Letters to the Editor – August 2024
Preeti Mehra’s article Slow down on fast fashion is an eye-opener for today’s children and their doting parents as well. Our elders passed on the clothes used by elder siblings to the younger ones or their cousins. They were not stingy; but this was the norm.
I still remember getting clothes from my elder cousin. He also happened to be one year senior to me in the school, hence I got his used textbooks as well, complete with pencil and pen markings on the margins. Once the academic year was over, my books would go to a student who couldn’t afford to buy books, obviating the need for new books.
Compare this with the present day schools which insist on new books, new notebooks, new uniform, new shoes every year. It’s high time that we return to some of the good old practices that are environment-friendly.
K Ravindrakumar, RC Karur — D 3000
Timely editorial on global warming
The July editorial is a powerful wake-up call, highlighting the devastating effects of human greed, selfishness and thoughtlessness about the environment. The heatwave that has ravaged India and other parts of the world is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action.
The statistics paints a sharp picture of the crisis, making it impossible to ignore it. However, amidst the gloom, there is a beacon of hope. The addition of environmental protection as Rotary’s seventh area of focus is an embodiment to Rotary’s commitment to make a positive impact. The various projects such as water conservation, afforestation and eco-park creation are examples of collective action.
Rotary News also highlights the need for climate action in preventing emissions and protecting public health. The innovative solutions proposed such as promoting e-autorickshaws and urban tree cover demonstrate the potential for positive change.
I commend the magazine for its timely initiative in shedding light on the adverse impact of climate change and the crucial role Rotarians can play to mitigate its adverse effect. This editorial will inspire Rotary clubs to develop projects and programmes focused on reducing global warming and sustainability, sparking a positive change in our communities and beyond. Let us unite in our collective efforts to protect our planet and ensure a healthier future.
Subier Shams, RC Sherthallai — D 3211
The July editorial on the heatwaves and climate change is interesting to read. Also, the work done by RC Delhi Premier such as building check dams to preserve the water bodies in the desert regions of Rajasthan made me proud as a Rotarian. The 4th Programs of Scale being dedicated to Indian farmers is a happy moment for all of us.
V Raman, RC Mayiladuthurai — D 2981
The July editorial on climate change and its harmful effects on planet earth is really touching and inspires young Rotarians like me to further take active interest in
service projects.
S Ragavendran, RC Athur — D 2982
The editorial on climate change is read-worthy and that India got the fourth Programs of Scale grant for farmers makes us all proud. The picture pages on the RI Convention in Singapore have brought out vividly the Magic of Rotary for readers, thanks to the painstaking efforts of your editorial team.
S N Shanmugam, RC Panruti — D 2981
The article Transforming the lives of marginal farmers by Kiran Zehra suggests a practical and workable project model to Rotary clubs. Free renting out of a tractor to small farmers will be a morale booster. As Nikunj Patel points out in the article, the amount of `4,200 saved will help them to procure seeds and fertilisers. Farmers need help more than any other segment of Indian population as they grow food for us. The project model is easy to replicate by any Rotary clubs. Congrats to RC Chikhli River Front.
M Palaniappan, RC Madurai West — D 3000
As rightly said by RI director Roychowdhury (July issue), I feel the time has come not just to experience the magic, but to create the magic, show, implement and finally, to achieve the magic.
Piyush Doshi, RC Belur — D 3291
With reference to the letter by Nanubhai Mehta a senior Rotarian from RC Thane on the subject of minimum attendance (July issue), here are my views: I am in Rotary since 2004. Rotary clubs are always under pressure to meet targets in membership growth, starting new clubs, execution of projects and TRF-giving. Also, the district governors are all target-oriented.
Now, almost all district governors say that the clubs need not increase members; rather they should focus on inducting those with a Rotary spirit. It is the duty of the club presidents to ensure minimum attendance in regular meetings. But how to inculcate the spirit of Rotary? Attending the orientation programme for new members is the only way out. A policy decision is needed to ensure qualitative Rotarians rather than achieving mere numbers in membership growth.
S Mohan, RC Madurai West — D 3000
The magic of Rotary
It was good to see the colourful photo of RI President Stephanie on the July cover. Her message — The magic of Rotary — is a vision statement which can be fulfilled with cooperation of Rotarians across the world. The Editor’s note explains nicely the harmful effects of climate change and how RC Delhi Premier has carried out sustainable farming in deserts.
RID Anirudha Roychowdhury has called for engaging new members. While TRF chair Mark Maloney has set a goal of $500 million for TRF-giving this year. TRF trustee Bharat Pandya explained well how this target can be achieved.
The picture pages, South Asia at Singapore, are beautiful and colourful. All other articles and columns are interesting to read. Good work by the editorial team.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
The remarks by RI President Stephanie that Indians take Rotary seriously and it is a revered organisation are fascinating. However, the contentious issues of elections mar the goodwill enjoyed by Indian Rotary. Both she and PRIP Gordon McInally expressed concern over these disputes which could have been avoided. It is music to the ears to hear from her that Rotary’s CSR projects have been working well and many fabulous things are happening through this alliance.
The advice by RI Director Raju Subramanian not to hanker after awards at the cost of ethics and integrity is timely and his statement that it is not joy that makes us grateful but that it is gratitude that makes us joyful is worth following by all Rotarians.
Nekkanti Anthri Vedi, RC Hyderabad Mega City — D 3150
Rotarians are most effective when united for a common purpose and focused on our goals. We can assess our club’s strength and weakness with Rotary’s Action Plan. In a changing world we have to fall in line and march towards a greater vision committing ourselves to each other’s well-being.
As President Stephanie says, “every club should create the magic, with every project completed, every dollar donated and every new member inducted.” Let us all embrace the magic of Rotary and make her vision a reality.
V R T Dorairaja, RC Tiruchirapalli — D 3000
