Letters to the Editor – June 2022

A single Bangalore club shows the way

The cover story was an eye opener. RC ­Bangaloe Lakeside has done an unbelievable 200 projects this year covering all the focus areas of Rotary. The credit goes to club president Kashinath Prabhu and his team. Such articles will motivate Rotarians of other clubs too.

T D Bhatia, RC Delhi Mayur Vihar — D 3012

The cover photo of school girls with ­bicycles gifted by RC ­Bangalore Lakeside tells a lot about their transformation. Glad to read that the final presidential conference will focus on world peace. The Editor’s note explains well the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the excellent projects done by RC ­Bangalore ­Lakeside. RID Mahesh Kotbagi describes the perils of wars and RID A S Venkatesh has rightly dwelt on strategic planning by clubs.

Foundation Trustee chair John F Germ’s message points to Rotary making the world a ­better place. Other articles like Put on your dancing shoe by Rajendra Saboo, the health column, Project Vignettes, the feature on Talat Mahmood, are interesting. Photos are colourful and vivid. Congrats to Team Rotary News.

Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211

Kashinath Prabhu, president, RC ­Bangalore Lakeside, deserves our appreciation for his marvellous work in executing 200 projects worth ₹1.5 crore. His foresighted approach with the support of corporates and involvement of other clubs has brought him laurels. These need to be emulated by other clubs. Let’s wish him a bright future in his Rotary journey. Rotary has initiated a well-planned exercise to mitigate the losses and sufferings of the people of Ukraine. Let’s pray for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Ukraine.

S Mohan, RC Madurai West — D 3000

The cover page was delightful as it showed the empowerment of school girls. Such projects are truly life-changing. PDG Raju Subramanian being vice-chairman at the COL is a matter of honour for our club. I welcome RID A S Venkatesh’s views on the need for planning by clubs. The cover story on RC Bangalore Lakeside was an inspiration. Reading the article by PRIP Rajendra Saboo brought a smile on my face.

Thank you for publishing the incredible work done by RC Deonar over the last 25 years.

Vivek Khandelwal, RC Deonar — D 3141

The April issue has a refreshing change with a write-up on Rotary Annets who have taken up a water conservation project. RCs Madras ­Midcity and Chennai Metrozone need to be applauded for motivating the Annets, and encouraging their family members to support Rotary. It is always a proud moment for a Rotarian if his family supports his activity. Such articles should have contact email ID and phone numbers. As usual TCA ­Srinivasan Raghavan’s LBW article on sound pollution is interesting to read.

Aadesh Sikchi, RC Navi Mumbai — D 3142

Thanks to Editor ­Rasheeda Bhagat for her inspirational cover story Pune Rotarians gift a home for homeless children which put the spotlight on the selfless efforts of Renu Gavaskar and Rotarians of RC Pune Laxmi Road. They are doing good in the world and also fulfilling the purpose of this year’s Rotary theme… Serve to Change Lives. The new home will build the future of poor children through education and vocational training. It will also protect them from social evils like drug peddling and child trafficking. RID Mahesh Kotbagi’s visit to the project would have motivated them.

Naveen Garg, RC Sunam — D 3090

Let us internalise RI President Shekhar Mehta’s message to protect our environment. It is our duty to design projects aimed at conserving and protecting our environment from further destruction, and also sensitise the public on the issue.

R Thayumanavan, RC Cuddalore Midtown — D 2981

Showcasing Rotary

In the April issue, RI President Shekhar Mehta has appreciated the efforts of Rotary clubs to increase membership. He wants us to take projects that will showcase our intent to the public, and create a good public image for Rotary.

The editor has vividly explained the sufferings of Ukrainian people in the ongoing war. She has also pointed to the recent wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan which have led to tragic consequences. Hats off to DG Pankaj Shah for honouring Rotarians who have completed 25 years of service in Rotary. In the cover story, social activist Renu Gavaskar has detailed the perils of early marriage of girls. Her anecdote about a girl who told her that people give her only clothes which made her feel like a wastepaper basket is quite revealing.

S Muniandi, RC Dindigul Fort — D3000

Heartrending story on Ukraine

As a former DRR, nearly half a century ago in 1974 of the then RID 321 comprising parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka, I read with pride in my heart the inspiring story of DRR Iryna Bushmina from war-torn Ukraine.

Her narration was detailed, refulgent and heartening. What else could these hapless teenagers do under tragic situation, amidst aerial bombardments and tanks advancing around them? Nevertheless, they do their squirrel’s share to alleviate the misery caused by this needless war due to greedy politicians.

Finding asylum in an alien land for those fleeing from their country at the homes of Rotarians is really amazing as it extols the true idealism of Rotary. We are proud of you Iryna. In spirit we are with you. Let your hands be strengthened with what Rotary does in your area.

Tomi Eapen, RC Alleppey — D 3211