New AKS members honoured
On the eve of the Zone Institute, nine Rotarians were inducted into the prestigious Arch Klumph Society. Thanking the inductees for their generosity, RI President Stephanie Urchick said, “Individuals like you, with your vision and generosity, keep the Foundation strong. You enable the incredible work—the magic—that Rotary creates across the globe.”
TRF Trustee Bharat Pandya assured the donors that their money will be spent for the right cause it was meant for, in a structured manner. He thanked them “on behalf of the trustees, the countless lives you’ve impacted, and our Rotary leaders.”
TRF Trustee Martha Helman, representing TRF Trustee Chair Mark Maloney at the Institute, commended the initiatives of Rotarians in India. She highlighted the transformation of government schools through the Happy Schools programme, creating clean, healthy and inspiring environments for students to thrive, and the achievement of the Rotary Club of Delhi Premier securing the fourth Programs of Scale grant that would support critical water management projects, positively impacting countless lives.
“These initiatives are nothing short of spectacular; they also highlight the vital role of financial support. As Rotarians, it’s up to us to step up, dig deep and ensure that these transformative projects continue to flourish,” she said. Addressing the new AKS members she added, “I know how meaningful this occasion is, having experienced my own induction last year. Welcome to the Society. We celebrate your commitment, generosity and passion for service.”
A little earlier, the new AKS inductees shared their stories on the essence of giving, and of what inspired them to support TRF.
RID 3011 PDG N Subramanian said, “Our involvement with Rotary over the years has taught me the value of philanthropy over charity. We like the global approach of Rotary, its areas of focus, and the audacious goals that we set for ourselves.”
RID 3211 PDG Krishnan G Nair said, “As long as I am a Rotarian and able to spare even $1, I will continue to support the Foundation. Knowing that someone, somewhere, lives a happier, more peaceful life because of our contributions is reward enough for my family and me.”
Sourabh Khemani recalled how he was denied membership in RC Calcutta in 2010 because his wife was already a Rotarian. He had to wait for five more years when RI decided to accept couple membership. “Social service is more than just writing a cheque. True ownership comes from arranging funds and ensuring successful completion of projects,”
he noted.
Hemant Bhasin, member of RC Delhi South End, RID 3011, recalled his 96-year-old mother, a Rotarian 30 years ago, who would say that Rotarians are blessed people because they have the time, resources and inclination to give back to the society. He recounted his decision to forgo a Mercedes that his children had proposed to gift him on his 70th birthday, instead contributing the amount to TRF to join AKS. “I urged them to let me donate this money to TRF and invest in something meaningful, earning the blessings and goodwill of people around us, rather than add one more vehicle to our garage.”
Mahinder Jain, a cancer survivor and a 30-year member of RC Madras, said that his contribution to TRF will support two causes — maternal and child health, and providing shelter for the socioeconomically backward Narikurava tribe.
Manjeet Kripalani, a third-generation Rotarian hailing from a family that endured the trials of partition, but “always guided by the Rotary Four-Way Test,” said that her donation to TRF honours the memory of her parents and grandparents, and hopes that “our contributions will promote health and longevity for our fellow citizens.” Manjeet is a member of RC Bombay, RID 3141.
M R Jaishankar of RC Bangalore Midtown, RID 3191, recalled his involvement in distributing wheelchairs to 101 physically-challenged people and low-cost homes to 125 less privileged people in South Bengaluru.
Kochouseph Chittilappilly, a member of RC Cochin Central, RID 3201, and Navas Meeran of RC Cochin South, RID 3201, were honoured in absentia at the Zone Institute.
Pictures by Hemant Banswal
