Letters to the Editor – October 2020

Rotary News is getting more interesting

Recent issues stimulate the thirst of readers and the messages from the RI president and RI directors are really inspiring. The story on shrimp makers will encourage women’s empowerment. It is heartening to know that the DRDO invented Jithika to ease the burden of the shrimp-makers.

A K Sugunan, Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar — D 3190

I am a regular reader of Rotary News since 2003. The content has become more attractive and interesting. The articles are inspirational. Thank you very much for inclusion of lifestyle columns from various disciplines. Truly, Rotary News unites the world.

Janardhana Naik, RC Kasaragod — D 3202

RI President Holger Knaack speaks very well about his future plans; the Editor’s note on racism and colourism impressed me. RID Bharat Pandya’s views on what a Rotary club should be are meaningful. Happy that RC Kakinada helped women shrimp-makers through a new device which eliminates their hardships.

I enjoyed Lockdowns have their rewards by TCA Srinivasa Raghavan, and the Taipei 101 tower. Surviving the pandemic and Will the world get well again? are useful for readers. Cow ­trekking and cheese making in ­Switzerland is impressive. All the articles are worth reading and pictures are excellent. Congrats to the editorial team.

Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211

Thanks for excellent articles including the edit on racism. But in the Tamil version, in some places sangam is used and in others ‘club’ is used. Please drop ‘club’ and only use sangam. Thanks for the excellent editorial on the prevailing race differences and your comments.

Jambunathan, RC Avanashi — D 3202

Congratulations to DG M Jose Chacko, from RID 3120 for the donation of bicycles to 1,500 students, a big incentive to attend school.

N Jagatheesan, RC Eluru — D 3020

Poignant obits on MAT Caparas

It was a pleasure to read PRIP ­Rajendra Saboo’s obit on Mat ­Caparas, a legendary figure in Rotary, which had a personal touch and narration of anecdotes. PRIP Kalyan Banerjee has also dealt with many aspects of Mat in his very absorbing article. I compliment the editor and her team for the excellent work done in Rotary News. It is no surprise that it has become better than the official magazine The Rotarian. To get that compliment from PRIP ­Caparas is no small achievement.

Narayana Shagrithaya, RC Mumbai Bhandup — D 3141

The obit by PRIP Banerjee on Mat Caparas was really poignant. The piece felt like a live description of a person in front of you, and has added a refreshing touch to the issue.

Dr Jayasekharan V P, RC Payyanur — D 3202

The passing away of PRIP Frank Devlyn has shocked Rotarians across the world. PRIP Kalyan Banerjee’s tribute calls him a visionary, a larger than life person. Tributes from PRIPs Ray ­Klinginsmith, K R Ravindran and Mark Maloney are emotional and inspirational as they recalled how he was instrumental in getting the 18-storeyed headquarters building in Evanston. My compliments to you for the brilliant posthumous tributes Rotary News has offered to Devlyn.

Arun Kumar Dash, RC Baripada — D 3262

RI President Holger Knaack has rightly said that supporting new clubs is key for growth. The editor has penned a nice analysis on racism and our craze for fair complexion. Both the RI directors have focused on new opportunities for Rotarians to make the world better. PRIP Mat Caparas’ letter to PRIP ­Saboo is touching. A Covid warrior from Panchkula on Dr Rita Kalra is interesting. Congratulations to the members of RC Jodhpur Padmini.

Trustee chair K R Ravindran has given pointed queries on whether this will be ­“Rotary’s great moment to become an even stronger organisation”. Usha Kumar has explored the wonders of a bygone era in Egypt by vividly describing the pyramids, mummies and Nile river across this exciting land.

S Muniandi, RC Dindigul Fort — RID 3000

The August issue is unique as it covered the activities of Rotarians and Rotary clubs during the pandemic. The Jithika project by RC Kakinada is exemplary. I served as a Rotary volunteer in Bangladesh in 2000 and 2002 and am happy to recall the good work of Kazi Amdadul Hoque from RC Sonargaon. His efforts led to Rotary clubs joining hands to supply food and hygiene kits to the needy. Also, the issue highlighted the presentation of 10,000 desk-benches to schools; donation of laparoscopic machine to PHC and the editor’s tour to Switzerland during 2013, and her adventure, which is fascinating.

PDG Dr Varahalu , Basava — D 3020

Rotary Plus — a welcome initiative

Thanks for sending us the link to the online magazine Rotary Plus. Rotary News is the image of Rotary in India and Rotary clubs feel it an honour to get their projects featured there. The constraint for the editor is the space, so the online edition for broader coverage of club activities is a welcome initiative.

R Srinivasan, RC Madurai Midtown — D 3000

The induction of 361 new members by RID 3211 in a single day through a zoom meet is really amazing, and sets an example to other districts. During this pandemic, Rotarians have excelled in selfless service; DG Thomas Vavanikunnel, PDG Regunath and their team deserve appreciation. The role played by PDG Dr ­Chandrashekhar Kolvekar to protect the Covid affected is noteworthy. His help to a pregnant lady in Chennai deserves praise.

S Mohan, RC Madurai West — D 3000

TCA Srinivasa Raghavan’s LBW column is interesting, humorous and definitely worth re-reading. I circulate it among my friends and relatives who enjoy his writing. A collection of his articles can be brought out as a book.

Vasant Dhupkar, RC Pune Sahawas — D 3131

Save money to fund Rotary

As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads hardship around the world, Rotarians are innovating, caring for the affected, and showing there are ways to help. As people of action, they are engaged in their communities, offering help to those in need. Rotary News should publish articles on this work. I would suggest the money saved through virtual meets and webinars should be utilised to fund Rotary so that maximum PPE kits, sanitisers, masks, gloves etc may be donated.

Govinddas Agrawal, RC Belur — D 3291

Australian toilet warrior Mark Bhalla’s efforts to build 15 toilets in Nashik is commendable and we need more such committed Rotarians like him as it will boost the education of girl children. RC Calcutta’s history as recounted in the May issue 100 glorious years: RC Calcutta is interesting as it turns the spotlight on its milestone ­projects and events including Mahatma ­Gandhi’s speech, and a Rotarian’s wife donating $1 million to Mother Teresa.

Pon Muthaiyan, RC Aduthurai — D 3000

It’s great to know that India has retained its number 2 spot in the world in TRF giving, being only behind the US. I hope in near future, we will occupy the top spot. I must congratulate Team Rotary News for bringing out another outstanding issue. Most heartening was to see that six pages were devoted to club projects across India, which will motivate clubs to showcase their projects.

Capt V G Deodhar, RC Nasik — D 3030