Dear friends in Rotary,
Time is flying by, and we already find ourselves in October — a quarter of the Rotary year behind us. October is always a meaningful month. Across Rotary, it is the Economic and Community Development month, and it is also the month in which we mark World Polio Day on October 24.
Since 1985, Rotary has been at the heart of one of humanity’s most extraordinary missions — the fight to end polio. From 1,000 cases every day, to the very edge of eradication, our journey has been nothing short of remarkable. We have immunised over 2.5 billion children, contributed $2.7 billion, and forged powerful partnerships, especially with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. But the promise is not yet fulfilled. This World Polio Day, I invite every Rotarian across our zones to contribute $50 to PolioPlus. With the 2-for-1 match from the Gates Foundation, your gift becomes $150, bringing us closer to finishing this historic task.
We also know that the economic and development challenges facing our region and the world, is slowing growth. Rising living costs, poverty, youth unemployment and inequality continue to weigh heavily. But Rotary is uniquely placed to respond to these challenges. By creating livelihoods, empowering women and youth, improving education and health, and developing sustainable projects, we can turn challenges into opportunities. Each act of service, however small, contributes to the progress of our communities and advances the Sustainable Development Goals.
The first quarter of this year has already been inspiring. Across our zones, we have welcomed nearly 12,000 new Rotarians, taking India’s membership to close to 180,000 Rotarians. Rotaract continues to thrive with 38,357 members. And together, we have contributed over $3 million to The Rotary Foundation. These achievements remind us of what is possible when we act with purpose.
The road ahead is about sustaining this momentum — by engaging our members deeply, serving our communities with heart, and working closely with CSR partners to expand our reach and impact.
The world needs Rotary — and it needs us now. Let us grow stronger, give more generously, and serve with renewed purpose. We can truly Unite for Good.
You make us proud every single day.
K P Nagesh
RI Director, 2025–27