A group of Rotarians from India recently travelled halfway across the world, not just to see new places, but to make new friends and understand Rotary better. From May 6 to 18, 2025, a team from RID 3040 visited Southern California as part of Rotary’s Friendship Exchange (RFE) programme, a special initiative that allows Rotarians to visit another country, stay with fellow Rotarians, and experience their culture and service firsthand. “We experienced what makes Rotary truly special — its internationality and the bonds of friendship that go beyond language and borders,” says PDG Sanjeev Gupta, who headed the team.
Hosted by RID 5330, USA, the Indian team was “welcomed like family. We stayed in the homes of Rotarians, attended club meetings, visited local schools, museums, and even went on nature walks, a hot-air balloon ride, and a Grand Canyon road trip, along the way, sharing Indian songs, classical dance and a few recipes,” says Archana, spouse of PDG Gupta.
At every stop, from Palm Springs to Temecula, “we were greeted with warm hospitality, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of shared purpose.” More than ten clubs welcomed the team, and three new sister-club partnerships were established because of this exchange. The visiting team from RID 3040 committed to giving $10,000 towards a global grant project focused on Huntington’s Disease, a rare and progressive brain disorder. The host district in California is also expected to support the project by adding District Designated Funds (DDF).
During their visit to Rim of the World High School in San Bernardino County, California, the team witnessed vocational training in action. From emergency medical response and CPR to welding, media production and automotive technology, the hands-on approach and state-of-the-art facilities sparked fresh ideas for developing similar skill-building models back in India. Later, at District 5330’s annual conference in Temecula, the Indian team was officially introduced and warmly welcomed. “The national anthems of both countries were played, and we actively participated in sessions focused on youth service and community impact. We came as Rotarians and left as a family,” says Rajesh Modi (RC Indore United), team member.
“The Friendship Exchange is about people-to-people diplomacy, building bridges through trust, shared values and kindness. While the world often sees international relations as something reserved for governments, Rotary shows that ordinary people can make extraordinary connections through service and sincerity,” says PDG Gupta.
He has some friendly advice for Rotarians in India who are considering an RFE: “Stay reasonably fit, as many days include walking tours and outdoor activities. Travel light to make it easier to move between hosts. While Indian food is often arranged, being open to trying local cuisine enriches the experience. It is essential to respect your hosts by speaking in English during group interactions and observing basic etiquette. Make the most of every moment by participating fully. Because you never know which experience will create lasting impact. Most importantly, go with an open heart; the more you give, the more meaningful the journey becomes.”
Gupta hopes that more Rotary clubs across India will take the opportunity to host or participate in Friendship Exchanges. “It is one of the most meaningful ways to experience Rotary beyond the usual meetings and service projects. It adds joy, cultural exposure and a deeper connection to our work. At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, the RFE is a reminder that friendship remains one of the strongest tools we have, to build peace.”