Our priorities: Growing membership, strengthening our Foundation
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Nature thrives on balance — every creature, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree, follows an unspoken code, existing in harmony with the ecosystem. Seasons change with precision, rivers carve their paths with purpose, and animals take only what they need to survive. Yet, amidst this intricate order, humankind stands apart — driven not just by necessity but often by desire. Unlike nature, which sustains, we consume; unlike forests, which replenish, we deplete. Our choices, shaped as much by need as by excess, have upset this delicate balance, making it imperative that we rethink our role as stewards of the planet. This month, as we focus on the environment, let us reflect not only on what we can do but what we must do to restore this equilibrium.
As the Rotary year wanes, we shift from counting months to counting days. The Magic Year will soon yield to Unite for Good, and while new leadership is prepared, the present teams press forward to fulfil their commitments. The seamless transition of leadership within Rotary is a testament to the strength of our organisation. As the proverb reminds us, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” True leadership is not about authority but legacy — the ability to sustain momentum, inspire those who follow, and ensure that every Rotarian and their family find meaning in fellowship and service.
For over 120 years, Rotary has worked magic in communities worldwide. Now, it is time to create magic for Rotary — to strengthen the very organisation that has given us so much. Two priorities demand our focus: growing our membership and securing our Foundation’s future. We stand at the threshold of achieving our $2.025 billion endowment goal, but until the final dollar is raised, our mission remains unfinished. This is our moment to seek, inspire and lead by example. True generosity is not just about giving — it is about igniting the spirit of giving in others. As I once read, “Spend your money on the things money can buy and spend your time on the things money can’t buy.” Let us invest in a future where our contributions create a lasting impact — one that money alone cannot measure, but humanity will always cherish.
The measure of our time in Rotary will not be in the projects we complete or the funds we raise, but in the lives we touch and the futures we help shape. As we stand at this juncture, with one year drawing to a close and another on the horizon, let us act with the quiet determination of those who build not for today, but for generations to come. Whether through service, generosity or the simple act of bringing others into our fold, our legacy will be written in the opportunities we create and the goodwill we foster.
The moment to act is always now, and the true measure of our effort will not be found in recognition, but in the better world we leave behind.
Raju Subramanian
RI Director, 2023–25
