Letters to the Editor – July 2025
Tirupati trip, a training manual
The article Meticulous planning behind a magical project stands out as a training session for all Rotarians who plan a mega project. RID 3233 DG Mahaveer Bothra details the planning starting from the first brick. The cost escalated from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, and the DG expanded the committee to 15 Rotarians! An example of “find the right cause and the means will follow.”
All aspects of the project including housekeeping assistants in each coach, which ensured Lord Balaji darshan for special children, narrated by Rasheeda in her inimical style made this article read-worthy again… and again! Kudos, DG Bothra and team who made a difficult project possible and made the children smile.
N S Srinivasa Murthy, RC Bangalore — D 3192
The June issue has many service projects, including those under the leadership of RID 3233 DG Bothra. Tirupati darshan of Lord Venkateshwara for special children is the largest achievement of the year. The herculean task undertaken by the project committee to ensure smooth darshan for special children brought tears to my eyes.
In another service project the same district has presented Rotary Women Achiever Awards with the tagline Golden Sparrows of Chennai. Bothra assured that he would increase women Rotarians. He needs to be congratulated for enhancing Rotary’s image.
N Jagatheesan, RC Eluru — D 3020
The mad display of jingoistic tendencies during TV debates post the ceasefire of Operation Sindoor was noted in the Editor’s Note. The meticulous planning of special childrenʼs trip to Tirumala was well-captured with accompanying visuals. There could not be a better public image project for Rotary than this.
Kudos to DG Bothra and his team for making this project possible. Sad to note the omission of Rotary by the PM in his Mann ki Baat, while mentioning the Ethiopian children’s heart surgery. That would have given a morale booster to Rotarians.
Anthri Vedi Nekkanti, RC Hyderabad Mega City – D 3150
Your opening editorial comments were perfect and presented the correct perspective of the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack. I have over three decades of active military service, mostly in counter-insurgency areas, including Kashmir and found no ‘fear and chaos’ in the border areas of India. On ‘US intervention’ there is too much misinformation. That didn’t happen, what actually happened, I can’t disclose here. The IMF loan to Pakistan, though heartbreaking to many of us, was a standard tranche already in progress. As for the ‘fanatic warmongers’, these people are useful idiots. War hysteria or war-mongering are the pre-requisites for waging war.
U R Raj, RC Ranchi — D 3250
The June cover photo of a boy and his mother and the colourful photos of President Stephanie during her travel were delightful. The Editor’s Note admires the name Operation Sindoor and she has rightfully criticised the reporting by some TV channels during the war. RID Raju Subramanian’s comments show his commitment. All the articles are praiseworthy; Set the birds free is an eye-opener to many who trap them in cages. Club matters photos are colourful. The June issue is superb.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
The May cover picture of solar-powered clay lamps at the Gateway of India was beautiful, and the editorial of Rasheeda titled “Your words/ behaviour define you…” was superb.
Jaishree’s article Without membership…was excellent. Congrats to the Rotarians of Pune Central for restoring ancient dams in Satara.
Daniel Chittilappilly, RC Kaloor — D 3201
Mumbai Rotarians have given hope to the underprivileged by lighting up their homes with solar lamps. This project has enhanced Rotaryʼs image.
A S Iyer, RC Emerald Erode — D 3203
Kudos to Rotarians of RID 3055 for strengthening the bonds of friendship between the people of India and Pakistan through the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.This, we hope, will lead to further exchanges to foster good friendship and bonding. Only Rotary can initiate such spiritual journeys.
K M Shammikumar, RC Vellore South — RID 3231
RIPE Mario’s exit
The resignation of RI President Elect Mario de Camargo is shocking, and unfortunate as it came just a few days before assuming office. This will pose administrative problems for the RI Board because of paucity of time.
We pray that RI comes out of this crisis soon by choosing the best person for this high office.
R Srinivasan, RC Bangalore J P Nagar — D 3191
High praise for Rotary News
Received the June issue and gave it a priority glance. Seldom I leave the editorial unread and I like Rasheeda Bhagat’s editorial always.
Eager to know her comments on Operation Sindoor, I didn’t turn the page before completing ‘War hysteria’. I appreciate the great maturity with which she has written the editorial, truly a professional one. In the process, she has proved herself to be a true Indian, a very good global person and above all, a great humanitarian. She has touched all the sensitive aspects, dealt with them boldly and expressed a fine opinion like an able global leader with responsibility. Her question “Can we bring back a single soldier who is killed in combat?” has conveyed the critical point. It’s rather a message to many a channel heads and journalists for introspection.
While she has appreciated Operation Sindoor against terrorism, she has beautifully conveyed the message of peace. And the last piece of her advice to our TV channels to send some of their most volatile and mentally unstable anchors back to the schools of journalism proves a bonafide journalist in our editor, a great asset to Rotary News.
Ravi Hegde, RC Sirsi — D 3170
As we approach the end of the Rotary year 2024–25, members of our club RC Alleppey Greater record our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to you and your dedicated team for the outstanding work carried out through Rotary News.
This past year has been one of inspiration, innovation, and impactful service — and your publication has played an integral role in documenting, sharing and amplifying the meaningful efforts of Rotary clubs across the country and beyond. Each edition not only captured the vibrancy and spirit of Rotary but also educated, encouraged and energised the Rotarians.
Special thanks to Editor Rasheeda Bhagat for her leadership, passion and commitment to high-quality journalism and for tirelessly showcasing the good work of Rotarians. You and your team’s work has strengthened the Rotary spirit and brought us all closer as one global family of service.
We salute the Rotary News team for being a vital force behind our collective growth, visibility and learning. Your contribution is valued and respected.
Col (retd) Vijayakumar, RC Alleppey Greater — D 3211
Bravo from PRIP Riseley
I always enjoy reading Rotary News (India) but wanted to congratulate you personally on your Editor’s Note in the May edition. You have captured the importance of our actions, behaviour and attitude to DEI matters very well, and as you say, our words and behaviour certainly do define us as Rotarians.
I especially enjoyed the toilet paper story and the impact it had on one of the employees of the company. It is so important that we reflect on the qualities that we believe define a Rotarian, and your editorial certainly is food for thought. Bravo!
PRIP Ian Riseley
