Letters to the Editor – February 2022
Best article ever in Rotary News
The article on the Milkman of India, Verghese Kurien, in the December issue is the most interesting article I’ve ever come across in Rotary News. Although I have read about Kurien and his achievements elsewhere, your article has brought out the other side of the gentleman I didn’t know so far.
His quick-wittedness, care for public money, tough stand against the bureaucrats and compassion towards the farmers helped him safeguard one of the most premier cooperatives of our nation. Thank you for bringing out the story of a great leader who cared for the community and brought cheers to millions of families in India. I was happy to share it with my entire family, from my father to grandchildren.
K Ravindrakumar, RC Karur — D 3000
Election blues
RID Mahesh Kotbagi’s column on elections in Rotary in the Jan issue should never have been published. Being instrumental in establishing Rotary News in 1982, I had great respect for it. But unfortunately, now I have lost it because such content slights the intelligence of Rotarians. What courage and hyocricy to write like this!
Sajjan Goenka, RC Bombay West — D 3141
It was assuring to read RID Kotbagi’s message on elections. I have similar thoughts but did not voice them due to long-held traditions in Rotary. I feel that elections should be akin to the American presidential elections. All contestants should have an open debate and every Rotarian, who has no dues pending, should have a vote. These are radical ideas but maybe these can be considered and taken forward.
Anand K Sharma, RC Calcutta Park Point — D 3291
We have to reflect upon the reason why such a senior leader like RI Director Mahesh Kotbagi had to express his concern over elections in Rotary through his column. If Rotary has fallen from its high standards, it is because some leaders push membership growth and their favourites to occupy leadership positions in clubs. As a result, some people without ethics get these positions. It is the duty of everyone, not only senior leaders, to stem this rot, or else Rotary will lose its reputation.
Arvind Dudawat, RC Gwalior — D 3053
With reference to the article Prosthetic limb fitment camp in Kolkata, it may be noted that I am one of the oldest members of the Mahavir Seva Sadan which has fitted artificial limbs on over three lakh beneficiaries since 1986. Rotary clubs are one of the major contributors to this humanitarian service.
Piyush Doshi, RC Belur — D 3291
A commendable cancer care project
The Jan issue with diverse articles and features on the Mahabs institute offers a window on Rotary’s multifaceted work in our zones. But what really stood out was a wonderful story on Combating cancer with a humane touch.
Thanks for publishing the commendable project of RC Madras Midtown. I have referred patients from poor background for financial help and the most impressive part of the support is the speed with which they respond to any request. The trustees talk to the patients or the caretaker and apart from giving money they show empathy and concern for the patients and the families, which boosts their confidence. I have seen this personally. The icing on the cake is that they are doing this for 25 years! I wish them many more years of this wonderful service.
Nikhil Singhi, RC Chennai Galaxy — D 3232
Best article ever in Rotary News
The article on the Milkman of India, Verghese Kurien, in the December issue is the most interesting article I’ve ever come across in Rotary News. Although I have read about Kurien and his achievements elsewhere, your article has brought out the other side of the gentleman I didn’t know so far.
His quick-wittedness, care for public money, tough stand against the bureaucrats and compassion towards the farmers helped him safeguard one of the most premier cooperatives of our nation. Thank you for bringing out the story of a great leader who cared for the community and brought cheers to millions of families in India. I was happy to share it with my entire family, from my father to grandchildren.
K Ravindrakumar, RC Karur — D 3000
Election blues
RID Mahesh Kotbagi’s column on elections in Rotary in the Jan issue should never have been published. Being instrumental in establishing Rotary News in 1982, I had great respect for it. But unfortunately, now I have lost it because such content slights the intelligence of Rotarians. What courage and hyocricy to write like this!
Sajjan Goenka, RC Bombay West — D 3141
It was assuring to read RID Kotbagi’s message on elections. I have similar thoughts but did not voice them due to long-held traditions in Rotary. I feel that elections should be akin to the American presidential elections. All contestants should have an open debate and every Rotarian, who has no dues pending, should have a vote. These are radical ideas but maybe these can be considered and taken forward.
Anand K Sharma, RC Calcutta Park Point — D 3291
We have to reflect upon the reason why such a senior leader like RI Director Mahesh Kotbagi had to express his concern over elections in Rotary through his column. If Rotary has fallen from its high standards, it is because some leaders push membership growth and their favourites to occupy leadership positions in clubs. As a result, some people without ethics get these positions. It is the duty of everyone, not only senior leaders, to stem this rot, or else Rotary will lose its reputation.
Arvind Dudawat, RC Gwalior — D 3053
With reference to the article Prosthetic limb fitment camp in Kolkata, it may be noted that I am one of the oldest members of the Mahavir Seva Sadan which has fitted artificial limbs on over three lakh beneficiaries since 1986. Rotary clubs are one of the major contributors to this humanitarian service.
Piyush Doshi, RC Belur — D 3291
A commendable cancer care project
The Jan issue with diverse articles and features on the Mahabs institute offers a window on Rotary’s multifaceted work in our zones. But what really stood out was a wonderful story on Combating cancer with a humane touch.
Thanks for publishing the commendable project of RC Madras Midtown. I have referred patients from poor background for financial help and the most impressive part of the support is the speed with which they respond to any request. The trustees talk to the patients or the caretaker and apart from giving money they show empathy and concern for the patients and the families, which boosts their confidence. I have seen this personally. The icing on the cake is that they are doing this for 25 years! I wish them many more years of this wonderful service.
Nikhil Singhi, RC Chennai Galaxy — D 3232
Mahabs institute comes alive in Rotary News
Though I did not attend the Mahabs institute, the coverage of the event is excellent with eye-catching photos. It was like attending the institute sitting at home. The In Brief column is an example of good coverage of interesting news, sports snippets and events that induce a positive feeling. RC Amravati Midtown, providing a palliative care to the differently-abled and helping them to transition from mental illness to mental wellness is a great project. Kudos for making this magazine one of the best from the Rotary stable.
Dr Basava Varahalu, RC Razole — D 3020
Colourful pictures and wide coverage of the Mahabs zone institute make the January issue an attractive and adorable package. It is heartening to read that in spite of the third wave of Covid and unprecedented rains and floods, over 700 delegates attended the gala event. Kudos to Mahabs chair PDG M Muruganandam and his team for the meticulous planning and hard work in organising the mega event and RID A S Venkatesh for his leadership as convener.
After going through the coverage of the event by the Rotary News team, we felt as though we had attended the entire event. RI President Shekhar Mehta rightly says there is no other place in the Rotary world where so much good work is being done as in our region. The way the institute articles and features were presented will make Rotarians proud and further commited to take Rotary forward.
R Srinivasan, RC Madurai Midtown — D 3000
The cover page photo of cultural performance at the institute was excellent. RI President Mehta’s message, Use your vocation to change lives, is important.
Editor’s note, A zone institute in challenging times, was interesting. Trustee Chair John Germ’s message on the global polio eradication initiative was superb. Rasheeda’s article, Addressing challenges in Rotary was magnificent; and Kiran’s article, DEI principles must for Rotary to grow, was fantastic.
Daniel Chittilappilly, RC Kaloor — D 3201
I love the way in which this entire article Addressing challenges in Rotary has been written. It shows a high level of integrity to publish the content in that form and bring the information of that session candidly to the readers. The top-bottom approach is appreciated. If the clubs start to focus on the community instead of targets and members, then the probability of members enjoying Rotary will rise considerably.
Vivek Khandelwal, RC Deonar — D 3141
The cover picture is attractive. RI President Mehta’s message asking Rotarians to use their vocations to serve to change lives, is motivating. Glad to note the institute was held successfully. RID Mahesh Kotbagi’s message on elections in Rotary is an eye-opener. RID A S Venkatesh’s piece on ‘Let’s create history’ is noteworthy. TRF Trustee Chair explains well the importance of Rotary’s partnership with similar agencies. Was delighted to read about the outstanding work of Rotary in India over the last 10 years. Kapil Dev’s speech is eminently readable. The Q&A session in the article Addressing challenges in Rotary, as reported by the editor is humorous, informative and enjoyable.
The photos and description of Mahabs 21 are excellent. Articles like Rotaractors air their thoughts on policy changes, DEI principles must for Rotary to grow, Glimpses of District 3030, and the obit piece He lifted Rotary to Himalayan heights by PRIP Rajendra Saboo are interesting. The health feature on collaborative living is great. The December issue, last of 2021, had great content.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum — D 3211
