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THE ROTATOR - Issue 16

Issue 16 Special Issue  |  Charter No. 3233 |  ID No. 15766 |  R I Dist. 3192

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Rotary Club of Bangalore hosts its 4th RCB Club Connect

On Wednesday, 15th Oct 2025, Rotary Club of Bangalore hosted its 4th 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 Guernesiais (Channel Islands)
-Rotary Club of Manama (Bahrain)
-Rotary Club of Bangalore (India)
Highlights from Club Presentations:
Rotary Club of Guernesiais (Channel Islands)
Speaker: Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao (President Elect)

Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao presented on behalf of the Rotary Club of Guernsey, highlighting their activities, including the annual Safari Rotary Walk, shoebox donations for Eastern European children, and various community projects.

The club’s efforts in disaster relief, heart disease support, and youth engagement were also discussed. Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao mentioned an additional project involving harbor vacuum cleaners for waste management. The group discussed the benefits and implementation of port bins for marina cleaning, with Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao explaining their use and potential for expansion.
Rotary Club of Manama (Bahrain)
Speaker: Rtn. Robert Timmers (President)
Rtn. Robert Timmers, the president of Rotary Club of Manama, shared details about their 60-year history and ongoing projects,including a diabetes education program and a campaign against single-use plastics.
Rotary Club of Bangalore (India)
Speaker: Rtn. Sandeep Ohri (International Service Director)
Rtn. Sandeep Ohri presented 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 presentation also showcased the club’s commitment to promoting Rotary’s ideals through various events and competitions.

Group Discussions:
They explored the process of obtaining a Rotary Global Grant, with Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao and Rtn. Aria Ohri sharing their experience of securing funding for an eye screening project.
The conversation touched on the possibility of expanding this project to Bahrain, where Robert expressed interest due to the high prevalence of diabetes on the island. The conversation ended with discussions on fundraising challenges and potential collaborations between clubs in different regions.

The meeting focused on discussing funding strategies for Rotary projects, with Rtn. Sandeep Ohri explaining India’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) requirements for companies with certain profit thresholds, which must allocate 2% of their profits to social causes. Rtn. Paddy shared insights about Guernsey’s fundraising approach, including their recent Diwali celebration event and their focus on corporate responsibility due to Guernsey’s low tax regime. Rtn. Aria Ohri suggested exploring MatchingGrants.org as a platform for connecting with other Rotary clubs for potential project partnerships.

The session concluded with the following action points:

  • Rtn. Aria to send the HLA Lab project proposal to Robert for potential collaboration.
  • Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao is to potentially visit Bahrain to discuss expanding the diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma screening project there.
  • Rtn. Khalid to coordinate with Rtn. Dr. Sujata Rao regarding potential secondment work in Bahrain for the diabetic retinopathy project.
  • Rtn. Sandeep to share all presentation slides in the WhatsApp group for all participants.
  • Rtn. Veena to connect the Marco Island Rotary Club with Rtn. Aria for potential participation in the next Club Connect.
    ⁃ Rtn Aria Ohri

SHARE A SMILE

Yet another Share a Smile project was completed as a special Deepawali gift to the Orphan girls from Rainbow Home on 20th October 2025.
A very sumptuous meal of Bisibele bath, Pachdi, a sabji a sweet, curd rice and papads were served to the children which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Before the meals they lit beautiful diyas provided by us.


SPONSORS- PP Rtn Nalini Nanjundayya and Rtn Sandhya Kunjur.

Cataract Surgeries Bring Clear Vision to Patients in Need

On Oct 14, 7 patients diagnosed at the camp held earlier at Rotary Muthappa Attavar Hospital got their cataract surgery done at Rangalakshmi Hospital in
Yelahanka New town .Postoperative check up was done the following day at Rotary Muthappa Attavar Hospital.
The surgeries were done at a subsidised rate of Rs 2000/. A no of generous Rotarians contributed in multiples.
54 patients needed spectacles and these were donated by PP Rtn Sanjay Udani.

ShieldHer’s 1st Screening Camp: Early Detection – Your Best Protection

The ShieldHer initiative achieved a major milestone with its first cervical and breast cancer screening camp, held on October 15, 2025, at Parikrama School, Sahakarnagar, Bengaluru. Organized by the Rotary Club of Bangalore (District 3192) in collaboration with Ramaiah Medical College and the Parikrama Center for Learning, the program underscored the power of early detection and preventive care in women’s health.
A total of 120 women participated in the camp, each receiving blood pressure and blood sugar screening. Among them, 100 underwent breast examinations, 10 were referred for mammograms, and 65 availed Pap smear testing for cervical cancer, an encouraging sign of growing awareness and participation in preventive screening.
The event was graced by Rtn. Dr Elizabeth Cherian, District Governor RID 3192, and Ms. Shukla Bose, Founder & CEO, Parikrama Humanity Foundation. Appreciation is also extended to Rtn. Anju Agadi and Rtn. Srinivasa Velidanda(Community Services Director) for their constant support in driving this initiative forward.

Special thanks to Dr. Lakshminaraya and the skilled medical team from Ramaiah Medical College, and to Dr. Vidyamani L, Senior Gynaecologist, Sagar Chandramma Hospital, for guiding the Pap smear process and mentoring young doctors.
ShieldHer continues to uphold its message, early detection is not just protection, it is empowerment.
-Rtn. Dr. Sowmya P.R & Rtn. Dr. Nita Roy.

51st ShieldHer: United Against Cervical Cancer session

This session was conducted on Oct. 17, 2025, at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, by The Rotary Club of Bangalore in collaboration with The Karnataka State Chapter of the Association of Gynaecologic Oncologists of India (KSC-AGOI). Focused on cervical cancer, its prevention, early detection, and treatment, the session continued the movement’s mission to empower both men and women through knowledge and proactive health awareness.

The session featured an insightful talk by Dr. Shobha K, Professor & Head, Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru & President KSC-AGOI, whose deep expertise and engaging style helped demystify complex medical facts. She emphasized the importance of regular screening, HPV vaccination, and early detection as key strategies to eliminate cervical cancer.
The event witnessed the participation of 242 students, both girls and boys, UG/PG from Life Science & Computer Science, and 8 teachers, all actively engaging in the discussion.
Special appreciation to the Mount Carmel College team, especially Dr. Subha Mathew, Dr. Sowmya Kumar, and Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, for their support in organizing this impactful session. Heartfelt thanks to Rtn. Meera Shankar for her motivating presence, and to Rtn. Gertrude D’Souza for her continued support.
Each ShieldHer awareness session strengthens one shared truth: Knowledge empowers, Awareness protects.
⁃ Rtn Dr Nita Roy.

Wellness Wednesday at Rotary House of Friendship – Episode 2

 

This week’s Wellness Wednesday offered a soulful pause led by Sahana Ravindra, a Yoga Nidra teacher and Systemic Team Coach at Antaryan. The session was a gentle yet powerful invitation to awaken a deeper sense of peace, alignment, and authenticity. Through a unique blend of self-reflective journaling, Yoga Nidra, and the ancient wisdom of the Panch Koshas, Rotarians were guided inward,away from the noise,and into the self.
Sahana reminded us that healing, clarity, and transformation don’t happen by accident; they happen when we pause with purpose. Whether one came seeking emotional balance, restful sleep, or deeper self-awareness, the session held space
for each intention. As we laccy down in stillness, we truly experienced the promise of deep rest and renewal.
The session echoed our team’s core vision: Wellness and Wellbeing for All, because when we care for the inner world, the outer world begins to heal too. 

A powerful step toward making wellness not just an event, but a way of life within the Rotary family.
– Rtn. Minku Buttar

Diwali Celebration with the Fellowship Committee at Embassy Habitat

The Diwali celebration organized by the Fellowship Committee at Embassy Habitat was a resounding success! The evening saw a big turnout, with members and guests coming together in the true spirit of festivity and fellowship.
The highlight of the evening was the fantastic live music by Rtn Anu, Kaushik, Ganesh, Rtn Raghu, Rtn Musten, and others. Their performances set the tone for a joyous and vibrant celebration. The card party added a fun, festive touch, bringing out everyone’s playful side.
The evening concluded with sumptuous food curated by Rtn. Krishnan, leaving everyone delighted and satisfied. It was truly a memorable evening of music, laughter, and togetherness — a perfect Diwali celebration!
We acknowledge with appreciation the support of Rtn Aditya Subramanian, Rtn Anu Verma, Rtn Sanjay Udani, and Rtns Usha Pavate and Vinita Chinappa in coordinating the program.