THE ROTATOR - Issue 06

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Happy Independence Day

DPS Whitefield Model United Nations 2025

Held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025
The DPS Whitefield MUN 2025 was a remarkable simulation of the United Nations, bringing together over 400 passionate students from various schools.
Held over three days, the event provided a dynamic platform for students from Grade 9 onwards to engage in thoughtful debate and diplomatic discussions on pressing global issues and crisis resolution.
Each delegate represented a country and participated in intense negotiations, truly capturing the spirit of international diplomacy. It was particularly heartening to witness the level of enthusiasm and awareness among the youth. The Indian Parliament committee added a vibrant cultural touch, with delegates dressed in traditional Indian attire.
The MUN was inaugurated by Rtn. Annabelle, who set a reflective tone with a powerful Red Indian proverb:
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Her inspiring words encouraged students to think about sustainable leadership and their role in shaping the future.
Rtn. Minku further motivated the delegates by urging them to grow into ethical and responsible global leaders, who are driven by heartfulness and purpose
to hold humanity together.
The attendees included Rtn. Anju, Rotaractor Akhila, Rtn Minku Buttar.
A big thank you to the champions of this initiative, particularly Rtn. Annabelle, for making the event truly impactful.
⁃ Rtn Anju Agadi

KAPPE RAAGA : The night frog’s song wins global acclaim

At the sixth meeting of Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) for 2025-26, filmmaker Prashanth Nayaka’s short musical documentary, Kappe Raaga – The Song of Kumbara, a Night Frog, was the toast of the evening. Before the screening, Nayaka captivated the audience with the extraordinary story behind the making of the first-ever Kannada film to win the prestigious Green Oscar. He returned to the stage after the screening for an engaging interaction with attendees.
Speaking about the film’s origins, Nayaka recalled: “In 2016, I was roaming around the Western Ghats when I met a researcher in a small local restaurant. He told me about a new species of frog discovered just two years earlier in 2014. The frog is endemic to a single stream—found nowhere else in the world. If that stream dries up, the species will vanish forever. As a filmmaker, I was immediately excited by the challenge of capturing this rare creature on film, but there was one catch—we could only search for it at night.”

At the sixth meeting of Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) for 2025-26, filmmaker Prashanth Nayaka’s short musical documentary, Kappe Raaga – The Song of Kumbara, a Night Frog, was the toast of the evening. Before the screening, Nayaka captivated the audience with the extraordinary story behind the making of the first-ever Kannada film to win the prestigious Green Oscar. He returned to the stage after the screening for an engaging interaction with attendees.
Speaking about the film’s origins, Nayaka recalled: “In 2016, I was roaming around the Western Ghats when I met a researcher in a small local restaurant. He told me about a new species of frog discovered just two years earlier in 2014. The frog is endemic to a single stream—found nowhere else in the world. If that stream dries up, the species will vanish forever. As a filmmaker, I was immediately excited by the challenge of capturing this rare creature on film, but there was one catch—we could only search for it at night.”
The frog’s elusive nature made filming a test of patience, “No one had ever photographed or filmed it before. Like birds, it has a unique call pattern, but only the male calls, especially during the monsoon. It took us three to four days to figure out its call. Armed with nothing more than a small torch, we began our search at 7 p.m. and went on until early morning. On the third night, we finally spotted the male—just five feet away from a silent female. The male was calling continuously, but the female took her time; it was morning before she approached. The whole process was painstakingly slow.”
Nayaka explained the frog’s unusual courtship and reproduction: “Two or more males will call to attract a female, who then chooses a mate based on the call. There’s no mating as such; the female only needs the male to lay her eggs under rocks. The male selects the site and calls her there. When they finally meet, the male almost seems to say, ‘Welcome to my world.’ The female inspects the site carefully, checking water levels and height before deciding. On our tenth day of searching, we saw one female reject a male and jump into the stream. After that, finding another active male proved difficult—they’re only active for about three months a year.”
Persistence paid off the following year: “In 2017, we returned, braving leeches clinging to our bodies. We eventually found a female who approved of her suitor. The male mounted the female, pressing her stomach to help lay the eggs. After she left, he guarded the eggs for eight days until the tadpoles emerged—applying a protective coating to keep predators away. It was deeply emotional to witness such parental care and trust between them.”
Choosing to tell the story in an unconventional format, Nayaka opted for a musical commentary rather than a traditional documentary. “I wanted to make it accessible to local communities, so the lyrics were in Kannada, written by Pradeep Sastry with music composed by Ashwin P Kumar. Funding was difficult; the project was largely self-financed. We worked over 101 nights, clocking more than a thousand hours across six years, just to make this six-minute film. A short Behind the Scenes video shows the ordeal we went through.”
The result was Kappe Raaga—a film that blends science, art, and passion, and has now taken its place in history as the first Kannada film to win the Green Oscar.

Open Call to Artists for Participating in KALA FOR VIDYA

Here’s a chance for your art to be seen, appreciated, and sold – while making a real difference in young lives.
We are delighted to invite you to participate in Kala For Vidya – the Rotary Club of Bangalore’s flagship art fundraiser, supporting the education of 450 underserved children.
This year, Kala For Vidya will aim at reaching more artistes with a 3-day physical exhibition at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) from 10–12 October 2025, and a 3-month online exhibition & sale from 1 October to 31 December 2025.
Why you should participate:
Prestigious Platform: Selected works will be displayed at the BIC, one of Bengaluru’s most respected cultural venues – attracting art lovers, collectors, and the city’s cultural elite.
Two Chances to Shine: Even if not chosen for physical display, entries may be featured in the online gallery & sale.
Extended Exposure: 3 months online + 3 days at BIC = maximum visibility and higher chances of sale.
Get Noticed by Influencers: In the last 4 years alone, KFV has showcased over 80 established and emerging artists – connecting them with patrons, collectors, and curators.
Affordable Entry: A single entry fee covers up to 3 artworks, making it highly cost-effective.
Price Flexibility: Artists set their own selling price, and the organisers simply add a nominal, industry-standard commission – ensuring fair returns while contributing to the cause.
Social Impact: All funds raised (entry fees + a small share of sales) directly fund education for 450 underserved children. Even if a work isn’t sold, the artist contributes to a meaningful cause.
Entry Form and details: www.rcb1934.in/kalaforvidya
Together, let us make a real difference in young lives.
For any queries, please contact:
Rtn. Jyoti C Singh Deo, Chair, Kala For Vidya Team, +919739712750
Thank you for your time and attention and we look forward to receiving your entries and showcasing your work to art lovers across India.
Warm regards,
-Rtn. Sandeep Ohri
Director – International Services

ShieldHer at Aurigene: Scientific Dialogue on Cervical Cancer Awareness

The 46th session of ShieldHer: United Against Cervical Cancer was held on July 31, 2025, at Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services Ltd. and Aurigene
Oncology Ltd.(subsidiaries of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories) in Phase II, Electronic City, Bengaluru.
Dr. Kiran Kulkarni (Associate Professor, St. John’s Medical College Hospital), led an engaging session that simplified complex scientific concepts
related to cervical cancer, early detection, and HPV vaccination.
The event drew 125 employees (60 in person and 65 online), primarily from scientific and research backgrounds in chemistry and life sciences. A
robust Q&A followed, with thought-provoking discussions on biomarker-based screening and vaccine accessibility, highlighting the importance
of reinforcing awareness even within scientifically trained communities.
Sincere thanks to Ms. Sagarika Tad and Ms. Pranjali Pramod Waghaye for their exceptional coordination. Their efforts enabled a seamless session
that not only empowered attendees with actionable insights but also strengthened Aurigene’s focus on preventive health and employee wellbeing.
– Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P. R. & Rtn. Dr. Nita Roy

Satyarup Siddhanta
Youth Icon & Record-Breaking Mountaineer

Earlier this year, RHF was honored to host Satyarup Siddhanta, a pioneering mountaineer and an inspiration to adventurers worldwide. Satyarup holds the record as the world’s youngest to scale both the Seven Summits and the Seven Volcanic Summits.
At our Exemplar presentations, we proudly recognized him as a Youth Icon for his exceptional achievements and spirit of perseverance.
In a wonderful gesture, Satyarup carried our RCB flag and spread the Rotary message during his upcoming expedition – none other than to the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro.