Meet Your Governors

Building TRF awareness

Nearly 50 per cent of the Rotary clubs in his district are in smaller townships, says Paritosh Bajaj. While “a club’s public image and branding play a crucial role in drawing new members,” for retention presidents should focus on “open communication, listening to members and assigning them meaningful roles,” he says.

During the Mahakumbh festivities, Rotary clubs in Prayagraj distributed over five lakh food packets to pilgrims and RC ­Allahabad Grand set up a branded tent city for Rotarians. A $100,000 global grant is funding 2,000 cataract surgeries and 5,000 spectacles. A ₹45 lakh initiative in partnership with Kabeer Foundation, US, is establishing nine computer labs in Varanasi and Prayagraj.

“With many clubs in smaller townships, building awareness about TRF’s significance remains a challenge. But, the presence of TRF Trustee Bharat Pandya and PRID Manoj Desai at our ­Foundation seminar was highly impactful, and we are optimistic about achieving a meaningful contribution by June 30,” says Bajaj who began his Rotary journey from RC ­Vindhyachal in 2000.

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Collective progress

He is thrilled that Symbiosis University, Pune, has been selected by RI to set up its Rotary Peace Centre. Last year, RID 3131 received a Top-Performing Award for Annual Fund Giving, contributing $450,000 during July to December alone.

Focused on club extension, Shital Shah firmly believes that membership retention goes beyond just numbers; “it’s about creating a fulfilling Rotary experience”. He has introduced the ‘Members Happiness Index’, designed to ensure that Rotarians feel valued, engaged and connected.

A car rally hosted by the district will feature visually-impaired navigators, “promoting true inclusion.” Through his ‘Playing Eleven’ initiative, clubs are collectively implementing 11 “simple and impactful service projects”, such as Project Chhatrachaya, where 111 clubs installed Rotary-branded roadside umbrellas, and Project Cherry Blossom, which is organising haemoglobin screeningfor 1,50,000 students and providing iron supplements for those in need.

The district has seen a 15 per cent growth in Interact, 20 per cent in Rotaract, and the formation of 80 new RCCs for professionals.

Shah joined Rotary in 2005.

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Focus on sustainable projects

In my district, there is no difference between a Sikh, Hindu or Muslim member. Religion has nothing to do with community service,” says ­Parminder Singh Grover. For growth, he says, “for every one Rotary club, there should be two Rotaract clubs and four Interact clubs, ensuring a steady progression of young leaders.” He is concerned over the dwindling number of Rotaractors in his district due to membership dues.

He attributes membership loss in Rotary clubs to Covid-19. “We have to revive in-person fellowship, and encourage clubs to resume weekly meetings and conferences that have become optional post-pandemic.”

A suspension on global grants “due to past irregularities is a major challenge. Although the district had undertaken an eye hospital and a cancer hospital project, the suspension has put a halt to large-scale initiatives.” He is urging clubs to focus on small, sustainable projects until the suspension is lifted.

This is a challange for TRF giving too because “it’s difficult to ask people to contribute when they feel nothing is coming back to the district due to the suspension. The restriction has also affected CSR projects,” says Grover.

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Mission Growth

As charter governor of a newly bifurcated district with 87 clubs, Mahaveer Bothra has made membership growth his top priority. Under his leadership, the district has grown by 35 per cent, reaching 3,300 members, with a target of 4,500 by year-end. “It’s not just about numbers but about engagement. A strong club is built on meaningful connections and regular in-person meetings where Rotarians and their families feel valued.” His Join Rotary outreach programme through social media campaigns and banners in key city locations and on public transport vehicles has been instrumental in attracting new members.

By honouring past club presidents and new Rotarians, he aims to strengthen retention. Over 3,400 members have received digital membership cards, offering special discounts, vouchers and gifts.

He was instrumental in facilitating a pilgrimage to Tirupati from Chennai for 1,008 differently-abled children spending ₹27 lakh for a special train, ₹12 lakh for buses, and ₹25 lakh for insurance. “The endeavour highlighted Rotary’s impact and its ability to mobilise resources.” As part of the Go Green initiative, five lakh saplings will be planted across Chennai. Autorickshaws have been provided to 100 women from underprivileged families.