Kudos & criticism for Edits
In her October edit, Rasheeda Bhagat explained that integrity is one of the most prominent qualities in RIPN Bharat Pandya. As Clement Stone, the self-made American billionaire, philanthropist and self-help author, once said, “Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
K M K Murthy
RC Secunderabad — D 3150
Kudos for the brilliant Editor’s Note (October issue) on the topic of integrity and corruption, that presents before us the sombre spectacle of sordid affairs in our present-day society. Man’s insatiable desire to amass wealth has given rise to corruption. Corruption is despised all over, yet practised universally. We get immense pleasure in jumping traffic lights, queues, and breaking rules.
Anybody who holds any power in the government, uses this power to convert it into cash. Corruption is definitely eating away the vitals of our moral fibre. I believe that about 10 per cent of the population which controls our country is really corrupt. And it is this 10 per cent that gives a bad name to the entire country. It is time the remaining 90 per cent raise their voice.
The example of RIPN Bharat Pandya comes as a breath of fresh air. He is adored by one and all ‘as a leader of impeccable integrity.’ Integrity is the walking stick of life; our actions should match our words; even when no one is watching. You have rightly said: Honest and truthful ones sleep better at night.
Subhendu Mohanty
RC Bhubaneswar Excellence — D 3262
The Editor’s Note titled The aspiration for education (Aug issue) says volumes. The recent incidents leading to protests over leaked exam papers, and police action on protesting students across the country awakened the authorities from their slumber and when the situation went out of control, remedial measures followed.
But in fact, a solution is still not in sight and this is disturbing. Middle-class parents with economically weak backgrounds are still waiting for a miracle. As the edit says pate kaat ke bachchey ko padhaya… parents sacrificed their basic needs including food to educate their children for a better future. This is really touching. And now, with AI being in the hands of only a few tech savvy persons, it raises even more troubling questions on social and economic equality and progress for all.
TRF trustee chair Jennifer Jones message titled Care without borders is related to social equity. She is concerned about healthcare remaining uneven across countries and communities, and talks about the relevance and value of TRF across borders, and moving closer to a world where no one is left behind.
Abhay Kishore Sandwar
RC Dhanbad Midtown — D 3250
With reference to the October edit, we as an NGO built on fellowship and friendship should stay politically neutral with our thoughts, actions and words and avoid our ideology creeping into our actions. The October edit started with honouring RIPN Bharat Pandya for his integrity, but soon drifted into various topics. I believe these human rights, corruption and happiness indexes are generated through unfair means and are not truthful. By saying that every vote matters, Gen Z on the roads etc, are we not indirectly endorsing the (NEET paper leak) protests? We as an NGO should be free from any political and ideological influence and focus on our core value of service and fellowship.
Murali Krishna R V
RC Moodabidri — D 3181
A captivating journey of
RID Nagesh
The inspiring and thought-provoking cover story, titled Let’s take Rotary to greater heights, by Rasheeda Bhagat captured eloquently the Rotary journey of RI director K P Nagesh. I was deeply moved by his extraordinary journey and the manner in which his experiences have been presented. His life story is much more than a record of achievements — it is a powerful reflection of determination, courage, resilience and perseverance. The challenges he encountered and the way he transformed them into opportunities offer valuable lessons for all of us.
What makes the article particularly inspiring is the message that with the right attitude, commitment and perseverance, one can overcome difficulties and continue to move forward with purpose. His journey is especially meaningful for the younger generation, who can draw great motivation from his experiences.
Kudos to the editor for bringing this inspiring story to the readers of Rotary News in such a graceful, engaging and thought-provoking manner. Stories like this truly enrich Rotary literature. A wonderful piece of writing and a great source of inspiration.
Colonel (retd) Vijayakumar
RC Alleppey Greater — D 3211
The message from TRF trustee chair Jennifer Jones (Sep issue) on ‘Make polio history’ is rejuvenating. It is the duty of Rotarians to reassure everyone on World Polio Day (Oct 24) that they are committed to ending polio. I think the answer for her quiz is Penguins.
P Mohankumar, RC Madras Pallava — D 3234
Thank you for the wonderful article Managing arthritis by Gita Mathai. A great moment for PRIP Rajendra Saboo and all Rotary family as a Chandigarh school is named Bhavan’s R K Saboo Vidyalaya.
RC Bombay Airport has taken up a great project of providing life-saving heart surgeries to over 625 children born with congenital heart diseases. Kudos to the project team.
Chinmaya Mahapatra
RC Rajdhani Bhubaneswar — D 3262
An inspiring profile of
RIPN Pandya
Wow! What an introduction of RI President Nominee Dr Bharat Pandya and his family. I was overjoyed as your conversation with him kept me spellbound. We both joined Rotary in 1989; that year had the theme Enjoy Rotary given by the then RI President Hugh M Archer from the US. For me, whosoever serves his own community and those elsewhere and builds friendship globally Enjoys Rotary. This fits into the personality of Dr Pandya, a cool and ever-smiling person.
Here are some of his quotable quotes:“A good surgeon must have an eagle’s eye, a lion’s heart, and a lady’s hand,” he had once told me. Dr Pandya’s other quotes: In surgery, decisions are based on analysis, knowledge, evidence, boldness and integrity. I have carried this forward to Rotary; I often talk about three phases in life: learn, earn and return. Rotary gave me the chance to return, even while I was still earning; I’ve gotten far more from this organisation than I could ever give back — and now I intend to keep giving; To me, the essence of Rotary can be captured in two words: hope and opportunity. Hope that a newborn child will be protected from polio through Rotary’s polio eradication efforts, and our communities can be made better… and the opportunity we have as Rotarians to fulfil that hope. We look forward to a meaningful and glorious Rotary year under his leadership.
Suresh Kumar Sablok
RC Nahan Sirmour Hills — D 3080
Congratulations to Dr Bharat Pandya who has been nominated RI President. His 37 years of dedicated and relentless services in Rotary has elevated him to this august office. Seeing one more Indian in this post makes us proud; his spouse Dr Madhavi also deserves appreciation as she supported him in this journey. Let us wish him all the very best — Dr Pandya is the right person coming to the right post.
S Mohan
RC Madurai West — D 3000
In the interview with RIPN Pandya the boxed item, Attributes of a good leader, was insightful. The comment by PRIP K R Ravindran about Pandya is profound. India has seen exponential growth of Rotary in the recent past, be it in membership or TRF contribution. I’m sure with the incoming leader, we will see progress in stewardship issues too.
Nester Sequeira
RC Panaji — D 3170