RI director M Muruganandam has been chosen by RIPE Olayinka Babalola and the RI Board of Directors to serve as vice-president of Rotary International for 2026–27. He will be the fourth Indian to serve as VP, after B T Thakur (1946–47), Shapoor Billymoria (1949–50) and Nitish Laharry (1953–54).
Muruganandam’s Rotary journey began at 16 in Rotaract; he became a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation while still a Rotaractor. In 2016–17, as one of the youngest governors of RID 3000, he spearheaded record-breaking initiatives recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records to commemorate TRF’s centennial.
He also played a pivotal role in chartering 99 Rotaract clubs, 250 Interact clubs and 100 RCCs in his district. He is the recipient of RI’s Vocational Service Leadership Award and TRF’s Citation for Meritorious Service.
Muruganandam and his wife Sumathi, both members of RC Bhel City Tiruchirapalli, support TRF as AKS members.