THE ROTATOR - Issue 08

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

RCB Club Connect

Rotary Club of Bangalore hosted its 2nd edition of “RCB Club Connect” – an initiative by International Service that resonates deeply with this year’s Rotary theme, “Unite for Good”. The objective is to celebrate global Rotary impact, foster idea exchange, and build meaningful international connections.
In this edition, we hosted an inspiring line-up of speakers from:
Rotary Club of Makati Guadalupe (Philippines)
Rotary Club of Chengdu (China)
Rotary Club of Haute Rive (Mauritius)
Rotary Club of Bangalore (India)
Club of Makati Guadalupe (Philippines)
Speaker: Rtn. Roel Rodriguez (Immediate Past President)
Rotary Club of Makati Guadalupe, Philippines, represented by Roel Rodriguez, shared details about their club’s projects, including a football initiative for peace and education in Sulu, maternal and child health projects, and support for indigenous communities.
Rotary Club of Chengdu (China)
Speaker: Rtn. Micah Hale (Projects Chair/Past President) Rtn. Micah introduced the Rotary Club of Chengdu,highlighting its multinational membership and various community projects, including efforts to support education and health in China. Rtn Micah provided an overview of various charitable projects in Chengdu, including collaborations with local and international organizations. He highlightedHopeful Hearts, which performs heart surgeries for children, the Shichang Leprosy Project, and the Peace and Love Summer Camp, a program run by the Y.M.C.A. that provides care for children left behind by their working parents. Micah also discussed Hope Station, which offers support services for children with special needs, and a global grant project in partnership with five other Rotary clubs in China, which has funded 12 heart surgery cases for children with congenital heart defects.
Rotary Club of Haute Rive (Mauritius)
Speaker: Rtn. Navin Chengee (President)
Rtn. Navin shared details about their various community projects, including a successful renal screening initiative that serves 150 people annually, blood donation drives collecting 70-75 pints each time, and a job and education fair addressing labor shortages in Mauritius. They also discussed their environmental efforts, including rainwater harvesting projects in Rodrigues Island. The club highlighted their community outreach through drug awareness talks for minors and their fundraising activities, including golf and tennis events, while noting they received awards for best membership growth and public image in recent years. Rotary Club of Bangalore (India)
Speaker: Rtn. Sandeep Ohri (International Service Director)
Rtn. Sandeep presented a historical video about the Rotary Club of Bangalore, which was established in 1934 and is now in its 91st year. The club has been involved in various community service projects over the years, including disease prevention, education, economic development, and youth engagement. Sandeep highlighted some of the club’s major achievements, such as the establishment of the Rotary House of Friendship, the Rotary TTK Blood Bank, and the Rotary Bangalore Vidyalya.
The video also showcased the club’s commitment to promoting Rotary’s ideals through various events and competitions. The session concluded with following action points:
Rotary Club of Makati Guadalupe (Philippines) – Share videos of the Football for Peace and Education project in Sulu, Mindanao with the other clubs. Rotary Club of Chengdu (China) – Organize a strategy session with Chengdu Rotary Club board, treasurer, and experienced Rotary China members to discuss the best approach for international collaboration with Rotary Club of Bangalore. Explore non-financial collaboration opportunities between Chengdu and Bangalore Rotary Clubs, particularly for the YMCA Summer Camp project to investigate possibilities for online interactions between children/Rotaractors from both clubs to promote peace and understanding.
Rotary Club of Haute Rive (Mauritius) – Share job requirements from Mauritius companies with Rotary Club of Bangalore for potential recruitment from India.
Rotary Club of Bangalore (India) – Share information about heart surgery projects in Bangalore with Chengdu Rotary Club for potential collaboration.

Comprehensive Health Check-up Camp at RBV – An RCB Initiative

RCB in association with Ramaiah College conducted a medical camp for 300 students and their parents, which included checkups in internal medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, gynaecology, and dental care, along with blood pressure and blood glucose tests. The camp aimed to provide thorough health check-ups and raise awareness about preventive healthcare.
DETAILS OF THE CAMP
Participants : 300 students and their parents.
Services offered : Check-ups by specialists including:
– Internal Medicine
– Paediatrician (for students)
– Orthopaedics
– Gynaecologist
– Dental check-ups
Tests conducted: Blood pressure (BP) checks and blood glucose tests.
Conducted by : A team of healthcare professionals from Ramaiah Hospital in collaboration with Rotary School staff.
Outcomes
– Participants received comprehensive health check-ups and personalized advice on maintaining good health.
– Awareness was created about the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices.
– Free general medicines were also distributed to the participants.
– Follow-up recommendations were given for participants needing further medical attention.
Feedback
Participants appreciated the initiative, finding the health screenings informative and useful for personal health management.
Rtns Sukhen Padmanabha, Gowri Oza, Srinivas Velidanda, Anand Bindagi and Anju Agadi attended the camp.

-Rtn Anju Agadi

Breaking Barriers

Menstrual Hygiene Education in Urban Slums

In an effort to empower young girls and women in underserved communities, a menstrual hygiene session was conducted in Ambedkarnagar in Koramangala by RCB in association with Sociology department in Christ College on 24th Aug 2025. Rtn Sowmya conducted the session in Tamil for about 100 girls and women.
The session aimed to educate participants on menstrual health, hygiene practices, and to foster a culture of openness around a topic often shrouded in stigma.
The session brought together girls and women from the slum, providing them with vital information on managing menstruation with dignity. Topics included the importance of menstrual hygiene, use of sanitary products, and dispelling common myths that often hinder open discussion.
Understanding Menstrual Management Options
Reusable Pads : Eco-friendly and cost-effective over time, reusable pads were shown as an option for managing menstruation with reduced environmental impact.
Menstrual Cups : Also known as suction cups in some contexts, menstrual cups were explained as a hygienic and reusable option for menstrual management, requiring proper cleaning and care.
Props were used to demonstrate how to use reusable pads and menstrual cups effectively. This hands-on approach helped participants understand the practical aspects of these menstrual management tools.
Outcomes and Impact
Participants left with increased knowledge and confidence in managing their menstrual health. By addressing taboos and encouraging dialogue, the initiative contributed to breaking down barriers around menstruation in the community.
Moving Forward
Such educational initiatives highlight the need for continued support and resources for menstrual hygiene in underserved areas. Empowering women and girls with knowledge and access to resources is key to promoting health and hygiene.
Rtns Gertrude, Anju and Veena Saraswati attended the session.

Faith, Festivity and Resilience Shine in ‘Journey Beyond Obstacles’

On the eve of the Gowri Ganesha festival, the Rotary fraternity comprising of Rotarians, Annes and Rotaractors came together in their ethnic finery to stage Journey Beyond Obstacles, a vibrant medley of dance, music and skits. The cultural spectacle, conceptualised and choreographed by Rtn Anuradha Verma and anchored with verve by Rtn Manish Paul, was a tribute to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, while also celebrating the indomitable human spirit. The evening unfolded in a series of thoughtfully curated sequences, each exploring timeless values of faith, truth, love and integrity.
The opening sequence, A New Beginning, symbolised life’s challenges and the innate human power to rise above them. Through expressive dance, performers evoked the image of a river born of snow, struggling through rocky mountains, yet determined to flow into the sea mirroring the resilience within us all.

This was followed by a dramatised retelling of the classical tale of Ganesha and Kartikeya vying for a divine fruit offered by their parents, Shiva and Parvati. While Kartikeya, astride his peacock, circled the world in a show of speed, Ganesha, astride his humble mouse, chose instead to circle his parents, declaring them to be his world. Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Shiva and Parvati crowned Ganesha the victor a lesson in intellect and reverence triumphing over mere might.

The third sequence wove together a trilogy of everyday struggles: a student’s anguish over exam failure, the hardships of domestic workers, and the unexpected barriers life throws in our path. Each vignette demonstrated how challenges can be overcome with a blend of courage, mentorship and perseverance. The segment was underscored by the poignant song Yeh Faisla Kaise Jukhe, Yeh Arzoo Kaise Ruke, heightening its emotional resonance.

An energetic dance followed, exalting the unstoppable human spirit. Set to the uplifting tunes of Yun Hi Chala Chal, Kitni Haseen Hai Yeh Duniya and Aashaein Khile Dil Ki/Ummidein Hase Dil Ki, the performance brimmed with optimism and collective joy.

Adding a personal touch, Rtn Sanjay Udani shared three anecdotes from his childhood in the late 1960s. One particularly memorable story recounted his struggle with obesity. Teased mercilessly by his classmates, he found his turning point when his father held up a mirror and asked bluntly, “What’s your problem?” That moment of realisation spurred him to transform himself; within a year, he rose to become his school’s games captain. His story struck a chord with the audience, embodying the spirit of resilience at the heart of the evening.
The finale saw all the artistes march to the rousing anthem Zinda, holding placards emblazoned with words such as faith, love, respect, empathy and happiness. It was a stirring conclusion both celebratory and reflective encapsulating the essence of the festival and the collective spirit of the Rotary community.

47th ShieldHer Session at Biocon Biologics Limited

The 47th Session of ShieldHer: United Against Cervical Cancer was held on August 21, 2025, at Biocon Biologics Limted (BBL), Biocon Park, Bengaluru. The session, led by Dr. Vidyamani Lingegowda (Senior Consultant, OBGYN, Sagar Chandramma Hospital), highlighted the critical importance of early screening and HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention.
A special highlight was the Fireside Chat with Dr. Vidyamaniand Dr. Namrata Sugandhi (Consultant, OBGYN, Sagar Chandramma Hospital), covering women’s important health issues such as PCOD, PCOS, Perimenopause, and Menopause. Both experts provided practical guidance, debunked myths, and encouraged open & informed dialogue.
With 250 participants (100 in person and 150 online), the session prompted insightful questions—not only on HPV vaccination, screening protocols, and
diagnostic advancements, but also on managing PCOD, PCOS, hormonal changes during perimenopause, and menopausal health. The enthusiastic engagement underscored the continued need to strengthen awareness on women’s health, even among scientifically educated professionals.
Special thanks to the Biocon team, especially Mr. ChellaPandian and Ms. Seema Bhandarkar, for their exceptional coordination in delivering this impactful initiative—advancing workplace wellness and preventive healthcare.
— Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P. R.