Letters to the Editor – October 2022
A well-packaged journal
September issue has a unique shot from a Miyawaki forest done by RID 2981. RI President Jennifer Jones’ speech on ‘the power of taking uncomfortable chances’ is motivating. Editor’s note on the need to eliminate inequality and oppression in society is interesting.
The article Where attending school is a luxury clearly shows the pathetic condition of tribals in villages. Other articles like Don’t water the weeds, Tamil Nadu projects bowl over RI Prez Jones, Member engagement crucial, Flood victims receive help from Valsad, Our knees make us athletes, are all good. The picture pages India welcomes Prez Jones are colourful and attractive.
Philip Mulappone M T, RC Trivandrum Suburban — D 3211
It was heart-touching to read the story of Shadaab, an Afghan heart patient, in the feature on fixing pacemakers, an impressive project initiated by Dr Vijaya Bharat at Jamshedpur (August issue). She is doing a great social work by providing artificial heart to needy patients. The interview of TRF Trustee Geeta Manek is inspirational.
Dr Jagdish Vaghasia, RC Surat East — D 3060
Spotlight on DEI
In her candid August message, President Jones has turned the spotlight on DEI in the Rotary hierarchy and called for efforts to diversify Rotary’s membership. When ‘people of action’ are committed to big goals, we, Rotarians, will work hard and strive to realise these objectives.
For the first time, Rotary India will have seven women governors next year and Jones congratulated them at the goal-setting Lakshya conclave in Pune. The cover story on RC Jamshedpur tying up with Tata Main Hospital for fixing pacemakers on the hearts of patients is really touching.
S Muniandi, RC Dindigul Fort — D 3000
RI President Jennifer has touched upon many aspects of Rotary in her August message and in her address at the closing session of the Houston Convention. The most important was about the engagement of new members.
I recall PRIP Glen Kinross’s words: “Each time we lose a member, that too a newly joined one, our assets are diminished.” The clubs can improve the retention rate, if only they educate new members about the opportunities available to serve their communities. As Jones says, we have to listen to new members with immense respect about what their expectations are from the club.
R Srinivasan, RC Madurai Midtown — D 3000
Picture says it all
My heart was filled with pride as a Rotarian, when my 14-year-old son, Samarth, pointed to me the cover photo of the August issue — a smiling patient on a hospital bed. He said in most magazines he reads, the cover page contains pictures of Bollywood stars, sports personalities and political leaders, but this Rotary magazine had the picture of a smiling man who appeared to be in a hospital. Why is that, he asked.
When I told him that, he is a heart patient fitted with a pacemaker sponsored by Rotary, my son replied that the smile on his face showed how much difference this surgery had made to his life. I was not only impressed by his observation but also proud of the life-saving projects Rotary clubs do throughout the world. Kudos to Rotary News for portraying our service projects in such detail and the right perspective, enhancing Rotary’s public image.
R Murali Krishna, RC Berhampur — D 3262
