Letters to the Editor – August 2017 issue

Rotary’s principles getting diluted

The article We need clubs with ­Quality, not Quantity in the June issue is well written by Jaishree and ­provides ample food for thought. Growth is vital and anything that does not grow decays. We often see new clubs being formed. But is this really growth? At least some of them are mere artificial ­subsidiaries created to ­support ­personal or group ­interest. There must be some ­restriction and ­supervision in the ­formation of new clubs. It is ­disturbing to see that Rotary’s ­principles and standards are ­gradually being diluted. It has come a long way as an ­organisation of great value to society because of the ­dedication and selfless service of many. The ­hard-earned goodwill and ­appreciation need to be ­preserved ­without ­blemish. The core values and ­principles of Rotary need to be put to better test in the choice of new members.

P O Thomas, RC Alleppey — D 3211

This article is an ­eye-opener to club authorities. We have to select quality members who are ­willing to serve humanity. If strict scrutiny is not done during ­members’ selection, the name of Rotary will be spoiled.

The message from RI ­President John F Germ (June issue) is ­impressive. He says the essence of Rotary is to be of ­assistance and show the willingness to work for the good of others.

I was happy to read Happy hours leads to happy village, happy school by Rasheeda Bhagat (July issue) which mentions the work done by Rotarians to help a school on the ­outskirts of Chennai by ­providing chairs, benches and tables. Hope Rotary can do something to overcome such pathetic ­condition of our schoolchildren.

M T Philip, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211

Let’s shun hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is the gift of modern ­materialism where basic ethics are ­sacrificed at the altar of personal gains. Some of us Rotarians also show signs of hypocrisy when we do something contrary to what we preach.
This needs to be curbed before it takes shape so that this august ­organisation is not affected. Our Four-Way Test is a strong safeguard against hypocrisy, if we practise it in our deeds and actions.

PDG Kuldip Dhir — D 3070

New RI President a real ‘gem’

The new RI President, blessed with quality education and vast experience in various top posts of Rotary for nearly 30 years, will be an asset in planning and implementing projects.

We Rotarians feel proud of such a ‘gem’ who, along with spouse, PDG Juliet, can inspire us to implement Rotary programmes successfully.

GV Sayagavi, RC Davanagere Vidyanagara — D 3160

You are making a difference!

I am delighted to see Rotary News getting more young, vibrant and informative. The coverage of ­Suchitra, the young ambassador of WinS (May issue) was great and I will share this story with school ­students when we do a WinS ­project. Articles on Odisha’s handlooms (Ikkat… the interlock of colours); Goa: Cashew Trail; and Beware of fat-burning myth make the magazine interesting for the entire family.

With its changed format and content, Rotary News seems to be perfect, though I know the Editorial team will keep working to make it more interesting. Three cheers for your zeal and commitment as you are making a difference.
Assistant Governor Niten Agrawal

RC Gorakhpur Midtown — D 3120

I am grateful to you for publishing the article on Rtn Kulbir Dodd’s MKD tablets (Tablets to cure ­illiteracy, June issue) which seeks to eradicate illiteracy.

Its publication has helped me to convince Kulbir to donate an ­additional $60,000 in the last week of June, and he has now become eligible to be an AKS member with cumulative donation exceeding $250,000.

PP Kumar Shinagare, RC Poona North — D 3131

Article on DGs welcome

Thanks for the Meet your ­Governors article, which spells out the vision and dreams of the new District Governors.

It gives immense pleasure to know that each district has its own projects to serve humanity. The wish-list of giving more and more to TRF, enhancing membership, extending healthcare to cancer and kidney patients, building hospitals, literacy projects and hygiene initiatives are interesting to read.

Hope this column will ­provide more ideas and thoughts for ­innovative projects to the incoming District Governors.

Veeranna A Huggi, RC Shimoga — D 3182

Clarion call for greener planet

Time is ripe for a total revolution in environment. Your clarion call in the June Editorial — Plant a sapling, start a revolution — is appealing.

RI President Ian Riseley has urged the 1.2 million Rotarians to plant trees and make a difference so that others will follow suit. And you have beamed this meaningful message to Rotarians all over South Asia. The drumstick revolution in D 3131 and the historic Chipko movements are spectacular models to benefit humanity.

Polio got the primary attention of Rotary for decades, followed by illiteracy. Now, let us take up the environmental challenge.

Arun Kumar Dash, RC Baripada — D 3262

This magazine is not a place for debatable articles like The economics of Faith (July issue). Without getting into the polemics of the case being made out by the author in support of cow slaughter, I feel such articles are best avoided. It is better to restrict the range of articles to friendship, fellowship and service through Rotary.

D Narayanan, RC Madras Midtown — D 3232

Correction

In the RI Director’s July ­message it was erroneously mentioned that Rotary is entering its 117th year, while it should have been 113th. The typographical error is regretted.