THE ROTATOR - Issue 36

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Fundraiser Concert and Women’s Empowerment Dialogue on International Women’s Day

A special fundraiser concert by Vid. Sooryagayatri was held on March 8, 2026, at Kala Compound, organized by The Billion Hopes Philanthropic Fund in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bangalore and supported by Aarogya Seva. The initiative was led by Rtn. Dr. Daya, whose dedicated efforts and magnanimous vision brought together music and philanthropy to commemorate International Women’s Day while supporting community initiatives
The evening began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Rtn. Sukhen Padmanabha, followed by a welcome address and invocation. A panel discussion titled “Empowered Women, Empowered Nation” highlighted perspectives on women’s empowerment and social impact.

During the program, Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P. R. presented an update on ShieldHer: United Against Cervical Cancer, highlighting initiatives focused on cervical cancer awareness, screening, and prevention. Rtn. Abhijith Shankar shared insights on StrongHer, an initiative dedicated to awareness and training in self-defence for girls, aimed at strengthening confidence and safety among young women.
The evening culminated in a soulful concert by Vid. Sooryagayatri, interspersed with presentations on the Giving Circle initiatives supporting healthcare, education, community development, and sustainable livelihoods. The program concluded with the felicitation of the artist and a vote of thanks.

-Rtn. Dr. Sowmya. P. R.

The Oceanik Walkathon 2026

Organized by Oceanik Education Society, the walkathon has over 250 enthusiastic participants stride through the finish line at Manyata Tech Park, celebrating diversity & inclusion.
Our supporting partners Rotary Club of Bangalore, Hilton Garden Inn Manyata Business Park, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Embassy REIT, and State Street made the walkathon vibrant and impactful.
Participants were of different age group,came from varied background, the specially abled, the hearing and speech impaired and visually challenged. The walkathon inspired unity, empowerment, and celebration of differences, leaving everyone energized and motivated for future initiatives.

-Rtn. Kalyani Talukder

Behind the Camera, Beyond Barriers: Her Lens, Her Truth

The Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) launched the International Film Festival for a Cause in 2023-24 under President Rtn. Nalini Nanjundayya, aiming to empower women from marginalised communities through careers in film. Funds raised support training in behind-the-camera roles, addressing the industry’s gender gap. In its first phase, 70 Parikrama School students trained in Voice Over with filmmaker Champa Shetty. Later, 12 young women received hands-on documentary filmmaking guidance from Richa Khandelwal Bhat, with four producing impactful films. Supported by FIPRESCI, the initiative has grown through successive editions, showcasing international films and expanding outreach. By equipping women with skills in cinematography, sound, scriptwriting, and photography, RCB envisions sustainable livelihoods, greater gender diversity, and social transformation through creative industries.
Moderated by film critic and Artistic Director N. Vidyashankar, the discussion highlighted the urgent need to address the lack of women in technical and creative roles behind the camera. This became the turning point that inspired RCB to move from awareness to action.
Titled Her Lens, Her Truth, the session brought together two acclaimed voices of Indian cinema, Ananya Kasaravalli and Vijayalakshmi Singh under the moderation of Dr. Vidya Shankar, a noted expert on cinema.
What unfolded was not just a conversation, but a collective call to dismantle the entrenched biases that continue to shadow women in the film industry.
Dr. Shankar opened the dialogue with a reminder that cinema, often celebrated as a mirror of society, has historically reflected only half the truth. “The stories we see on screen are shaped by who gets to tell them,” he said, setting the tone for a discussion that would probe the invisible barriers women face behind the camera.
Ananya Kasaravalli, known for her nuanced storytelling, spoke candidly about the lack of respect accorded to women directors and technicians. “There is a perception that women cannot handle the pressures of filmmaking,” she observed. “Even when we prove ourselves, there is resistance. Men often don’t listen to us, and our creative decisions are questioned in ways that rarely happen with male counterparts.” Her words captured the frustration of many women who find themselves at crossroads,talented, ambitious, yet left alonet o navigate a system that does not fully embrace them.
Vijayalakshmi Singh, both an actress and director, added that the bias is not only structural but cultural. “Women are still seen as objects on screen rather than as artists. The male actor is celebrated as the hero, while the woman is relegated to being a supporting presence, often stripped of agency. This imbalance perpetuates the idea that women are secondary, both in front of and behind the camera.” She emphasised that gender parity remains elusive, despite the growing number of women entering the industry.
Rtn Nalini Nanjundayya, who also participated in the debate highlighted the hurdles that women producers and directors face in securing funding and distribution. “There is scepticism about whether women-led projects can succeed commercially.
The panelists agreed that while there has been some progress in recent years, with audiences beginning to accept women’s voices behind the camera, the pace of change is slow. Token gestures of inclusion are not enough; what is needed is a genuine shift in attitudes. “We are not asking for favours,” Kasaravalli and Vijayalakshmi stressed. “We are asking for fairness,a level playing field where our work is judged on merit, not on gender.”
Dr. Shankar, weaving together the insights of the panel, emphasised that change must occur at both individual and societal levels. “Male dominance in cinema must end. Women should not be looked at as mere objects but as talented players who bring unique perspectives to storytelling. Respect is not optional,it is fundamental.” His words carried the weight of both scholarship and conviction, urging the industry to confront its biases.
The discussion also touched upon the evolving concept of gender fluidity in cinema. Singh noted that while some filmmakers are experimenting with narratives that challenge traditional gender roles, these remain exceptions rather than the norm. “Fluidity is acknowledged in theory, but in practice, the industry still clings to rigid stereotypes,” she said. The panelists urged filmmakers to embrace diversity not just in casting but in creative leadership, allowing women to shape narratives that reflect the complexities of contemporary society.
The panelists acknowledged the hurdles but also celebrated the resilience of women who continue to carve spaces for themselves in cinema. “We have to keep pushing,” Nanjundayya said. “Every film we make, every role we play, is a step towards change. But the industry must meet us halfway.”
On this International Women’s Day, Her Lens, Her Truth became more than a panel discussion. It became a manifesto for change, a reminder that cinema cannot claim to be universal until it embraces the voices of women, not as objects, not as afterthoughts, but as creators, leaders, and visionaries.

Her Name in the Credits Women Recognised by RCB on International women’s day

As part of the evening’s special appreciation segment, “Her Name in the Credits,” the Rotary Club of Bangalore recognised eight remarkable women whose journeys and contributions have inspired those around them.
Kalpana Rao was honoured for her extraordinary journey of resilience and reinvention building a successful fashion brand for over two decades while raising two children as a single mother, and courageously beginning a new career in cinema at the age of 55.
Dr. Padmini Sudarshana, a distinguished scientist, was recognised for a life defined by intellect, courage, and adventure. From a successful career in science to trekking the Himalayas and pursuing music and art in her second innings, she continues to inspire with her fearless spirit.
Dr. Geetika Manjunath was honoured for her visionary leadership in healthcare innovation, pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to make quality healthcare more accessible and impactful.
Janaki Narayan was recognised for her deep commitment to supporting children with learning differences. Through her work in special education, teacher training, and parent programs, she has helped many children find confidence and their rightful place in society.
Antra Bhargava was honoured for empowering women through communities of support and mentorship. Through initiatives such as Women Orbiting Women, she has created powerful networks where women collaborate, grow, and lead together.
Shylaja H. Vittala, CEO of Dharma Technologies, was recognised for her pioneering work in agricultural innovation, designing affordable, farmer-friendly machines that support rural livelihoods and empower women entrepreneurs.
Meena Ganesh, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, was honoured for her remarkable contributions to building and scaling impactful ventures across healthcare, technology, and education, while remaining a grounded and inspiring leader.
The evening also recognised a remarkable woman whose post- retirement journey exemplifies lifelong learning, becoming a member of the MENSA High IQ Society, completing a doctorate in blockchain research, mentoring many professionals, and continuing to explore new fields such as Al and languages.
Together, these women represent courage, intellect, compassion, and leadership-reminding us that every community is strengthened by the women who quietly and powerfully shape it.
-Rtn. Niska Nanjundayya