I have seen many excellent clubs in India, but it is the level of community service that the Rotary Club of Sonkutch, RI District 3040, does that gives it global recognition,” said RI director K P Nagesh, as he kicked off the golden jubilee celebrations of the club in December. He highlighted the club’s 35 major service projects done through several global grants and other fundraising activities in Rotary’s core focus areas such as basic education, healthcare, women and child development, environmental protection, and community development.
Calling it an ideal role model club, he said: “RC Sonkutch stands among the top 10 clubs in the world.” Referring to the grand procession earlier held in the city, with the community members greeting, cheering and thanking the club members and Rotary leaders for the various services rendered to the local community, he urged the club leaders to create a short documentary film on this gesture from the community. He would like to share such a film with all the RI directors, he said.
Nagesh said that in the coming 50 years, technology, AI, and youth participation will be crucial across the world and highlighted the importance of involving Rotaract, Interact and RCCs. He assured enhanced District and CSR funding support for future projects, appreciating the high-impact outcome of projects implemented in Sonkatch schools.
He congratulated club leaders such as charter member and PDG Satyanarayan Lathi, PDG Zamin Hussain, president Dinesh Rathore, secretary Mahesh Rathore, assistant governor Dinesh Carpenter, past presidents, members, district leadership, and the organising committee for the outstanding event.
Earlier in the day, to mark the historic occasion, the club organised a gala procession and colourful service festival, presenting an exemplary model of Rotary’s spirit of service, social harmony, and civic participation. The dignitaries, wearing colourful turbans, rode in beautifully decorated chariots accompanied by music played by a live band. This celebration became a moment of pride not only for the club, but for the entire city of Sonkatch.
Apart from the RI director, other leaders who participated in the event included DG Sushil Malhotra and his wife Ruby, DGE Sanskar Kothari, RID 3070 PDG Dushyant Choudhary and several PDGs.
Representatives of all faiths, political parties, social, religious organisations, students and local residents, welcomed the Rotarians with rose petals, painting a picture of communal and social harmony.
Launch of impactful service projects
After the RI director unveiled a ceremonious Rotary Wheel, the group proceeded to Talod village, where with the support of Rotary Bengaluru Trust, two digital boards worth nearly ₹2 lakh were donated to a government school. Next, with the support of RC Bhopal Hills president Harsh Mittal, a project was launched to distribute free bicycles and furniture to 10 students.
PDG Zamin Hussain read out the message of RI President Francesco Arezzo, congratulating the club for its 50-year journey and service to the community. He added that the club had just applied for another GG of $69,000 for an education project. PDG Lathi, addressing the gathering, emphasised that through service and merit, anyone can rise to top positions in Rotary, and showed a video highlighting 50 years of service projects. A commemorative stamp was released at the event conducted by PDG Dhiren Datta, and Rtns Shalini Ratonriya and Ashish Akotiya.
Club president Dinesh Rathore and secretary Mahesh Rathore addressed the meet.