Leadership challenge
I was impressed with the views expressed by Rasheeda Bhagat on leadership in her Editor’s note in the August issue. She posed a question in the headline whether ‘Leadership is a challenge or opportunity’. My answer is: It is both in respect to Rotary. In Rotary, leadership exists within a group of service-minded people, and is irrespective of positions like club president, secretary, etc. All our Rotarians accept various positions with many challenges but most of them consider the position as an opportunity to serve the organisation and the community. Most of them achieve success. The secret lies in learning how to identify and bring out the hidden potential of the team. This, I feel, should not be compared with the managership of a company or enterprise, which is positional or hierarchical. But, in Rotary which is a service organisation, leadership is gaining a place in the hearts of people through personal relationship.
In my long years in Rotary, I have come across people who were experts in company affairs or business dealings, but weren’t able to perform or shine in their roles as club leaders and in rendering service to the community. A good leader in Rotary is one, who inspires his fellow Rotarians to achieve worthwhile things and reach greater heights. What is required is simplicity in outlook, thorough Rotary knowledge, and good communication skills.
R Srinivasan, RC Bengaluru
J P Nagar — D 3191
In the August issue, RI President Francesco Arezzo’s statement is golden words of Rotary wisdom. He says: Membership growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about opening doors. It’s about inviting more people who are ready to give their time, talent and hearts to a cause greater than themselves.
“When we welcome new members, we bring in fresh ideas and new energy. We expand our impact, strengthen our clubs, and ensure that Rotary continues to evolve with the world around us.” The truth is: When we celebrate numbers, we might gain a member. But when we celebrate people, we grow a Rotarian.
R Murali Krishna
RC Berhampur — D 3262
Once again a beautiful issue containing the valuable editorial, chat with RI President Francesco Arezzo, and a nice article Teach your children well which is informative and thought-provoking.
The article rightly states, “Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens.” So, catch them young. The idea of fostering a culture of environment-friendly behaviour among the children is critical. We need to include in school curriculum topics such as climate change, pollution and water conservation to enable students to understand the multidimensional crisis.
We should also practice basic environmental rules at home like waste segregation, reducing plastic use, and conserving water and energy. Children will follow us in toto.
Raj Kumar Kapoor
RC Roop Nagar — D 3080
A touching article
My heartfelt appreciation for the touching article titled RC Bhavnagar gives hope to underprivileged children featured in the July issue.
The story of Sanjay and Nehal, and the commitment of RC Bhavnagar through its Rotary Child Educare Centre is inspiring. It is an example of sustained service that not only transforms individual lives but uplifts entire families and communities. The dedication of the Rotarians and Rotary Anns over the years reflects the essence of Service Above Self.
As a Rotarian, I feel proud of this achievement; it reaffirms our shared belief that Rotary can be a powerful force for doing good and creating lasting impact. This story reminds us that even a small push in education can transform someone’s life.
Thank you for highlighting such impactful projects that remind us of Rotary’s lasting power to bring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable.
Raj M Khooblall, RC Rose
Belle — D 9220 (Mauritius)
The illustration on the cover page of the July issue was fantastic. The Editor’s note Grace in giving was magnificent, while TRF trustee Bharat Pandya’s message was superb.Congrats to RID 3132 Rotarians for providing digital classrooms to 100 rural schools in Maharashtra. Jaishree’s article One roof, many services was interesting. Kudos to RC Bombay Bay View, RID 3141, for doing 320 projects worth `4.5 crore touching one lakh lives during 2024–25.
Daniel Chittilappilly
RC Kaloor — D 3205
The July editorial titled Grace in giving is a true reflection of today’s needs. A family’s honour lies in the woman; if she is educated, her entire family benefits. Keeping this in mind, I have been paying the college tuition fees of poor students for the past eight years. Three students have completed their education with this help and are now in good jobs. Currently, two students are studying engineering.
As a member of the IKYAM Feeding Hope organisation, we provide food once a week for the needy. I take pride in being a member of a Rotary club that carries out all these activities in an organised manner. Your editorial motivates me to take up more such activities. Thank you!
Sivaperumanl Subramani
RC Walajapet — D 3231
A spontaneous gesture
I was really touched to read in the August cover story about the efforts of a single Rotarian — Rajkumar Raman from RC Kodaikanal, who raised the money and put in so much hard work to build 14 homes for tribal families in a village near this hill station. What was really inspiring was the picture of a smiling and confident Malliga, who looks as though she has conquered the world. I read in your article that this project is facing a funding gap for the last bit — electricity supply. I am sending a humble contribution of ₹1 lakh for this noble work.
PDG V R Muthu — D 3212
I found the cover picture interesting and arresting; such joy on the tribal woman’s face! It was amazing to read about the construction of concrete houses for the Vazhaigiri tribals in Kodaikanal. It is said, ‘try building a house and getting a daughter married’ — both are Herculean tasks for middle-class families. And here Rotary has built homes for tribals for whom owning a house is a pipedream. Hats off to Rtn Rajkumar Raman who made this dream come true for them. Our congratulations to editor Rasheeda Bhagat for beautifully summarising the project and the hardships faced during the project.
In Rotary, you should do such service to satisfy both your mind and soul. This article has definitely created a spark in us to do such impactful service. The pictures reflect the happiness of the beneficiaries.
C Pandian, RC Dindigul — D 3000
The cover picture, its feature and photos were beautifully presented. Rajkumar Raman, past AG of RID 3000, is an example of what a Rotarian should pay attention to before starting a project. That the project cost of ₹70 lakh for the construction of 14 houses was raised by an individual without the support of Rotary or club funds teaches us how everyone should work.The author has given a detailed account of how the project was done, including the search for donors and using government officials to help the poor. Kudos to Raman.
K Paulsamy, RC Srivilliputtur Friends — D 3212