Please note: Rotary News Annual subscription revised from July 2026: Print Rs 600 and E-Version Rs 360.

Children’s Books: An Indian Story is a treasure for those interested in Indian literature, whether total immersion or a toehold; whether writers, readers, teachers, editors or publishers. It’s an erudite perspective on aspects of our kidlit (children’s literature), which is attracting more and more attention because of its interesting history, our super-multi-cultural people and layered social issues. An awesome task, achieved with excellence by two doyens in this arena, Shailaja Menon and Sandhya Rao. The range and breadth of the subject require minds that are both learned and creative, both characteristics of Shailaja and Sandhya’s characters and works.

In 2023, Bharat Daga, then president of the Rotary Club of Raipur, RID 3261, turned his vision into reality by setting up a computer centre at the Amilidih Government School in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. “Most students here come from impoverished backgrounds; their parents are daily wagers, street vendors or domestic workers. Despite having 2,000 students, the school lacked a computer lab or digital classroom. Our club was determined to change that, and empower these children with skills needed for a brighter future,” he says.

Rotary International has stated that irrespective of the US government’s intention to withdraw from the WHO, a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), it remains “resolute in our mission to eradicate polio. As a founding partner of the GPEI, Rotary has for decades worked closely with GPEI partners, the US government, and other governments to end polio worldwide.” This effort has reduced the number of children paralysed by polio by 99.9 per cent since 1988. The global effort to eradicate polio has innovated many times over the years to come close to protecting every last child.

RC Kanpur, RID 3110, runs the Neki Ki Diwar (Wall of Kindness) at Rotary ­Shahid Park, Phoolbagh. During winter, this facility offers warm clothes, blankets, and other essentials to those in need. With active support from club members and the Rotaract Club of Kanpur Star, over 1,000 items have already been ­distributed this season.