The crucial role of Interactors
What happened at Jantar Mantar during the CJP protest in Delhi over the NEET examination has drawn significant public attention and sparked differing reactions, after videos circulated widely on social media. The language and behaviour of some young students have raised concerns on how public expression among the younger generation is evolving in today’s times.
This Gen Zee protest offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of respect, responsibility, empathy, and constructive dialogue — values that are part of Indian culture.
It is during such challenging times that I feel encouraged by the work Rotary is doing through its Interactors. Nation-building is not only about serving people today; it is also about shaping the citizens of tomorrow. By encouraging young Interactors, Rotary is shaping India’s future. When children grow with empathy, respect, responsibility, and a spirit of service, they carry values that help create a better world.
Rotary is doing a wonderful work by grooming young Interactors, guiding them towards the right path, and helping them become compassionate, responsible, and socially-conscious citizens. This is true nation-building, shaping not just young minds, but the future of our society.
Priyadarshinee Kanoria
RC Delhi Southex — D 3011
It all begins at the club
You’ve brought a very nice August issue of Rotary News. In Director Speak, RI director K P Nagesh has summed it up very well: It all begins at the club.
Only at the club-level, ideas become projects, and strangers become family, where service starts with one member, and spreads to the world. Every lasting impact has its first meeting at the club.
One handshake, one project, one life changed. From our club hall to the community, this is where Rotary comes alive.
S Natarajan
RC Koothapakkam — D 2981
RID Nagesh’s message in the August issue is a magical multipronged strategy to promote membership retention. He rightly says, “across the Rotary world, member retention remains one of our greatest challenges. People stay where they feel welcomed, respected, involved and appreciated.”
Clubs that encourage participation, embrace new ideas, mentor emerging leaders, and create meaningful fellowship will always remain vibrant. Membership is therefore not the responsibility of a committee, it is the responsibility of every Rotarian.
R Murali Krishna
RC Berhampur —D 3262
Thank you for the wonderful article on Manasa Kuteera in the August issue.
We appreciate the manner in which the article captured the journey, efforts, and impact of this meaningful project. The feature beautifully conveys not only what the project has achieved, but also the spirit of service and the collective commitment behind it.
We are grateful for the effort taken to highlight the difference Manasa Kuteera is making in the lives of the community members. This article will bring greater visibility to the initiative and inspire more people to support its purpose.
We thank the Rotary News team for giving this project a wonderful platform by presenting the story with warmth and clarity. Your encouragement means a great deal to us as it motivates us to create a lasting impact.
Rakesh Babu K L
RC Mysore Mid-Town — D 3181
This letter is with reference to the article by your staff member Muthukumaran on our recent paediatric eye surgery mission at Tamale, Ghana, in the August issue.
Thank you very much for carrying the story; the best part is highlighting the tremendous need in Africa, mainly in the Sub-Saharan region. He did call quite a few times to get all the facts. It is hoped that many clubs, districts in Africa and the world connect with eye surgeons to fill the gap/void in the delivery of the much-needed medical services with the help of TRF.
We sincerely thank TRF, all partners around the globe and in Ghana for the fabulous cooperation and support.
Dr K V Ravishankar, Rotary E-Club of Bangalore — D 3191
June and July are the months for club installations. Many of these events are organised on a grand scale, often in star hotels, involving considerable expenses.
The Rotary programmes usually commence late in the evening and, in some cases, continue until midnight. Rotarians are encouraged to attend with their families.
While late evening events may sometimes be unavoidable, it is worth considering their impact on families: the following day is usually a working day. School and college students, working professionals, businesspersons, factory employees, and senior citizens are expected to resume their normal routine.
Late-night programmes cause inconvenience to many participants.
It is better to reflect on whether such lavish celebrations are justified. The huge expenditure on these events could instead be channelled towards meaningful projects for the underprivileged.
As Rotarians, we have to set an example by practising simplicity, prudence, and responsible use of scarce resources. I urge all Rotary clubs to hold their installations in a simple manner in future.
T D Vasu, RI District 3233
A fitting message from
RI President
I am overwhelmed by RI President Yinka Babalola’s challenge to all Rotarians, where he focused on peacebuilding for a better world. His challenge is very relevant in the backdrop of terrible wars going on where thousands of innocent people including women and children are being killed across the world.
Babalola’s message touches the core of humanity, for what is the use of all the painstaking efforts of Rotary in building hospitals, schools etc, as all of it can be destroyed and human loves can be snuffed out in a few minutes.
If only peace can go hand in hand with love and compassion, that will be the everlasting real service, where every human being is taught to respect one another irrespective of colour, caste, religion or nationality.
Suresh Gokuldas
RC Coimbatore Mid-Town — D 3206
In the August issue, RI President Babalola says that peacebuilding is one of our areas of focus, and it must be pursued deliberately, built strategically, and intentionally into everything we do. This is the challenge he puts before us.
Hence whatever we do, be it a water project or a vocational training programme or a project in any other seven focus areas of service, let us ascertain whether these projects build peace and create lasting impact in our communities.
N Jagatheesan, RC Eluru — D 3020