RID 3233 engages past club presidents for growth

In a novel initiative to stress the importance of the vital role of past leadership in Rotary’s continued success, RI ­District 3233 recently organised ­Kalankarai Vilakku, a conclave in Chennai  dedicated to past presidents of clubs in the district. The event drew an ­overwhelming response of over 450 participants, proving that the district leaders’ objective of engaging and leveraging the experience of former club leaders had hit the bull’s eye.

In his keynote address, past RI director A S Venkatesh used both wit and humour to engage the audience and, highlighted the role that past club presidents can play in the district’s growth as they comprised a precious group of trained talent, maturity and wisdom. Through their meaningful engagement they can contribute to the growth of not only their own clubs but also the district.

Addressing the meet RID 3233 district counsellor and PDG ISAK Nazar underlined the strategic importance of recognising and engaging past presidents in the newly carved out district’s growth path. He said that RID 3233 had set a new benchmark in the Rotary world by organising such an innovative initiative and urged leaders to continue innovating all the time.

DG Mahaveer Bothra urged the Rotary community to always keep in mind the crucial mentorship role that past presidents had played as their clubs’ leaders in growing Rotary’s membership in India, a feat that made India proud when it came to membership growth. He shared the district’s impressive achievement as global number two in membership growth and outlined his vision for taking the district’s membership to an impressive 6,000-mark by the year end.

Interactive learning and recognition

A highlight of the conclave was an innovative online presentation titled Down Memory Lane by DGE D Devendran and DGN Shriram ­Duvvuri. This interactive quiz on Rotary values and ethics used mobile technology for audience participation, demonstrating how ­modern tools can enhance engagement in Rotary meetings.

The event featured special ­recognition for past presidents with over 30 years of service in an acknowledgement of their sustained commitment to Rotary’s ideals. A talk show on expectations from past presidents for clubs and district, moderated by PDGs A P Kanna, R Srinivasan, Dr ­Nandakumar, and J Venugopal, ­generated active ­participation and interesting discussion.

District learning facilitator PDG S Muthupalaniappan provided valuable insight into global grants and CSR projects, emphasising how past presidents can leverage these opportunities to enhance community service initiatives.

Setting new standards

The success of Kalankarai Vilakku, apart from its impressive attendance numbers, demonstrated how thoughtful engagement of past leadership can create a powerful foundation for future growth, said DG Bothra. He added that a specially designed photo booth featuring Rotary theme logos from 2010 to the present became an instant attraction, creating a space for participants to reconnect with their presidential year memories. The inclusion of current presidents as special observers, seated on elevated platforms flanking the stage, added another dimension to the gathering.

The event not only celebrated past leadership but also reinvigorated these experienced Rotarians with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. It demonstrated how acknowledging past contributions while focusing on future opportunities can create a powerful platform for continued growth and service, said PDG Nazar.

DG Bothra thanked the event team led by chair Desiga Chozhan, ­secretary Lakshmanan, additional chairmen Dr S Vetrivel and Aario Babu.