The passing of PDG P V Purushothaman (Jan 5, 2026), fondly known as Puru, has left a void not only within RID 2982, but across the Rotary community in India.
He was instrumental in implementing the first PolioPlus grant to India, a $2.6 million initiative for Tamil Nadu that funded oral polio vaccines, surveillance systems, and an extensive cold chain network essential for effectively storing the vaccines. “Puru arranged cold chain facilities throughout Tamil Nadu with remarkable dedication. He was deeply devoted and worked tirelessly to monitor every detail,” recalls PDG S Krishnaswami, RID 3234, who along with PDG Purushothaman, was part of the initial five-member committee formed to eradicate polio in India. Later, his vast experience took him to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi for polio eradication efforts.
PDGs Vishwanatha Reddy and S Krishnaswami and Dr H V Hande.
“Puru was a big pillar of polio eradication, working hand-in-hand with PRID O P Vaish. He came to Gujarat after the plague outbreak in 1994 to understand the polio eradication work we were doing,” recalls PDG Mayur Vyas, RID 3060.
“He would travel any distance for polio work,” remembers another Rotarian. “Once, he drove through the night just to attend a polio workshop at Kolhapur. He played a vital role in eradicating polio from India.” RI director M Muruganandam recalls a Rotaract conference in Yercaud, a hill station in TN, where Puru was the chief guest. “His absence is truly an irreparable loss to his family and the entire Rotary fraternity.”
N Bhaskaran Pillai, past president of RC Quilon West, recalls Purushothaman’s extempore address in 1985 on Rotary’s membership challenges. “His stirring call, Grow or go, earned a standing ovation and continues to resonate with many to this day. Such was his commitment to Rotary that he once cut short a family holiday in Kashmir to honour another Rotary invitation.”
Purushothaman’s impact was visible in enduring community landmarks, including the Rotary Colony near Salem. Along with his brothers — PDGs P V Jambukeshan (RID 321, Tirunelveli) and P V Parthasarathy (RID 323, Chennai) — he belonged to a rare trio of siblings who served as DGs, leaving behind schools and community halls that continue to reflect their leadership. The PVPV name, associated with the ARAS PVPV group, also remains synonymous with integrity and excellence in South India’s automobile industry.
With the passing of Purushothaman, Rotary bids farewell to a doyen of service and humanity.