t stay on because they found the club boring. The reputation the club had acquired in the district for vibrant fellowship and family participation in the district was waning. When a Past President of the club had to take on the mantle of Treasurer and another Past President was being coaxed to become a President again, I realised that some drastic action had to be taken. I had served as President in 1990–91. I got nominated in 1997–98 as Membership Convener, as I had some clear ideas on the subject. I conceived a programme titled ‘Operation New Blood’ to induct 15 new and young members during the year. This would impart dynamism, bring down the average age of the club and create some potential leaders. I relentlessly pursued each and every member to propose names, also sought out potential Rotarians from among dynamic former Round Tablers. Having been a Round Tabler myself, I knew that Round Table was an ideal source for potential members. Members came up with some 25 names. I insisted on meeting each of them personally and talking to them. I rejected candidates more than 50 years old, also those who seemed too busy, those who wondered whether they 78 ROTARY NEWS MAY 2014
could afford Rotary, those who hinted at pressure from their proposers to join Rotary. By the end of the year, we had inducted only 10 new members, but they had passed the strict tests of serious intent. Six of them were ex-Round Tablers between the ages 40 and 50. We ensured that every member was briefed well by senior members. Everyone was made to feel important and was encouraged to come up with ideas for fellowship. A few of them were inducted into the Board the very next year; others were included into various sub-committees. This strategy gave the new members a sense of belonging and ensured strong participation in the club’s activities. These 10 members in turn introduced their friends to the club. Within two years the average age of the club came down to 50. Fellowship get-togethers started getting more interesting, and whole families took part. We had a Punjabi Nite, a Rajasthani Nite, a Kerala Nite, a Mexican Nite, a Kannada Nite and so on. Members wore the apt community apparel. There were many musical evenings, with so many members being music connoisseurs or patrons or aficionados. There were outstation trips to Mysore, Coorg, Cochin, Yelagiri and so on. Besides active involvement in the community service programmes of the club brought members closer and helped them forge new friendships. Even Past Presidents got energised. They didn’t interfere, only provided positive encouragement and moral and physical support to younger office bearers. The club’s rousing team spirit today reflects both vigorous leadership by young members and the perfect harmony between them and the older members. Today more and more members are keen to take on responsibilities including the post of President. Six of the
10 members inducted under Operation New Blood in 1997–98 have already become Presidents. Many more are waiting in the wings. RCMS is back to its glory days as a vibrant club with an excellent record in all avenues of service. The club’s Golden Jubilee was a year-long celebration. More than 60 service projects were carried out. A special club song was designed and sung with gusto. The celebrations began with a Take-Off Nite. The Golden Jubilee Nite was a grand and classy affair attended by several VIPs from RI and the district. Members proudly recalled the club’s achievements during the first 50 years, and pledged to take the club soaring even higher. How far is Operation New Blood replicable in other clubs? Here are some tips based on the RCMS experience: • Getting new members is an ongoing process. It should be taken up seriously year after year. Ideally, a senior and committed Rotarian should be in charge as the New Membership Convener (NMC). • Find out how many Rotarians on average leave the club every year. You must try to get at least twice that number of new members. If four Rotarians leave the club every year, try for at least eight new members. • Right at the beginning of the year the NMC should prepare a classification list — identify the classifications which are open and new classifications which can be created. • NMC should follow up with members regularly asking for details of prospective members. It will be a good idea if he can persuade every Board member to come up with at least one name. • NMC should scrutinise membership details very carefully. If he feels that a candidate is not a good fit for
•
•
•
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Rotary, he must inform the proposer straightaway. Good candidates should be asked to attend two regular meetings and at least one fellowship get-together with the family. This is very important. NMC should spend some time with every candidate to ensure that he understands his commitments when he joins Rotary. Once the NMC and others in the Board feel that the proposed member is a worthy candidate, the proposal should go through the usual ratification process. Make the induction ceremony special. The prospective member (accompanied by his family) should be inducted in front of a large crowd — perhaps at an installation meeting or the Governor’s visit. Post induction, either the proposer or the NMC should closely monitor the new member to ensure that he attends meetings regularly and actively participates in the programmes of the club. In the second year, give the new member some responsibility. Let him be a member of a sub-committee so that he feels fully involved. If the candidate has a proven record of leadership in other organisations, rope him into the Board as soon as possible.
Any voluntary organisation like Rotary needs good members with commitment for survival and growth. Enough care should be taken to constantly infuse new blood into the club and ensure sufficient mentoring by senior Rotarians. If this is done systematically, there is no reason why a club should face any membership or leadership crisis. Rtn. R.V. Rajan Rotary Club of Madras South RI District 3230
MAY 2014
ROTARY NEWS 79
HEALTH WATCH
OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS An essential ingredient for good health
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owadays, you just can’t eat anything without someone warning you that it is bad for your heart or your waistline or the planet. It is also an irony that despite the fact that we are eating more than ever, we may be actually getting less of the necessary nutrients. One such vital nutrient is omega 3 — an essential fatty acid that our body needs for many crucial functions
but which it cannot manufacture. This means that it is important that we eat foods that can supply our body with this fatty acid. Nutritionists and doctors are concerned that diets today aren’t rich enough in omega 3 fatty acids. Why do we need omega 3 fatty acids? Aren’t fats the big bad monster in today’s diet, anyway? Well, they wouldn’t be one of the three major macro-nutrients if they were all bad. What’s important is how much and what kind of fats we put into our
O
mega 3 is definitely one of the good guys and our body cannot work properly without it. It is important for the structure and function of cell membranes, especially in the brain; it helps in controlling blood clotting which makes it very heart-friendly; it reduces inflammation; it reduces the risk of certain kinds of cancers; it seems to help against depression; it is good for your skin.... The list is endless.
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body — combined with our lifestyle. Omega 3 is definitely one of the good guys and our body cannot work properly without it. It is important for the structure and function of cell membranes, especially in the brain; it helps in controlling blood clotting which makes it very heartfriendly; it reduces inflammation; it reduces the risk of certain kinds of cancers; it seems to help against depression; it is good for your skin.... The list is endless. Where can we find this wonderful substance called Omega 3 Fatty acids? Certain fishes (salmon, mackerel, cod, herring, etc.),
leafy green vegetables, walnuts and walnut oil, flaxseed and linseed oil, olive oil, and soya. However fish can be subjected to heavy metal pollution due to contaminants in the oceans and farm fish may not have enough of the essential fatty acid because they don’t have the same diet as the ocean fishes do. Though omega 3 supplements could be a useful way to add it to your diet, it is generally thought it is not as effective as when it is taken in its natural forms as part of the food it comes from. So remember that you can never have too much of greens; opt for olive oil in your salad; munch on walnuts; add flax to your cooking (did you know that flax seed ground with some water and blended in the mixer can be an excellent vegetarian substitute for egg in baked dishes?) — and enjoy everything you eat! The other thing to keep in mind as we look at ensuring that there is sufficient omega 3 in our diet, is the presence of omega 6 fatty acids. Not only do we need to have both but they need to be present in the right ratio to one another so as to be most effective. Omega 6 is found in most vegetable oils as well as soya. Generally most diets tend to have a lot more of omega 6 than omega 3 which could block the work of omega 3 in the body. Plus the polyunsaturated vegetable oils have a tendency to lower both the good as well the bad cholesterol. So ensure that your diet has a more equal balance between the two. Source: The Indian Vegetarian Congress Quarterly MAY 2014
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Your Rotary News Account Number Name Rtn. __________________________________________________________________________________ Rotary Club of __________________________________________________ RI District ____________________ New Address (Please write your NEW Address below, in CAPITAL letters) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City / Town _____________________________________________________ PIN Code ___________________ Mail this coupon to: ROTARY NEWS TRUST, 3rd Floor, Dugar Towers, 34, Marshalls Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.
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SUCCESS STORIES
An army that wears armour of steel to unfold a polio anecdote have found safer walls to dwell in with Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah of RC Ahmedabad South, RI District 3051, a fortress of service who has revolutionised callipers and crutches as weapons to combat the bitter remains of polio.
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woman, a multiple degree holder, an entrepreneur, a poet and recipient of The President’s Award sounds like a great achievement! But what makes this achievement magnificent is the woman who at every step of her life has battled it out with polio to get this far. Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah is an unmatchable energy and the new face of victory. Her story has inspired despair itself and is an authentication of light existing at the end of every dark and dreary tunnel. The quest for the realisation of her dreams was like waging a momentous battle during which she encountered severe setbacks. But success comes to those who turn adversities into opportunities, overcome their limitations even if it meant to be affected 100 percent with polio. Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah bounced back with renewed vigour each time she was turned down. Nobody was willing to offer her a job and in the year 2007 the Gujarat Government and LIMCA Book of Records crowned her with the glory of ‘Best Self Employed Person’ and ‘Most Qualified Woman.’ The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) gave her the ‘Most Innovative Lady’ award in 2009. Her list of awards is still counting. Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah on her journey to fulfilment wanted to serve rather than being served. She rendered her services at Victoria Jubilee Hospital and as PRO of the Gujarat Cancer Society. At Apang Manav Mandal she serves as Honorary Officer on Special Duty and is currently associated with
Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah receives award from President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
the welfare of handicapped children. Darshu Care Public Charitable Trust is Rtn. Darshita’s reserve ground to nurture the requirements of polio victims and facilitate them with love and care. Her management degree comes handy to generate plans to acquire donations for her Trust and also managing and providing proper aids and service to the inmates of Darshu Care. Polio is not an excuse for her, it’s her purpose. Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah was conferred with the President’s Award for ‘Role Model’ on December 2013. Her remarkable achievement in social service despite the fact that she is 80 percent affected by polio is a proof of her endurance to take care of polio victims. Her callipers are a testimony of her undeterred courage
and determination. From creating and managing websites, attending events, managing her NGO, serving the disabled and winning awards this simple lady has taken each failure in her stride and has soared back into the sky like a phoenix who knows no defeat. Love for life and an incorporation of strong will topped with a superlative degree of zeal and zero reservation for defects gives birth to a miracle. Rotary Club Ahmedabad South, RI District 3051 celebrates one such miracle ‘Rtn. Darshita Babubhai Shah’ who stood through the sands of time and fostered strength and courage into many polio victims in India. A fortress of hope, she serves with valour, generosity and selflessness. Kiran Zehra MAY 2014
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Rtn. R. Srinivasan (second from right), RC Madurai Midtown, RI District 3000, was honoured with a ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ by the Madurai Management Association for his 55 years of service in TVS Group and its educational institutions.
RC Salem, RI District 2980 celebrated the 75th anniversary of their club recently. RI Director P.T. Prabhakar handed over the letter of appreciation from RI President Ron Burton to the club President Rtn. M.G.K. Vijayakumar (third from left) in the presence of DG R. Visweswaran (second from right) at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
Mr. Lokesh Gupta, Manager INPPC was honoured with the PHF pin by IPPC Chair Dr. Robert Scott at the recently celebrated Poliofree Conclave 2014. This recognition was given for his remarkable contributions towards polio eradication.
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