THE ROTATOR - Issue 17

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

ROTARY HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP’s NEW AVATAR – Mission in Motion

On Monday a contract was signed between Rotary club of Bangalore and Hundred hands the architect firm to create an impactful, efficient space of legacy in the place of the current building. Our new House of friendship will be of a unique design, embedded with state of the art conservation aspects and an open house for all sections including the underserved population.
The architect Hundred Hands is surely a worthy partner and has immense creativity who is aiming at completing the building within 23 months at an approximate cost of Rs 12 crores. At the end of it we will have 26 car parks, 3 rentable auditoriums along with board rooms, archives, an office complex and many other indoor / outdoor features. The Rotary Club of Bangalore envisions the creation of a Legacy Building, a timeless structure that embodies the Club’s enduring values of Service, Fellowship, and Integrity, while serving as a living landmark for the community. This project aspires to reflect Rotary’s commitment to people, place, and planet blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability in a harmonious architectural expression.
The proposed design will celebrate both heritage and forwardthinking sustainability, ensuring the building stands as a symbol of continuity and progress. It will not only serve as a functional hub for Rotary activities but also as a demonstration of conservation-conscious architecture that inspires the wider community in its wide range of requirements.
Key guiding principles include:

• Legacy and Identity
• Reflect the Rotary spirit through thoughtful form, symbolism, and detailing.
• Integrate architectural elements that resonate with local culture and history.
• Creating a structure that endures — aesthetically, materially, and socially.
• Environmental Conservation.
• Employ passive design strategies to maximize natural light, ventilation, and thermal comfort.
• Integrate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or hybrid solutions.
• Optimize building orientation and envelope for energy
  efficiency.
• Sustainable Materials and Construction.
• Use locally available, low-impact, and durable materials.
• Incorporate adaptive reuse and resource-efficient construction methods.
• Highlight craftsmanship and local building traditions.
• Water and Waste Management.
• Integrate rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and sustainable drainage systems.
• Design for waste minimization during both construction and operation phases.
• Landscape and Biodiversity.
• Preserve existing vegetation and enhance green cover through native landscaping.
• Create outdoor spaces that encourage reflection, interaction, and community engagement.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility.
  Ensure universal access to all areas of the building.
• Design welcoming spaces that foster collaboration and inclusiveness across generations.

StrongHer – Empowering 500 Girls to Stand Strong and Stay Safe

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
At Bagalakunte Government High School, 500 adolescent girls embarked on a transformative journey of self-awareness and self-defence through Project StrongHer — a joint initiative of Rotary Club of Bangalore and Health & Wellness, Rotary District 3192.
Supported by District Governor Rtn. Elizabeth Cherian, who delivered an inspiring address, and organized under the guidance and championship of Rtn. Minku Buttar, District Director – Health & Wellness, the session combined motivation, learning, and empowerment.
Rtn. Dr. Vimuktha Avinash conducted a powerful 45-minute talk on why and where self-defence matters, explaining how dangers lurk across four spheres — intimate, private, familiar, and public — and how every girl must be able to say “No.”
The practical Taekwondo training, led by the Taekwondo Association of Karnataka, divided the girls into seven groups, each guided by a professional trainer. The highlight was a special demo by national champion Lekha Neelkantha.
Generously sponsored by Dr. Sharada Narayanan, the program was supported by Community Service Director Rtn. Srini Velidanda, Rtns. Rashida, Charita, Deepak Nakra, and Ann Margaret.
At this vibrant school (1300 students across grades 8 to 10), the event lit a spark of courage and awareness. Through November, more such sessions across schools will soon empower 5,000 girls in collaboration with other Rotary clubs of the District.
Ultimately, StrongHer aims to help young girls recognise their worth, confront fear with confidence, and carry forward a culture of safety, self-respect, and strength in their communities.
A Community Services Rotary Club and Health and WellnessRD 3192 Initiative.
-Rtn Deepak Nakra

AO PADHARO!! Gujarat glitters at RHF: A Diwali celebration in vibrant colours

It was a Diwali celebration with a distinctly Gujarati twist at RHF, where the audience was treated to a vivid showcase of the state’s culture, cuisine, dance, and textiles. The proceedings, compered by the engaging duo Rtn Sanjay Udani and Rtn Jigisha Rajguru, began with the traditional greetings of Jai Jinendra
(of Jains) and Jai Shri Krishna (of Hindus).
Ladies draped in traditional Gujarati saris carrying beautifully decorated garvi (pots), swayed rhythmically and gracefully as they invoked divine blessings.

The evening sparkled with a sprinkling of cultural gems, including Narsinh Mehta’s “Vaishnav Jan To”; “Udi Udi Jaye Dil Ki Patang”; poet Zhaverchand Meghani’s “Kasumbi No Rang”; and “Kai Po Che”, the triumphant cry of a kite flyer who successfully cuts a rival’s string in a spirited competition. Adding delightful variety, Rtn Phiroze Bharda regaled the audience with anecdotes exploring the close ties between Parsi and Gujarati communities.
An entire array of Gujarati textiles was brought to life by our very own Rotary models sashaying to the pulsating beats of dhols (drums).

Rtns Pankaj—Devyani, Monica—Anu, Preeti—Sanjay, Shilpa—Nithin, and So hail—Rupa, along with the doppelgangers Mukesh—Nita Ambani and the trio of Rtns Gowri—Jigisha—Minku, modelled a myriad of Gujarati ensembles, including jubba, koti, bandhani, patola and kutch sarees, pagadi (turban), kediya
(long-sleeved upper garment), and the exquisite gharchola wedding saree. Rtn Mustali and Rtn Musten looked resplendent in sherwani and golden peta,
typical of the Bohra community of Gujarat. RCB President Sukhen Padmanabha, dressed in ajrakh and accompanied by Secretary Kavita Muthappa, drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

The grand finale saw the floor come alive with garba and dandiya dances, followed by a sumptuous feast of traditional Gujarati delicacies, a perfect conclusion to a night where colour, culture, and camaraderie shone brightly.