THE ROTATOR - Issue 10

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Walk in Lalbagh Botanical Garden

On Saturday, 29th August, RAGES in association with WWF for Nature Karnataka conducted the first walk in Lalbagh Botanical Garden.30 students of RBV School arrived early in the morning and were taken on a guided Nature appreciation walk for two hours by reputed naturalist Mr. J.N.Prasad. Varieties of birds like barbets, owls, kites, etc were spotted, and their unique behaviour was explained by the naturalist. Myriad plants, trees and insects were identified, and the children of our school along with the Rotarians present had a unique morning. The project ended with breakfast amongst the members of RAGES.
-Rtn Jayanth Rudra

Rakhi for Rakshak – A Share a Smile Project

The Rotary Club of Bangalore celebrated “Rakhi for Rakshaks” at Cubbon Park Police Station on Aug 28 -an initiative to express gratitude towards the police personnel who protect and serve our community every day.
The celebration brought together 25+ Rotarians, Inner Wheel members and Rotaractors, who tied Rakhis and presented tokens of appreciation to 80 police personnel, making the occasion a heartfelt celebration of gratitude, respect and service.
The project was attended by President Rtn. Vineetha Chinappa and Secretary Rtn. Vijay Rao, and was championed by Rtn. Vishakha Dalal.
A simple thread, a heartfelt thank you, and many smiles shared with our Rakshaks.
-Rtn Vishaka Suryakant

OFF THE CUFF – When I Became A Rotarian

A few years ago, an elderly Rotarian from America came to Bangalore to address a gathering of Rotarians at Chowdiah Hall.
He began by asking, “Those who are members of a Rotary Club, please raise your hands.”
Almost everyone raised their hands.
He then asked, “Those who are Rotarians, please raise your hands.”
We were puzzled. Weren’t we all Rotarians?
He smiled and said, “There is a difference between being a member of a Rotary Club and being a true Rotarian.”
The Rotary Club of Chicago had about 500 members. One day, its President called a member who was the Chairman of a large oil company.
“There is a seriously ill woman at this address who needs to be taken to the hospital. Please go immediately.”
The Chairman explained that he was attending an important foreign delegation and could not leave.
The President simply reminded him of the Club’s rule: when Rotary calls for service, a Rotarian responds.
The Chairman left his meeting and went to the address. It was an old building with no lift, and the woman was on the third floor.
Inside, he found a little boy sitting beside his ailing mother. He carried the woman to the hospital, got her admitted, and even paid her hospital bill.
As he was leaving, the little boy tugged at his coat and asked innocently: “Are you God?”
The Chairman was surprised and said, “No. Why do you think I am God?”
The child replied, “My mother has been crying all morning and asking God to take her to a hospital. Then you came.”
The Chairman returned to his office deeply moved. He wrote to the President: “Today, I have learnt what it means to be a Rotarian.”
The American Rotarian concluded: “Being a member of Rotary is a position. Being a Rotarian is a commitment to service.”
That day, I understood the difference too.
– Rtn. Arjun Menda

Bhoomi Pooja for Mini Lake Construction

RCB performed the Bhoomi Pooja for its Mini Lake Project at the BSF Campus on 30 August 2026. Construction commenced on 31 August, with the aim of harvesting rainwater and recharging groundwater.
The Mini Lake will hold approximately 75 lakh litres of water and is generously financed by Collins. A wonderful step towards water conservation and a greener Bengaluru. Cheers, RCB!
– PP Rtn. Ranga Rao

Sizzling Farewell: A Cookout Symphony on the Rooftop

The last Monday of the last day of August carried with it a peculiar weight, a hush that seemed to settle over the Rotary House of Friendship. The building, aged yet dignified, stood as though it had been silent all its life, waiting for this one final evening to sing its swan song before vanishing into thin air. And what a song it was-an ode to food, fellowship, and memories, wrapped in the smoky aroma of grills and laughter. It was the last Men’s Cookout Night, staged on the rooftop, a culinary carnival that would etch itself into the hearts of all who attended.
Before the flames were lit and the skewers turned, the evening opened with a tete-a-tete that set the tone. Celebrated chef Abhijit Saha, in conversation with Rotarian Sunil, spoke of the delicate line between a chef and a cook. His words carried the cadence of wisdom: both roles, he said, are bound by one common thread-the love of cooking. At home, cooking can be a pleasure, a ritual of love; in the professional kitchen, it can be a storm of stress, a relentless pursuit of perfection. Yet, whether in a humble household or a bustling restaurant, the essence remains the same-joy in creation, joy in serving. He reminded the gathering that in restaurants, it is not about one dish but many, orchestrated together to create an experience that lingers long after the meal is done. His reflections on culinary artistry and entrepreneurship floated into the night air, like incense, before dissolving into the anticipation of the feast to come.
And then, the stage was set. A dozen Rotarians, donning aprons and armed with ladles, knives, and a dash of bravado, transformed into chefs for the night. The rooftop of RHF, bathed in twilight, became a festival ground.
Glamorous lady Rotarians added sparkle to the proceedings, their laughter and signature drinks weaving seamlessly into the tapestry of the evening.
The food parade began with starters that teased the palate. Rtn Deepak Jumani and his team offered “Gol Mol” salads, playful in name and flavour.
Rtn Nilesh Kapse brought forth Mango Salad and Mango Salsa, a burst of tropical sunshine on plates. Rtn Akil Rassai’s Bhori Chicken Samosas and Shawarmas, alongside his mutton sheek kebabs, filled the air with spices that beckoned hungry souls. Rtn Nilesh returned with Sabudana Vadas, crisp and golden, while Shabbir’s Bhori-style channa bateta carried the warmth of tradition. Dr. Girish Mood’s guacamole and chips added a creamy, tangy twist, and Adithya Eashwaran’s Chilli Con Carne with tortilla chips brought a Tex-Mex kick to the Indian rooftop.
The mains were a symphony of diversity. Rtn Ram Seshu and his team manned the dosa counter, flipping crisp dosas with practiced flair. Rtn Arun Ponappa served Pandi Curry with Sannas, a coastal delight. Rtn R. Raghunathan’s lyengar Puliyogare with chips carried the tang of tamarind, while Rtn Deipak Kumar’s Punjabi chole with kulcha brought North Indian comfort to the table. Rtn Dr Anil and team unveiled “Ande ka Funda,” a dish that sparked curiosity and conversation. Rtn Vikram Sahgal’s Dal Makhani simmered in buttery richness, while Rtn Arun Vaddi’s Kheema Pav was a street-food star reborn. Rtn Shabbir returned with Bohri Mutton Biryani, its fragrance alone enough to silence chatter as plates were eagerly filled.
And then came the sweet finale. Rtn Sailesh Rudra’s Trifle Pudding layered nostalgia with indulgence. Rtn Girish’s Pineapple and Walnut Flip were a refreshing twist, while Rtn Deipak Kumar’s hot Gulab Jamuns melted hearts as much as they did on tongues. Each dessert was not just a dish but a memory, a punctuation mark in the story of the night.
The ladies, not to be outdone, crowned the evening with their signature drinks-colorful, spirited, and brimming with personality. They were the sparkle in the glass, the cheer in the toast, the rhythm that kept the night alive.

As the laughter rose and the plates emptied, the building itself seemed to hum along. The Rotary House of Friendship, which had stood witness to decades of performances-from Krishna Leela to Shakespearean dramas, from qawwalis to Bollywood nostalgia-now hosted its final act. The rooftop cookout was not merely about food; it was about legacy, about memories etched in indelible ink. The men cooked, the women cheered, and together they celebrated not just the Flavours of the evening but the spirit of fellowship that had defined the RHF for generations.
The night ended not with silence but with a chorus-clinking glasses, satisfied sighs, and promises to carry forward the mantle. As the building prepared to fade into history, it left behind a melody of sizzling grills, shared stories, and the warmth of community. The last Men’s Cookout Night was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of continuity, of bonds that outlive bricks and mortar.
And so, on that last Monday of August, the rooftop of RHF became a stage where food was music, friendship was rhythm, and memory was the song. A jazzy headline could only capture part of its essence, for the true headline was written in the hearts of those who were there: “Sizzling Farewell: A Cookout Symphony on the Rooftop.”

Giving Nature a Voice:RAGES in Action

RAGES, the rotary action group for endangered species is dedicated to preservation and protection of endangered species. Over the last 4 years we have had many activities and RCB is proud to be in the forefront in the district. We have been educating Interactors and Rotarians on Nature Walks with the support of WWF for Nature and their volunteers. We have had experts on Birding, Film screenings on Wildlife of Karnataka, the bio-diversity of Nilgiris and shortly a film on River Cauvery in November 2026.
RAGES also promotes Vulture conservation in nearby Ramnagara by screening short documentaries. The forest guards and officers of Cauvery fishing camp and Bandipur have been recepients of uniforms, shoes caps and stainless steel water bottles.Next month the students of the Vivekananda Tribal school will receive over 225 water bottles thanks to the generosity of Rotarians of RCB. We are also planning on a Butterfly park in the city and a artificial coral reef collaboration with Rotary Club of Pondicherry. This year’s first Nature walk will be in Lal Bagh, for the selected students of our own RBV, with the guidance of a leading naturalist Mr. Prasad.
– Rtn Jayanth Rudra

Menstrual Hygiene and Cervical Cancer awarness

RCB Community Services through EKYA and ShieldHER, in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, CHRIST University, held an Awareness Session on Menstrual Hygiene & Cervical Cancer at Rajendranagar Slum, Koramangala, on 30th August 2026.
The session was led by Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P. R, with support from Rtn. Kalpana Ganesh and Rtn. Dr. Nita Roy. It benefited 14 women and 7 students.
Highlight – Inclusion in True Sense! Reached out to the underprivileged who often lack access to such vital information. The session was conducted in Kannada, Tamil & Hindi to ensure no one was left out. The interaction was engaging and impactful.

Project Champion: Rtn. Kalyani Talukder

StrongHer 23

On 28th August at BBMP First Grade College for Women, Cleveland Town), Bengaluru, empowered 400 degree-college girls through an engaging session on self-awareness ( delivered by Rtn. Minnku Buttar) and self-defence (Kudo technique). With Onam celebrations adding a beautiful touch, the girls came dressed in colourful, graceful traditional attire. Against this backdrop of elegance and celebration, they were introduced to the power of strength, awareness, and self-protection, making the session a uniquely beautiful blend of grace and grit, dignity and strength.
Present were: Rtn. Dr Anju Agadi, Rtn. Usha Pavate, and Rotatactor President Veekshita.

-Rtn Minnku Buttar

Share -A -Smile Helping the elderly sleep well

The sleepy country roads, off Tumkur highway, led us to a haven for the neglected & abandoned elderly- the Aaraike Ashram! For our Share-a-Smile project, Rtns. Sandhya Kunjur (Project Lead), Ambika, Malvika & I went there to hand over 30 mattresses & 75 pillows, benevolently financed by Rtns. Vasantha & Vaikunth. It was a beautiful experience to see the 75 elderly being cared for: having a shelter, warm meals, companionship, and medicines. Very heartwarming to see all this made possible because one 20-year-old boy, Ranjith Shetty, cared deeply!
Project Champion – Rtn Sapna Paul