THE ROTATOR - Issue 13

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

De-Weeding of 75-Acre Doddajala Lake

The 75-acre Doddajala Lake, located on the Bellary Road on the way to Bangalore International Airport receives treated water from the Nagawara BWSSB STP, hence, will have water all year round. Over the past year, the lake was rapidly covered with the highly invasive weed species Salvinia. The Initiative to de-weed this lake was in response to an appeal from the Doddajala Panchayat The President for helping to save this lake and to protect the fish and the biodiversity in the lake.
Currently the villagers are using deep bore wells for drinking water. Biome, an NGO, has already installed shallow borewells for drinking water. ITC is providing funds to set up a water filtration plant. Thus de-weeding of the lake is an essential integrated part of the safe drinking water security of these villages.
Expected Outcomes: Saving the lake, preventing rainwater wastage, flood mitigation, protecting biodiversity, especially the fish, and improving livelihood of the fishermen and providing drinking water to 20,000 people in 8 villages surrounding the lake.

Implementation: By India Cares Foundation, an NGO, with technical guidance from Friends of Lakes (Mr. Ramprasad). They used local laborers who manually worked hard moving the weeds, which were then removed using a JCB (see photos).
Cost and Funding: The total cost of the project was ₹24.4 lakhs. The Rotary Club of Bangalore(RCB) contributed ₹18.4 lakhs (75%) with Moon Gate Events, ₹4 lakhs, and the Panchayat, ₹2 lakhs. I would like to acknowledge and thank the 19 Rotarians and RCB for their generous contribution that helped complete the project in a record 60 days.

This should serve as an excellent model for future water security projects so critical for saving the lakes of Bengaluru.
-Rtn. E. G. P. Haran, PhD

Smiles of Hope

The *Share a Smile* project added one more to their portfolio of giving the downtrodden a reason to smile.
The concept of the program was based on the fact that we have every reason to smile and laugh…but that is not the case for young orphans and the elderly very poor. So could we share a little of our joy and happiness with these under privileged people.
On Friday 26th September ’25, the inmates of Ashraya Sewa Trust for old women saw RCBs representative share sarees, accessories with these women. In addition we lit little diyas, which represented hope and strength to them. There were 30 women of which 8 were completely bedridden.22 sarees and 8 night dresses were given to them.
After light snacks they sang a song while candles were lit. Starting with one lady, all other followed, in a chorus. Sharing this joy and love, I too ended with a big smile on my face. Sponsors of the event were Rtn Ragini Brar and Rtn Sandhya Kunjur.
⁃ Rtn. Sandhya Kunjur

Know Your Members (KYM): A Fresh Take on Fellowship

The Rotary House of Friendship was abuzz with conversation and a genuine sense of connection as members came together for a unique initiative, “Know Your Members” (KYM). It was an ice-breaker on a whole new level, and the evening offered more than just introductions; it opened doors to personal stories, passions, and untold journeys that brought Rotarians closer than ever before.
RCB President Sukhen Padmanabha, in his welcome briefing, shared the inspiration behind the concept. “We’ve always felt there’s more to each one of us than the simple thit and ‘hello’ exchanged every Monday. Many of us have fascinating hobbies, diverse vocations, and rich life experiences, but very few
opportunities to share them. Some of our members are also naturally quiet. This programme was designed with all of this in mind — to create a space to interact and get to know each other a little better than when we walked in this evening.”
The format for the event, conceptualised and conducted by event guru Riaz Basha, was inspired by speed dating— but with a Rotarian twist. “One of the most important things we should be doing,” said Riaz, “is getting to know each other better.” Chairs were arranged in two rows facing each other, and members were
paired off for a rapid-fire, heart-to-heart exchange. Each pair had three minutes to converse: the first person spoke for ninety seconds, then at the sound of a short bell, the second took their turn. When the long bell rang at the three-minute mark, members in one row moved one seat along, creating a new connection. Participants were encouraged to talk about themselves, their immediate family members, their professional lives, personal milestones, and one thing about themselves that nobody else in the club might know. The initial speed sessions were followed by a segment where Rotarians shared what motivates them in Rotary.
Notepads and pens were provided for members to jot down thoughts, new ideas, and reflections sparked by the conversations.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that KYM had done more than simply help members get acquainted — it fostered real camaraderie, discovery, and renewed enthusiasm for the club’s shared purpose. The success of KYM has sparked hopes that it may become a regular feature in the Rotary calendar. After all, as the event so warmly proved, every Rotarian has a story worth hearing.

International Peace Day at RCB

On the 25th of September, the Rotary Club of Bangalore celebrated the International Peace Day program at Rotary House of Friendship. This was an initiative of the International Service Committee. The program began with a very interactive committee meeting, followed by members and guests present, showcasing their talents by painting their idea of peace on the Peace Wall, which was a very therapeutic activity and created a positive environment. This was followed by a Peace Concert performed by Mahima’s Band, where the opening song was our Theme Song for Rotary International this year-“Unite For Good”.

My Experience at the 50th ShieldHer Session

I am very glad to have attended the “50th ShieldHer: United against cervical cancer”, organised by Infosys Consulting.
The session was held virtually, with over 65 participants and was a truly an enriching experience.
The program was very simple in language and informative, especially for the young minds of Infosys. The way Dr Vidyamani Lingegowda (Senior Consultant, OBGYN, Sagar Chandramma Hospital) spoke, with simplicity and clarity, I could see the audience fully engaged from start to finish. Ending with relevant questions being put forth, we could see a growing interest and awareness in the audience.
What impressed me most was seeing such a large group come together online for this important cause. It showed how awareness can be built even through virtual platforms.
I also want to acknowledge “Rtn. Dr. Nita Roy and Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P. R”—the true pillars of ShieldHer—for their dedication and passion in driving this initiative forward. Their commitment ensures that conversations around women’s health reach every corner of our community.

-Rtn. Sandhya Kunjur

RPL 2025: 30 Days, 11 Sports, One Rotary Spirit

Thirty days. Six venues. Eleven sports. Four fiercely determined teams. And over a hundred spirited participants. The Rotary Premier League (RPL), an initiative of the Rotary Club of Bangalore, wrapped up its 4th edition in resounding style — proving once again that sport is the ultimate unifier.
The tournament kicked off with a bang at the Player Auction, masterfully conducted by Rtn. Sandeep Ohri. From the very first bid, the stage was set for competition laced with camaraderie and good cheer.

Across sports ranging from the cerebral (Sudoku, Scrabble, Chess) to the high-energy (Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Tennis) and the precision-driven (Snooker, Carrom, Golf), participants gave it their all. Each game delivered not just winners, but also countless moments of grit, laughter, and fellowship.
The four squads — Jyoti’s Jaguars, Medha’s Marvels, Marzia’s Magic and Anusha’s Achievers, battled it out in true sporting spirit.

In the end, Jyoti’s Jaguars roared to victory, taking the championship title. Medha’s Marvels followed as spirited runnersup, and Marzia’s Magic secured third place. Alongside team honors, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded across every sport, celebrating both skill and perseverance.
The event was spearheaded by Rtn. Vineetha Chinappa, whose vision and energy have made RPL one of the most cherished fellowship initiatives of the club. But beyond the trophies and tallies, the real victory belonged to the Rotary community itself. Rotarians, spouses, annettes, and Rotaractors came together not just as competitors, but as one family — strengthening the bonds that lie at the heart of Rotary.

The 4th edition of the Rotary Premier League was proof that sportsmanship, fellowship and fun make for an unbeatable combination. It would be fair to sum up the experience by saying that In sport, as in Rotary, it’s not just about winning — it’s about playing fair, lifting each other up, and walking away as friends.
-Rtn. Medha Rao