Building a stronger Rotary through membership growth

Have good thoughts and do good to people,” said RI Director Elect M Muruganandam, quoting Tamil poet Mahakavi Bharathiyar. Speaking at Disha, a three-day goal setting seminar held in Bhubaneswar for incoming district and zonal leaders of Zones 5 and 6, he connected this message with RIPE Mario de Camargo’s message for the 2025–26 Rotary year, ‘Unite for Good.’

Muruganandam emphasised that becoming a governor is no easy task; it demands a commitment of 1,500 full working days — 365 days each as DGN, DGE and DG; and an additional 180 days as IPDG. “After spending 1,500 days in preparation and service, do not pass on your district with a negative note. Leave behind a legacy of growth, vibrant clubs and a strengthened Rotary that will stand strong for another 50 years and beyond,” he said.

While Rotary in India has made remarkable strides in Foundation giving, he pointed out that India is not growing in membership. Zones 5 and 6, which include India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan, have witnessed stagnant membership over the last five years. He presented a detailed RAG Analysis, developed with RIDE K P Nagesh, revealing that 42 per cent of Rotary clubs with less than 25 members are in the Red category; 36 per cent clubs are in the Amber category (25 to 50 members); and 22 per cent clubs are in the Green category (above 50 members and considered safe).

He urged the DGEs to focus on moving clubs from Red to Amber and from Amber to Green by increasing membership at the club level. To address this, he proposed leveraging the potential of assistant governors. “Each zone has 600 AGs. If every AG charters one Rotary club and identifies one major donor, we will witness 600 new clubs and substantial growth in Foundation giving,” he suggested.

If every AG charters one Rotary club and identifies one major donor, we will witness 600 new clubs and substantial growth in Foundation giving.
– M Muruganandam, RI Director Elect

The incoming director next stressed on strengthening Rotaract and Interact, with the 1:2:3 strategy — every Rotarian should add two Rotaractors and three Interactors; and every Rotary club should aim to charter at least two Rotaract and three Interact clubs. “72 per cent Rotary clubs in Zone 5, and 73 per cent clubs in Zone 6 have not chartered even one Rotaract club; and 70 per cent clubs have not established Interact clubs,” he observed, and urged leaders to prioritise the growth of Rotaract and Interact. “After age 50, two priorities dominate our lives — our health and our children. See your children as future Rotaractors and Interactors. Make this a priority,” said the RIDE who began his Rotary journey “32 years ago at 16 as a Rotaractor.”

Highlighting another concerning trend, he noted that Zones 5 and 6 have lost 32,000 Rotaractors in recent years. With focused effort, he believes that India can regain 25,000 Rotaractors and Interactors in the next year alone.

Talking about TRF goals, he reiterated the need for continued focus on polio eradication. With 74 cases reported in Pakistan and 25 in Afghanistan last year, and a total seven so far this year, India’s proximity to these regions necessitates intensified awareness and vaccination efforts. He urged delegates to give more impetus to polio eradication efforts, and to engage the AGs to ensure that districts become million-dollar and multi-million-dollar contributors to TRF. He said that he wanted to see 50 AKS members, 50 endowments and 100 per cent contributors to Annual and Polio Funds from the two zones during his tenure.

Nagesh added to Muruganandam’s strategies for membership growth. “For the past 120 years, we have relied on evolution. But for the last two decades, Rotary’s membership has plateaued at 1.2 million. If we want to see exponential growth, particularly in India, it is time to embrace a revolution.” He outlined Mission 2.25 lakh, an ambitious plan to launch 365 new Rotary clubs in 365 days, one club per day. This initiative led by the two directors is projected to add an average of 30 members per club, resulting in 2.25 lakh Rotarians by 2025–26 and 2.6 lakh members by 2026–27. “Multiply to divide; divide to grow. Increasing our membership will lead to bifurcation of districts which is ultimately good for all of us,” he said.

Increasing our membership will lead to bifurcation of districts which is ultimately good for all of us.
-K P Nagesh, RI Director Elect

His next formula focused on strengthening CSR partnerships. “If every club can secure even one CSR partnership, the scale and impact of our service projects will multiply exponentially, and enhance Rotary’s public image and influence,” he noted.

As leaders in Rotary, it is our responsibility to inspire and guide members toward a deeper commitment to the Foundation. As the global scenario shifts, TRF faces new challenges that require renewed focus and strategic action,” said TRF Trustee Bharat Pandya, adding that the US government, which has historically contributed around $250 million annually to the polio programme, has reduced funding and restricted CDC’s communication with governments. USAID’s shutdown and reduced support for WHO have further strained polio monitoring efforts. He urged delegates to increase membership in PolioPlus Societies and contribute generously to the Polio Fund.

He next highlighted Rotary’s peace programmes and Programs of Scale. The eighth peace centre will soon be established at Symbiosis International University, Pune, marking a milestone for Asia. He also mentioned the fourth Program of Scale, awarded to RC Delhi Premier, aimed at enhancing water access and agricultural sustainability in rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, with the United Nations Environment Programme as a new global partner.

Pandya noted that the CSR grants programme in India has “gained remarkable traction since its inception in 2021 under  Shekhar Mehta’s leadership. From $2.8 million in 2021 to $8.1 million in 2023, we are expected to exceed $10 million by the year-end, having already crossed $7.2 million with 145 corporate partners this Rotary year. But only 6–7 districts are actively pursuing CSR grants. All districts must engage with corporates to leverage CSR opportunities and scale impact,” he said.

Noting that only 50 per cent Rotarians are repeat donors, he urged the delegates to motivate all Rotarians to contribute to TRF. “The Foundation is on the brink of achieving a historic milestone — reaching $2.025 billion by 2025. Remarkably, as of January 31, 2025, we are just $99 million short of this ambitious target. The Foundation’s Endowment Fund has witnessed an exceptional growth of $249 million between January 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025. The Endowment Fund provides long-term financial security for the Foundation’s programmes, ensuring that Rotary’s mission continues for generations to come. While $99 million might seem like a daunting figure, the momentum generated over the past year gives us reason to be optimistic. To cross the finish line, we must identify and cultivate relationships with individuals and organisations capable of making transformative gifts,” he said.

PDG Debasish Mishra was the chairman of the event where 256 incoming leaders, including few DRRs, participated. Breakout sessions further enriched their knowledge on various Rotary aspects and helped them set goals for the upcoming Rotary year.

Pictures: Jaishree