Letters to the Editor – January 2022
Fitting farewell to PRID Sushil Gupta
The cover page of the December issue resonated the voice of lakhs of Rotarians as PRID Sushil Gupta was an inspirational leader whose contribution has immensely strengthened Rotary. The article by Past RI President Kalyan Banerjee has subtly pointed out the great stalwart’s legacy.
The article on the milkman of India, Verghese Kurien, is a gold standard in describing a wonderful personality who chose the path less driven to help the poorest of poor of this country.
The write-up on Indus Peace Park has focused on fostering peace and unity among people of the world. Rotary knows no boundaries and it would be one of its major achievements if it can promote cordial relations between India and Pakistan.
The career counselling camp of RID 3090 has shown what the selfless service done by Rotarians can do to shape the future of the young.
Environment, the seventh area of focus, needs more attention than ever in these dicey times of climate change. Bamboo cultivation and putting up Miyawaki forests, as detailed in the article RID 3181 shows the way in bamboo cultivation, can bring about a world of changes that can enhance conservation of nature. We must remember that without nature, we don’t exist.
I was deeply moved reading the report on RI President Mehta inducting Achyuta Samanta, a renowned social worker, as a Rotarian. Art auctions to fund menstrual health awareness is a novel idea and more such attributes are needed if our country has to improve the plight of millions of women. The article Heart surgery done on Nigerian child in Mumbai truly embodies the Rotary principle of serving humanity, cutting across the globe. The idea of PDG Dr Narendra Nath Dutta, RID 3240, to set up a hospital in rural Assam has made countless youth realise their aspirations to become doctors.
‘Not all Rotary is the same’ by Insa Folster gives us the flavour of Rotary’s diversity.
‘Meet your Governors’ column is motivating and a lesson for all Rotarians. The plans of DGs are focused in an exemplary manner which brings about fresh energy to all Rotarians and provides a learning opportunity.
Altogether, I found the December issue spectacular; it serves the purpose of ushering in the new year with mind-blowing ideas and exchanges. Congrats to Editor Rasheeda Bhagat and her team.
Dr Jayasekharan V P, RC Payyanur — D 3204
In a fitting tribute to a real Rotary stalwart, the December issue of our magazine carries on its cover the photo of PRID Sushil Gupta. The obit article by PRIP Kalyan Banerjee and the picture pages on Gupta are all commendable. It was sad to read about the demise of PRIP Cliff Dochterman, whose memory will remain with us forever. RI President’s message on good health is apt; the Editor’s note talks about the noble qualities and character of PRID Gupta; RID Mahesh Kotbagi explains well the importance of DisCons; while RID A S Venkatesh lays stress on protecting our environment. Trustee Gulam Vahanvaty rightly says that even small amounts to TRF make a huge difference.
The article Remembering India’s milkman: Verghese Kurien is worth reading and his quotes are meaningful and funny and the piece Dada, My grandfather by Sidddharth Sheth was interesting.
Other articles on the Indo-Pak Peace Park; 100 handpumps at a Delhi slum; heart surgery on a Nigerian child; and solar lamps in Koomati village, are all exemplary and show the Rotary’s commitment to humanity. Club Hop is useful in showing pictures of club activities. As a whole, the December edition is excellent. I wish the RNT team a happy new year.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
The December issue, as usual, is rich in content. The Editor’s note titled Remembering Sushil Gupta and the obit by PRIP Banerjee are real tributes to the departed Rotary leader. We have lost a great human being and his loss is irreparable for his family, business world and Rotary. Let his soul rest in peace.
There was impressive coverage on service projects such as RC Calcutta Yuvis’s construction of 1,000 toilets; RC Delhi South Central’s donation of 100 handpumps in a slum; RC Salem Central’s project of solar lamps that light up tribal lives; RC Madurai Star’s Rotary houses for 49 visually-impaired people in a village; and correcting the clubfoot of 800 children in Malda by RC Mango City.
All these projects prove to the world that Rotarians are always compassionate, react instantly when people around are in need and organise projects in pursuit of excellence. For them service is the greatest expression of care.
R Srinivasan, RC Madurai Midtown — D 3000
The editorial by Rasheeda Bhagat and the lead article by PRIP Kalyan Banerjee on late PRID Gupta were inspiring and in limited words, so much has been spoken about a man who was truly tall by all means. India and the world will surely miss him.
President Mehta’s statement that your actions today can help extend the lives of others is touching. The project of distributing smart vision spectacles for the visually-challenged in Hubli is in sync with embracing technology since the glasses provide smart vision. If each district in the country starts to promote such innovative projects, then the impact on the community could be much deeper.
The story on India’s milkman is another inspiration. The coverage and the experiences shared are amazing and talk so much about the man who lived life on his own terms but for those who didn’t have a voice. Verghese Kurien is really a true leader.
Vivek Khandelwal, RC Deonar — D 3141
RI President Mehta has rightly emphasised on good health in his message. Covid has taught us many lessons on how to prevent diseases. Rotarians have almost eradicated polio from the world by hard work. But Mehta wants us to take up more healthcare projects and change more lives.
During his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, Mehta assured that India will become fully literate by 2025. Over the past few months, all Rotarians in India are working tirelessly to fulfil this ambition of our beloved leader.
Late PRID Sushil Gupta was a remarkable Rotarian with great qualities of heart and mind. He was a multifaceted personality, a man of simplicity and humility, apart from being a successful hotelier. Editor Rasheeda has nicely put in words the attributes of Gupta who will be missed by the entire Rotary family.
S Muniandi, RC Dindigul Fort — D 3000
The cover photo of PRID Sushil Gupta was fantastic. RI President Shekhar Mehta’s message For Rotary, good health is a human right was excellent.
Editor’s note Remembering Sushil Gupta was poignant, while the message from Trustee Vahanvaty: Little drops make an ocean was superb. The article RC Calcutta Yuvis constructs 1,000 toilets for poor people was an eyeopener.
Congrats to PRID Bharat Pandya for getting selected as TRF Trustee for 2022–26.
Daniel Chittilappilly, RC Kaloor — D 3201
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