Shaping Rotary’s future

Stepping into leadership means more than overseeing your district. It means shaping the future of Rotary. You are the driving force that will steer Rotary through times of change and ensure its continued strength and relevance,” said Institute convenor and RI Director Anirudha Roychowdhury at the inaugural training session for DGEs and DGNs at the Kochi Zone Institute.

This year the training seminars for incoming district leaders, traditionally known as GETS (­Governors-elect Training Seminar) and GNTS (­Governors-nominee ­Training ­Seminar), were renamed GELS (­Governors-elect Learning ­Seminar) and GNLS (­Governors-nominee Learning Seminar). “As district leaders, you hold the power to drive change through your club leaders, who understand well their local communities. This seminar equips you with the tools to fulfil this vital role,” said Roychowdhury.

RIPN Sangkoo Yun shared inspiring examples of Rotary’s global impact, such as its partnership with the WHO in Gaza, which enabled vaccinations for 90 per cent of children there through a $500,000 Rotary contribution. “Rotary’s work demonstrates that together we can create miracles. Whether eradicating poverty, improving health or expanding education, our collective efforts are changing lives. Let’s continue to build on this momentum,” he said.

You are the driving force that will steer Rotary through times of change and ensure its continued strength and relevance.

— Anirudha Roychowdhury
RI Director and Institute Convenor

PRIP Shekhar Mehta urged leaders to rise above challenges with a visionary approach. “Like an eagle soaring above the storm, dream big when you have a vision. Of the 5,000 people in your district, you were chosen because they believe you have a vision greater than theirs,” he remarked. Reflecting on Rotary’s achievements, such as the polio eradication drive, he noted, “Rotary’s initiative saved 20 million children — equivalent to the casualties of World War I. Clear goals and detailed plans turned this dream into reality.” He encouraged leaders to communicate their goals, delegate tasks and involve others in their journey.

PRIP K R Ravindran highlighted Rotary’s role in shaping global peace efforts, including its contribution to the formation of UNESCO and the UN. In 1942, a meeting organised by RC London helped draft a framework for UNESCO, he said. When the UN was officially established in 1945, 50 Rotarians participated as part of official delegations; 27 Rotarians were key leaders in task forces. Paul-Henri Spaak of RC Brussels became the first president of the UN General Assembly, and in the subsequent decade, five other Rotarians assumed the role, he said.

Talking about the power of collaboration he noted, “Too often, we operate as if we are individual islands, limited by our own shores. But imagine if we behaved like an archipelago, where individual islands are interconnected, forming a stronger, unified whole. In Rotary, service is the glue that binds us together. Collaboration multiplies our impact, enabling us to achieve far more than any single club or individual could on their own.”

Ravindran also described the partnership with the Sri Lankan government and corporate funding that helped Rotary set a goal to eradicate cervical cancer in the country by 2030. “One of our major tea companies promised us ₹7.5 crore, provided we match it. Armed with this commitment, we turned to the government which agreed to contribute 50 per cent of the pledge. Rotary stepped in with the balance, completing the required funding. And we are on track to achieve our goal,” he explained.

TRF Trustee Bharat Pandya reiterated that polio eradication remains Rotary’s top priority, despite challenges in regions like Pakistan and ­Afghanistan. “This fight is about saving children and securing their futures,” he said, urging leaders to expand the donor base for PolioPlus, Annual Funds and the Endowment Fund. He also announced plans for a new peace centre in Asia with Kyung Hee University in Seoul and Symbiosis University in Pune as potential centres.

RID Raju Subramanian stressed early conflict resolution at the club and district levels, recommending dispute redressal mechanisms in club bylaws. “Rotary thrives on mutual respect and collaboration. Foster a culture of listening and understanding,” he advised.

PRID Mahesh Kotbagi, the general facilitator for the learning sessions, noted that impactful leadership requires identifying community needs and delivering effective solutions. “Leadership is about execution, trust and empowering others to contribute to a shared vision,” he said. PRID A S Venkatesh emphasised member retention through meaningful experiences, advocating for deeper diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. “True DEI goes beyond gender diversity to embrace people of all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives, so that all members feel valued and respected,” he said.

RIDEs K P Nagesh and M Muruganandam outlined their plans to focus on membership growth, increasing AKS members and securing directed gifts.

The partners of DGEs and DGNs also underwent orientation sessions, convened by Shipra Roychowdhury and Vidhya Subramanian. The sessions included an introduction to Rotary’s structure, preparation for the International Assembly and guidance on professional presentation, etiquette and networking.

Amita Kotbagi provided insight into Rotary’s Areas of Focus and grants, while Madhavi Pandya discussed TRF’s funds and polio eradication efforts. Experienced leaders such as Vinita Venkatesh, Vanathy ­Ravindran, Uma Nagesh and Sumathi Muruganandam shared practical advice on social integration and relationship building, ensuring that partners are well-prepared to support their roles as Rotary ambassadors.

PDG Kishore Cherukumalli served as the GELS chair, with PDG Sandeep Narang chairing GNLS.

Pictures by Jaishree