Letters to the Editor – April 2025

RI President’s call for action in this designated month of ‘Water, sanitation and hygiene’ (March issue) can make a huge impact, even with small interventions.

When I was club president in 2016, we put up handwash stations in schools, and a mirror on the wall behind the station, and the result was amazing, as it made the students wear a neat look, while improving their health and hygiene.

R Murali Krishna, RC Berhampur — D 3262

The article Digital education for rural schools is informative and noteworthy as it was done through a CSR grant of $30,000 given by the Mohini Health and Hygiene and member ­contributions, which benefitted 63 government schools. I ­congratulate the Rotarians of RC Indore ­Meghdoot, teachers and parents for this great project in schools.

S N Shanmugam, RC Panruti — D 2981

Timeless elegance of the saree

A unique article Celebrating the saree’s timeless elegance (Feb issue) nicely captures the rich legacy of sarees.

The Rotary clubs of ­Chennai deserve congratulations for ­celebrating World Saree Day. The name ‘sari’ originated from the ­Sanskrit word Saadi ­meaning ‘a strip of cloth’. In Sanskrit ­literature, it is mentioned as Sattika and as Jatakas in Buddhist literature. Thanks for giving this opportunity to know more about the saree.

Dr Sanjay Aggarwal, RC Solan — D 3080

Your editorial on former PM Dr Manmohan Singh is well written bringing out his scholarly traits and gentleman politician in him a species on fast vanishing mode. This is soothing to read when most of the educated ­population tends to be carried away with fake narratives, without understanding real facts.

Thanks once again for ­highlighting the qualities of this gentleman PM.

Bhalchandra P Atre, RC Aurangabad Elite — D 3132

I appreciate your editorial titled Time for self-introspection. However, I believe it could have been more impactful if it had focused on the constructive role Rotary play in addressing global challenges, by highlighting Rotary’s initiatives in education, inclusivity, and crisis management. The edit could have offered a more compelling and relevant perspective on the transformative impact Rotary can have on society.

Venkatesh M N, RC Bangalore Southwest — D 3191

I read Rotary News regularly every month, as my son is the member of a Rotary club in Ahmedabad. It was nice to read the Membership ­Summary listing the districts, total clubs, total members, percentage of women Rotarians, Rotaract clubs and Interact Clubs.

In the March issue, articles like Smiles from Miles with nice pictures are interesting. Though not a Rotarian, I have given lectures at Rotary clubs on personality development and Budget, being a chartered accountant.

Ajit C Shah, Ahmedabad

Congratulations for a terrific job in bringing out Rotary News. While all articles are relevant, have an exciting narrative and appropriately sized, none will leave unread the book review column and the last page.

P E Ramakrishnan, RC Madras East — D 3234

Foster global peace

There are unrest, violence, conflicts and disasters across the world. It is time to act now. Maybe we could form groups of Rotary volunteers with peace flags and visit those countries that are in the midst of conflict and appeal to the warring parties to quell fighting, lay down their arms and become friends with the world.

In the March issue, Rotary ­President’s message titled One small act is relevant. I observe that be it meetings or events, a glass full of water is offered to everyone. Instead, we can have half a glass of water, and those who require more water can pour as much as they require.

Pratap Gokuldas, RC Coimbatore West — D 3201