Next Rotary Institute in Vizag

Feeling dazed after the fun and excitement at the Mahabs 21 Institute? Then recharge your batteries for more such merriment at Visakha Vista 22, the upcoming zone institute at the port city of Vizag, from Dec 9–11, filled with all the razzmatazz you will never forget, said RID Mahesh Kotbagi, announcing the next institute to be chaired by PDG Ch Kishore Kumar. “We chose Vizag as the city is less exposed to Rotarians, but is rich in heritage and has many places of interest to explore and learn,” he said.

In his presentation, PDG Kumar and spouse Shoba invited Rotarians to the commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh to explore its famous temples, scenic beaches, ­one-of-its-kind submarine and aircraft museums, and a former Dutch colony (­Bheemunipatnam), a scenic village attracting tourists, near the port city. “Vizag with a population of 2.5 million is the largest city in Andhra and a Smart City with many industries such as oil drilling, steel and chemical plants. Even during the Covid pandemic, the city airport handled 30 flights and 10,000 passengers a day,” he explained.

The Golden Quadrilateral highways connect all the six major metros in the country and “one can reach either ­Kolkata or Chennai in both directions with ease as Vizag offers great road connectivity,” he said. Recently, 62 navies of the world took part in a major event hosted by the Eastern Naval Command that operates from here. The port city is a great holiday getaway with scenic beaches and a thriving hospitality sector with hotels offering a host of services for tourists. For the religious, ­Simhachalam and Annavaram temples are an attraction; while the Araku ­Valley with its undulating hills, ravines and gorges dotted with tribal settlements takes us to another world. “We will have a number of fun sessions along with opportunities to learn together and network,” said Shoba.

RI President Shekhar Mehta released the Visakha Vista logo, launched its website and URL to facilitate online registration. Clad in traditional veshti (dhoti), angavastram and pleated sarees, the members of the organising committee led by Kotbagi and Kishore Kumar danced to a hit Telugu number.

Picture by K Vishwanathan