RI Director, 2025–27
My dear Rotarians,
Rotary stands tall as a service organisation guided by our highest ideal — Service Above Self. Yet, at its core, Rotary is also a membership organisation. The strength of our service, reach and future depend on how well we nurture and sustain our members. Each one of us carries the responsibility not just to serve, but to strengthen the very fabric of Rotary by uplifting our fellow members and building continuity for the years ahead.
As we reflect on this, a powerful opportunity stands before us — the vibrant world of Interact and Rotaract. These platforms are not just extensions of Rotary; they are the very foundation of its future.
As we step into May, the Youth Service month, our focus naturally turns to the young minds who will shape tomorrow. Their energy, ideas and aspirations are not just promising — they are transformative. Having begun my own journey as a Rotaractor, I say this with conviction: young people are not looking for perfection; they are looking for inspiration and encouragement.
Today’s Interactors are tomorrow’s Rotaractors. Today’s Rotaractors are tomorrow’s Rotarians. In every sense, they are our prospective members. The question we must ask ourselves is: are we giving them the kind of inspiration they seek?
Let us go beyond engaging them as volunteers. Let us trust them with responsibility. Let us invite them into leadership roles where they can experience the true spirit of Rotary. When we do this, something remarkable happens — they don’t just participate; they lead, they innovate, and they inspire.
Our role, therefore, is simple, yet profound: to make Rotary irresistible to them.
In this journey, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programme stands as a powerful catalyst. I strongly encourage every club and district leader to prioritise RYLA for the Interact and Rotaract clubs. It is not just a programme, it is an experience that shapes confidence, character and leadership at an early stage. RYLA has the power to ignite potential; often, one spark is all it takes to illuminate a lifetime.
As we move forward, let us carry this vision with clarity and conviction. Let us build momentum, strengthen our legacy, and ensure that what we pass on is not just continuity — but a stronger, more vibrant Rotary.
Together, let us continue to Say Yes to Youth Service — for Rotary’s future begins there.
M Muruganandam
RI Director, 2025–27