Lighting the world through TRF
A few weeks back we celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. As I write this message we are on the cusp of Christmas — the festival of joy. These festivals reflect our work through The Rotary Foundation. Through the programmes of TRF we can bring light and joy into the lives of others and in doing so our own lives light up and become joyful. Our work for and through TRF starts from our own doorsteps and extends to every corner of the world.
Whether it is equipping a full-fledged five-storeyed hospital dedicated to diabetes care, establishing blood banks, eye banks and skin banks; WASH projects all over the country or setting up a radiotherapy unit; our work through TRF is truly touching lives and transforming communities. But of course TRF depends on us Rotarians to carry on the good work. So each one of us has the responsibility to support TRF.
In November we had training for District Major Gifts and CSR chairs of zones 4, 5, 6 and 7. It was a well arranged, well attended and very usefully structured programme. The participants have gone back charged and I am sure we will see the results in Major Gifts and CSR-India grants in the coming months. Compliments to the EMGAs and the TRF staff at the South Asia Office.
In the Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda, the Jedi teacher tries to teach the hero Luke Skywalker how to fight the ‘force’ that is the greatest power in the universe. Luke replies that he will try. Yoda says, “There is no try, there is either do or not do.” The same is true for The Rotary Foundation. It has to grow and become stronger, nimble, known and respected across the world. And only we Rotarians can ensure that by doing our best for TRF.
The Rotary Foundation has been transforming communities and countries for more than a century. And that is because of the dedication and passion of Rotarians. As the New Year dawns and we gear up to make some resolutions let us resolve to give to TRF every year.
As we Imagine Rotary let us all work to make TRF the foremost agency for doing humanitarian good in our world.
Bharat Pandya
TRF Trustee, 2022–26
