Letters to the Editor – March 2025
Noteworthy articles
The Feb issue has some interesting articles such as RC Agra’s child protection initiatives and RID 3231 lecture series titled Yathumanaval (she is everything) which is very much needed in today’s world. While awareness must be spread among vulnerable children against sexual abuse, we also need to empower girls which will benefit their entire families. These type of club projects that create awareness in our communities are most welcome.
R Thayumanavan, RC Cuddalore Mid Town — D 2981
The origin of Rotary Peace Pole
With reference to the article on Rotary Peace Pole in the December issue of Rotary News, Rotary’s first Peace Pole was unveiled by RID 3131 PDG Girish Gune (2012–13) in Pune during his installation in the presence of the then RI Director P T Prabhakar. It was my idea as I was the president of RC Pune Camp then. It was later put up at the German Bakery, the site of the bomb blast in Pune in 2010.
Later in 2020, I was recognised with a citation by the RI Peace Committee. Subsequently, 20 Peace Poles were set up in South Asia based on the clubs who contacted me.
Jaideep N Malaviya, RC Pune Camp — D 3131
An inspiring Rotary icon
The book review, The Inspiring journey of a Rotary icon, which describes the life journey of past RI President Raja Saboo was truly inspiring. It brought back memories of his incredible motivation, which led us in RI District 3291 to organise medical missions to Africa as early as 2007. This initiative led to seven missions, fostering goodwill with several African countries.
We also built valuable partnerships with medical teams from Nepal, Bangladesh and our neighbouring District 3240. Saboo was an exceptional motivator, visiting Kolkata multiple times solely to meet and inspire the doctors for medical missions. His encouragement was instrumental in driving our efforts.
A memorable moment was when he personally joined one of the missions to Nigeria, proving his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.
Our salutation to this great leader; we wish him many more years of good health and dedicated service in Rotary.
Vishnu Dhandhania RC Belur — D 3291
I am a non-Rotarian who reads every issue of Rotary News in the Rajkot library, and was glad to read the review of the autobiography of Rajendra Saboo in the Feb issue. Atul Bhide, a member of RC Thane Hills, has done justice by giving a good account of the book.
Farooq Abdulgafar Bawani, non-Rotarian, Rajkot
The Editor’s note on the Kochi Institute and articles describing in detail the plenary sessions are exemplary in the Jan issue. I could imagine and practically visualise the joy of the boat ride on the Vembanad lake, thanks to the graphic narrative. I could also savour the tasty Sadhya food served on the last day of the institute by just going through the write-up. The cover photo of Kathakali nicely wrapped up the delightful content which I totally enjoyed reading.
G Balachandran, RC Vridhachalam — D 2981
I was happy to note that many women delegates wore traditional Indian dress, the saree, at the Rotary Kochi Institute. I am proud to be a weaver.
Chellam Soundappan, RC Jalakandapuram — D 2982
A fitting tribute to Manmohan Singh
I was so happy to find such a good narrative and tribute to our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh under the headline A scholar Prime Minister by Suresh Seshadri in the February issue.
Dr Singh was a humble and unassuming politician of high rank who was recognised and respected by the world leaders of his time. Known for his quiet, effective performance, he was not a self boosting politician. He never sought any publicity or praise for his accomplishments, either for the party he belonged to or the government he was leading. His contributions to improve the economy were many. At least, two of them will be remembered always. When the entire world was facing an economic meltdown in 1991, he saw to it that India was not much affected. Thanks to his expertise and deep knowledge, India introduced in 2005 the 100 days’ work system titled MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). This paved the way for a safety net in the form of guaranteed work for a good part of the year for the underprivileged and unemployed. Surely, Manmohan Singh was a rare breed of politician.
R Srinivasan, RC Bangalore J P Nagar — D 3191
This is with reference to the Editor’s note in the Feb issue. You have made the most refined article with great admiration for one of the greatest statesmen of our times, who has contributed his vast knowledge for the upliftment of society unlike today’s politicians, most of whom are power brokers. More such articles on deserving political leadership are welcome. You can also explain the importance of constitutional rights in an elected democracy.
Rotary should make all its members to behave as responsible citizens by ensuring that all of them vote in elections!
Alakan Karuppannan, RC Coimbatore Green City — D 3201
I was delighted to see the black and white photo of late Manmohan Singh, our former PM, as the cover photo in the Feb issue. He was really a scholar as well as a visionary who will be remembered with gratitude by us all. In her message, RI President Stephanie Urchick explains well about the Rotary peace fellowship programme. I am happy to note that a new peace centre is being opened in Istanbul.
The Editor’s note is a fitting tribute to Dr Singh who was a man of nobility but was never truly appreciated either by the Opposition or many of his own partymen, as pointed out in the edit.
The message from the TRF trustee chair stresses the importance of Peace Centers, while the RI director dwells on the need to donate to TRF for peacebuilding. The cover story A scholar Prime Minister is informative and the accompanying photos are beautiful. Shashi Tharoor’s speech made at the Kochi Institute is read-worthy. Other articles are all good, and the pictures are colourful too. Thanks to the editorial team for making this issue with special focus on our late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
You ought to be more realistic when you portray a political personality in Rotary News. Dr Singh was surrounded with many controversies during his tenure as PM. Major scams were reported. The power of the PM was curtailed in the name of an Advisory Council, and he was accused of keeping silent on many issues.
B Vasanth Shanker, RC Puttur Central — D 3181
