Letters to the editor – November 2024
The entire October issue is good, but the RI President and Editor’s messages highlighting family bonds in Rotary and atrocities on women are really interesting. Decades ago, a past RI general secretary described Rotary magazines as “the eyes, ears and voice of Rotary”. His description is even more apt today when we go through Rotary News. The quality and standard of our magazine denote the dedication of the RNT team and we are enlightened month after month by reading it.
R Srinivasan, RC Bangalore J P Nagar — D 3191
We are grateful to you and your team for bringing to life our projects, which were featured so prominently. It has brought immense pride to our club members. Special appreciation to Rasheeda for calling us, gathering extra details and covering our initiatives so beautifully. We received an overwhelming response from our members, the DG and the district team.
Rackhee Mehta, RC Bombay Bay View — D 3141
Trustee Chair Mark Maloney’s call to contribute to the Endowment goal of $2.025 billion is praiseworthy. ‘Legacy dinners’ for TRF are a great idea.
R Murali Krishna, RC Berhampur — D 3262
Congrats to the RNT team for the hard work in publishing this well-designed, interesting and informative magazine. I read it page-to-page at one go. The coverage of Stephanie Urchick created a feeling of magic in my heart. The editorial, articles and photos are excellent. I request you to send the magazine to all members of our club.
Sumitra Mishra, RC Bhubaneswar New Horizon — D 3262
Timely edit on DEI
My compliments for focusing on ‘DEI-on-Ground’ through your editorial. All the three examples you shared, from trainee doctor, film actress to the Olympian, are so apt. Unfortunately, the world, not just India, is patriarchal. We Rotarians should take up the cause of gender equality through behavioural training at the school level. Gender equality needs to be practised in every small way at our Rotary events. Thanks for this timely edit.
Atul Bhide, RC Thane Hills — D 3142
The Raja of Rotary
Congrats to editor Rasheeda Bhagat for the article The Raja of Rotary. PRIP Rajendra Saboo and Rotary are two sides of the same coin. I’ve known him for long and his dedication to Rotary. His 90 years couldn’t leave any mark on his wrinkleless face which is shining with the glow of Rotary. Inspired by him I chartered RC Nabha Greater in 2006. Our club is doing 100 welfare projects annually, reaching out to the less privileged.
Ashok Jindal, RC Nabha Greater — D 3090
The cover photo of PRIP Saboo and a special child at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, is awesome. The article detailing the work of the man, who has lived for Rotary and served humanity with the support of Usha, his wife, and still motivates others in Rotary, is really inspiring.
Glad to note that the e-version rate has been reduced. The messages of RI President Stephanie Urchick and the editor on family life and the joy of giving are commendable. RID Raju Subramanian focuses on Project Positive Health and DEI in transforming lives. Other articles, including Meet Your Governors, are interesting; the pictures are all colourful. Congratulations to the team.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
The article on PRIP Saboo explains his amazing personality and how he did so much good for the world.He really walked the talk of his own RI theme, ‘Look beyond yourself’, during his 58-year Rotary journey, helped by his gentle wife Usha.
K M K Murthy, RC Secunderabad — D 3150
I am a non-Rotarian who reads each issue of Rotary News at a library in Rajkot. It was a delight to read the lead article about PRIP Saboo; the cover photo was very touching. One can learn from him how to help the community while managing one’s family, business etc. I saw him signing a copy of his personal memoir. Can you please review it in the magazine or publish some excerpts? Where can I buy this book to know more about the experiences of this humanitarian? I wish him a healthy, happy, long life to serve humanity.
Farooq Abdulgafar, Bawani Rajkot
Congratulations to RC Chandigarh for doing so many innovative projects like the PGI Serai, Rotary Blood Resource Centre and Gift of Life. As they say ‘behind every successful man there is a lady’. It was Usha Saboo who mooted the ideas to PRIP Rajendra Saboo. The seeds she sowed blossomed into trees. Seeing the suffering and lack of amenities for the underprivileged, she approached Rotary and so much was achieved. Her service as an Inner Wheel member is laudable.
V R T Dorairaja, RC Tiruchirappali — D 3000
Excellent October issue
Hearty congratulations to your editorial team for the superb October issue. It was a treat to go through the excellent articles, detailed projects and captivating photos. As club president, I find this magazine a boon to all Rotary club presidents, as it gives them new ideas on various humanitarian projects which can be undertaken.
The choice of articles, presentations, vivid photographs and the positive image that you portray in every write-up will be something that I and my club members will look forward every month. Keep up the good work.
Brig (retd), P K Muralidharan Raja president, RC Pune Central — D 3131
As an avid reader of Rotary News, I compliment you on the content and new-look cover design. The wholesome coverage of Rotary activities makes for entertaining reading. The October issue will have a special place in my heart as for the second time in my 11 years in Rotary my photo appears on the pages of this outstanding publication. Kudos to the editorial team.
Commodore (retd), Ajay Chitnis, RC Pune Central — D 3131
Apart from the revamped design and layout, the in-depth coverage on Rotary activities around the globe and the choice of articles left one spellbound at the magic of Rotary. My compliments to your team!
Vipen Malhotra, RC Pune Central — D 3131
A young Rotarian meets Tata
In 1995, as a young sales executive in TELCO (Tata Motors) my job involved a lot of travel and I found it difficult to attend Rotary meetings. As my attendance was falling low, I decided to leave Rotary, and even wrote out my resignation letter on a trip to Mumbai.
When I went to the Taj Mahal Hotel to attend a computer exhibition and conference, I found a signage about the weekly meeting of RC Bombay. I thought it a great opportunity for a last meet before I resigned.
There, I was astonished to see Ratan Tata, went up to him and introduced myself as a Telco (Tata Motors) staff member. He asked me about my work, role etc, and complimenting on my work, said “Since you are in sales and meeting many people, Rotary is a good place for you.”
That interaction changed my life. After the meeting, I tore up my resignation letter, and continue to be a proud Rotarian.
PDG Deepak Shikarpur — D 3131
