After reading the article Visually challenged on road to self-reliance, I felt proud being a Rotarian since 1981 and privileged to serve to serve the people.
RC Cochin Global has started Project Surya to train visually-challenged people and bring them into mainstream of society. Thanks to trainers who are helping them to learn computer and also provide jobs for them.
Such training to visually challenged have got them jobs in ISRO, IBM etc. Kudos to the project team for their excellent service to society.
T D Bhatia, RC Delhi
Mayur Vihar — D 3012
The May editorial titled The quota conundrum and the cover page photo of RI President Olayinka Babalola and RID M Muruganandam, both looking like brothers, were magnificent.
RID Muruganandam’s, Youth first, Rotary forever, highlights the role of youth in Rotary. Let us continue to say ‘Yes’ to youth service, for Rotary’s future begins there.
Daniel Chittilappilly
RC Kaloor — D 3205
With reference to your May editorial on women’s reservation, women have proved their mettle in different walks of life with their commitment and dedication. Apart from breaking the glass ceiling, they are outshining men in every field.
Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 guarantees at least 33 per cent quota in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. When this is done, there will be a steep rise in the number of women legislatures in Parliament and state assemblies. But the Bill will take some time to take effect as census and delimitation exercises need to be completed first.
But women’s participation in policy framing and law making would definitely help in making our political and social systems more gender-friendly as women policymakers will give priority to issues such as gender safety, healthcare, education, elderly care, children’s welfare and cleanliness etc. This aligns with RI President Yinka Babalola’s view of creating a conducive atmosphere for women in Rotary.
It will be prudent if RI authorities fix a minimum number of women members in Rotary clubs across the world.
Raj Kumar Kapoor
RC Roop Nagar — D 3080
In the May issue, the article that impressed me the most is Babalola lays down ambitious goal for Rotary.
His suggestion that if Rotary has to grow, all Rotarians need to tell their stories is commendable. As a Rotarian for three years, I always highlight my experiences at speaker’s meets in my club. I also built a house for my fellow Rotary civil engineer friend, invited another Rotarian engineer to be the chief guest on Engineer’s Day at the college I work.
I invited an entrepreneur, also a Rotarian from another club, to be the special guest on Entrepreneurship Day. Rotary brings new acquaintances, friendships and career opportunities. Our programmes greatly increase the circle of friends.
Sivaperumal Subramani
RC Walajapet — D 3231
A wonderful June issue
The June issue’s editorial is highly relevant given the unrest among Gen Z which is highly disturbed by the recent exam scams, job crisis, and other life challenges.
Rotary’s role in focusing on these issues cannot be overstated. Our global network, resources, and over 1.2 million professional members, makes our organisation well-positioned to guide young people toward leadership and positive change. By connecting different generations, we can build a foundation of peace, service and professional growth. Sandhya Rao’s Wordsworld column titled Manga Magic has the Buddha’s advice to Devadutta that strikes a chord with the 4-Way Test of Rotary.
The extensive coverage of the visit of RI President-elect Olayinka Babalola, to the RNT office and Rotary clubs in Chennai, and his interview in the May issue, are timely. The articles enable every Rotarian to know the mind of a man who is going to head the organisation this coming year.
It is an interesting coincidence (or a deliberate strategy) that both the RI President-elect (who is the first Rotaractor to become RI President) and his V-P were former Rotaractors.
N Anthri Vedi
RC Hyderabad Mega City — D 3150
The June edition is truly beautiful. We are delighted that our projects have also been featured on two pages. The presentation of all other articles is excellent, and the issue has come out wonderfully.
Hats off to the Rotary News team for their hard work, patience, and outstanding news reporting and editing. The quality and professionalism of the publication are highly appreciated. Thank you for bringing out such a remarkable edition.
Nagesh Kenjige
RC Chikmagalur-Coffee Land — D 3182
The June editorial sounds a real alarm: it is time to centre the voice of youth in shaping our world. We have fresh evidence of their influence. In the recent Tamil Nadu elections, voters aged 18 to 39 played a decisive role in actor-turned-CM Joseph Vijay’s victory. On the global stage, 16-year-old Greta Thunberg stood fearlessly at the UN Climate Summit in New York, demanding accountability.
The message is clear. Youth power is not a future promise; it is a present force. But that power needs direction, constructive involvement, and when guided properly, we can avoid the disasters that inaction invites. The ‘Rotary Action’ initiative is now empowering Rotaractors by giving them space in Zonal Institute panel discussions. Their voice is being heard, not just acknowledged.
RI director K P Nagesh put it well: membership growth and sustainability do not come from strategy documents alone. Members require personal involvement in club activities, a sense of being valued, and genuine fellowship. Those are the things that create connections and the resolve to face challenges jointly as a team.
The interview with DRR Janice Philip, who is both a Rotaractor and Rotarian, is a strong guidepost. It shows Rotaractors a path forward and makes a thoughtful case for dual membership in Rotary. And we cannot overlook RYLA which is vital for personality development, friendship and self-confidence. Every district should prioritise organising RYLA as it shapes tomorrow’s leaders. Youth are already leading. Our job is to listen, involve and equip them. Rotary’s move toward real inclusion is a model worth replicating.
Prakash Chand Sanghi
RC Jaipur Bapu Nagar — D 3056