Letters to the Editor – January 2025
Membership decline
Editor Rasheeda’s article Startling fall in numbers, a huge concern (Nov issue) is an eyeopener for the leaders of Rotary. The majority of RI presidents and high officials are from the US which also houses its headquarters in Evanston. It is a matter of serious concern that our membership is falling drastically in the place Rotary was born.
RIPE Mario de Camargo says that the US membership has fallen by 29 per cent. He adds that Rotary has lost 100,000 Rotarians in 20 years. Whereas India registered a growth of 103 per cent, and 638 new clubs were added in a span of two decades. This article provides a lot of research material to Rotarians around the world.
Tomi Eapen, RC Alleppey — D 3211
Your excellent coverage of our club projects has truly captured the essence of what RC Pune Central stands for. The new design and layout are not only visually appealing but also enhance the overall readability and impact of the magazine. A lot of thought and creativity have gone into every detail, and you and your team’s dedication is appreciated.
Your work serves as an inspiration and a testament to the spirit of Rotary, bringing projects and achievements to life. Thank you for your commitment to excellence.
Madhusudan Rathi, RC Pune Central — D 3131
The district-wise TRF contributions and membership summary published monthly are quite informative. Likewise, RI South Asia Office can provide information on RI dues collection and the expense allocation pertaining to collection on a half-yearly basis to all the members through our Rotary magazine.
Jacob Mathew, RC Erumeli — D 3211
Attractive cover pictures
The cover portrait of Ratan Tata and his obit article in the November issue are impressive. His childhood and educational background, the simplicity and grace with which he lived and the details of his philanthropy are well-explained. His sincerity, depth of knowledge and his legendary courtesy were awesome. Good to know he was an Arch Klumph member.
The December issue has an attractive cover picture of an anganwadi. Kudos to RID 3012 for its vision to use various facets of technology, including AI, in anganwadis so that the underprivileged children get a meaningful experience and the expectant mothers have proper healthcare and nutrition. The dashboard loaded with study material, quiz stories, play material, poems and jingles will hold the interest of children.
K M K Murthy, RC Secunderabad — D 3150
I was overwhelmed to see the picture of late Ratan Tata on the cover page of Rotary Samachar. After the death of Tata, I was looking forward to reading something on this iconic industrialist in our magazine.
After reading the editor’s note and the cover story, many new aspects of his life became known to me. Information which was not available in other magazines, TV channels and dailies was found in this article. Struggles, opposition, insults and failures were turned into stepping stones of success by Ratan Tata. His life teaches us to be both focused and flexible to face the challenges in life. The pictures accompanying the article make it an interesting read. I also got to know that Tata was an AKS member. The WordsWorld article is nice. Thank you very much for sharing this article.
Sanjay Bari, RC Chopda — D 3030
The cover picture of Ratan Tata was superb. Also, the editor’s note, The stuff legends are made of, deserves appreciation.
Daniel Chittilappilly, RC Kaloor — D 3201
RID 3040 has initiated a commendable project in Madhya Pradesh (Dec issue) to eliminate illiteracy with the support of the state government. The book Akshar Pothi will enthuse an illiterate to get basic education. After this, they will switch over to another level of learning and become literate. The other RI districts could follow suit with this example from RID 3040 to bring in 100 per cent literacy. With better literacy rates, progress can be achieved for the country.
RID 3040 Rotarians deserve appreciation and I wish them success in this great initiative. Hope they will cross a milestone in their journey soon.
S Mohan, RC Madurai West — D 3000
Your December issue has interesting articles. One article talks about the philosophy of giving. All Rotarians must follow the philosophy of giving as it is based on the karma theory. The more we give, the more we gain. The second article Striving for green Odisha is about making seed balls. Our club has taken up this project with schoolchildren and scattered seed balls at roadside areas, barren lanes and dried urban areas over the last four years. Every club must take a huge effort to support the mission of making India green.
Piyush Doshi, RC Belur — D 3291
In a novel initiative RID 3233 organised a conclave for all the past presidents of clubs in Chennai titled Kalangarai Vilakku (light house). DG Mahaveer Bothra recalled the mentorship role of the past presidents. The event was held in appreciation of their efforts. Congrats to RID 3233 for arranging this wonderful conclave.
N Jagatheesan, RC Eluru — D 3020
The cover story Rotary introduces India’s first AI -integrated Anganwadi in the Dec issue is impressive. I am happy to learn that AI techniques were adopted for a better understanding of the learning abilities of poor children. The project called Nanhe Kadmo Ki Udayan can transform the learning system of anganwadis in India. Truly, a positive initiative by RID 3012.
Likewise, the initiative of RC Jubilee Hills, RID 3150, (Nov issue) in providing bicycles has given students at Pakur village, Jharkhand, an effective means to commute to and from school. But the initiative could have been more effective if the club had arranged a common transport for them during rains.
Niranjan Kar, RC Bhubaneswar — D 3262
I very much appreciate the editor’s note and the cover story on late industrialist Ratan Tata in the Nov issue. The pictures in the cover story are marvellous. It was interesting to read the interview of RIPE Mario de Camargo, which is really a collector’s item to be preserved. As Rotarians, we are proud to serve the global communities through TRF.
Soumitra Chakraborty, RC Calcutta Universe — D 3291
Info on social media pages
Numerous Rotary club and district Facebook Pages and Instagram accounts have been closed by Meta without prior notice. After RI worked with Meta to find a solution, several Rotary-related pages were restored.
If social media pages of your clubs/districts have been closed, please complete the form on this link — on.rotary.org/fbissue — and submit to add the pages to Meta’s ‘allow list’ within their Brand Rights Protection tool. RI will act on this. The admins will receive an email with specific instructions (from Meta’s guidance) and an official letter from RI to support their restoration efforts.
