THE ROTATOR - Issue 02

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

A Drop for Someone, A Lifeline for Many

Blood Donation Camp
On 3rd July 2026, VFS Global Bengaluru transformed into more than an office — it became a lifeline. The Rotary Club of Bangalore, in association with BMST, hosted a Blood Donation Camp that saw 58+ donors step up, turning empathy into action. The result: 32 units of blood collected, each unit a promise of hope for accident victims, surgery patients, and those battling chronic illnesses.
The camp was honored by the presence of Rtn. Vijay Rao, Secretary, RCB and Rtn. Sandeep Srinivasamurthy. Their words and encouragement motivated many first-time donors. “Donating blood is the easiest way to save a life,” Rtn. Vijay Rao shared while felicitating donors.
BMST’s medical team ensured every donation followed strict safety protocols, ma king the experience comfortable even for nervous first-timers. Volunteers from Rotary and VFS Global managed registration, refreshments, and post-donation care with clockwork precision.
-Rtn. Sandeep Srinivasamurthy

StrongHer

On 30th June, 2026, at Corporation Girls High School & PU College, Cleveland Town, Frazer Town, we had the privilege of conducting STRONG HER for 550 girls, empowering them with essential self-awareness and self-defence skills. The session was interactive, engaging, and filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful conversations.
Our goal goes far beyond teaching self-defence. We strive to build confidence, resilience, awareness, and the courage to step into the world with strength and self-belief. When we empower one girl, we empower four generations—her mother, herself, her daughter, and her granddaughter. STRONG HER gives every girl a voice, the confidence to make informed choices, and the wings to shape her own future.
We thank Principal M. Raghu for the warm invitation and for supporting the making of this impactful session possible.
Present on the occasion were Rtn. Minku Buttar, Rtn. Dr. Vimukhta Avinash (as speakers) and Rtn. Vijetha and Taekwondo Association Team.
— Rtn. Minku Buttar

Installation of the Inner Wheel President and Executive Committee
for the year 2026-27

The usual Monday evening at the Rotary Club of Bangalore’s Friendship House carried a different rhythm this time. Instead of the customary weekly deliberations of RCB, the gathering was devoted to a momentous occasion—the formal induction of the new board of Inner Wheel District 319 in its Diamond Jubilee year.
The ambience was unmistakably festive. The ladies of Inner Wheel arrived draped in their finest silks, transforming the hall into a vibrant tapestry of elegance. Yet, beyond the sheen of fabric, the evening carried a thematic resonance—the art of Ikebana and the dominance of the colour yellow. Yellow, in Indian tradition, is more than a hue; it is a symbol of warmth, optimism, and auspicious beginnings. This symbolism found perfect alignment with Inner Wheel’s mission: to convert dreams into actions in the year ahead.
The programme commenced with a soulful invocation by the students of the Svasti Music Academy, their voices weaving a spiritual overture that set the tone for the evening. This was followed by a creative interlude from Meera Bai Shankar, who decoded each alphabet of the word INNER WHEEL, offering a thoughtful reflection on the values embedded in the orga nization’s name.
The heart of the evening was the induction ceremony itself.
District Chairman Ishita Samir Seth presided over the formal installation of the new leadership team: President Namitha Suresh, Secretary Mala Jyothi, Association President Vinutha Harish, and the committee members of IW District 319.
In her acceptance speech, President Namitha Suresh articulated a vision that was both holistic and deeply compassionate. She emphasised that the focus for 2026—27 would rest on four pillars: Fit Girl, environment, senior care, and holistic health.
Sustainability, geriatric care, and wellness were not abstract ideals but actionable priorities.”Compassionate care will be our leadership focus,” she affirmed, underscoring the ethos of Inner Wheel as a movement rooted in empathy. Namitha also drew inspiration from the global leadership of Inner Wheel. She highlighted that the International Inner Wheel President for 2026—27, Ingelög Wyndhamn, who assumed office on July 1, has set the theme Grow & Flourish. This theme, she noted, resonates with the district’s own aspirations.
The evening, rich in symbolism and purpose, concluded in the most convivial of ways—with a sumptuous dinner. As members shared food and fellowship, the spirit of Inner Wheel’s Diamond Jubilee year was palpable. It was not just about the induction of a new board but about reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to service, friendship, and holistic well-being.

Editor’s Message

The Rotary Club of Madras marked its 98th anniversary on May 10th, 2026. They honored a timeless legacy forged in 1929 by the indomitable James Wheeler Davidson, the “Marco Polo of Rotary. “
This Canadian adventurer, born in 1872, left his thriving Calgary business to champion Rotary International across Asia and beyond. Amid India’s sweltering heat and communal tensions, Davidson arrived in Madras — a bustling port city of 530,000, alive with cotton, tea, and hides.
Rejecting group pitches to avoid “mob psychology,” Davidson meticulously recruited 30 charter members from the British business elite at the Connemara Hotel. Key allies included Sir Frederick E. James, former Calcutta Rotary president and later India’s first District Governor and RI Director, and Charter President Rtn. Sir Godfrey G. Armstrong of Madras Port Trust. Chartered on July 19, 1929, the club embodied Rotary’s ideals:service above self, high ethical standards, and the Four-Way Test—ls it true? Fair? Building goodwill? Beneficial ? Davidson’s vision sparked Rotary’s explosion in South India, now growing to over 2,200 clubs — nearly half of India’s total.
Distinguished guests like C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), who was also a member of the club and R. Venkataraman, M.G Ramachandran, H.V.Hande, K.K.Shah, Prabhudas Patwari, head honchos of many large industries and exemplars of many other locations, graced early meetings.
Through avenues of club, community, vocational, youth, and international service, the club has uplifted lives for decades.
Ninety-eight years on, Davidson’s spirit endures: “He profits most who serves best. “
Here’s to a century of fellowship, impact, and adventure !
Custodians of this Hoary legacy, they have always put their best foot forward, to further the cause on which Rotary moves.
We, the Rotary Club of Bangalore, are not far behind in both legacy and service. We wish them … our mother club, all the best for the future, and look forward to hosting them at our 100th year in a few years from now.
-PP Rtn. Purnimaa Ranganath

Serving the Polio Drive Volunteers

On 30th June, 2026, Vidyapeeth I-JBMP— Rotary Club of Bangalore Lunch was served to 100 pharmacy student volunteers who were tirelessly supporting the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme at the Vidyapeeth UPHC.
A heartfelt thank you to our kind Rotarian, Rtn. Srichand Rajpal, for sponsoring the prasadam through the Sai Baba Mandir Trust. I had the privilege of collecting the food and serving it, and the sweets I bought, on wooden plates.
The highlight of the day was my interaction with the volunteers and learning about their incredible commitment and experiences while visiting nearly 300 homes a day, to ensure that every child received the life-saving polio vaccine.
The other memorable moment was being invited to administer the polio drops to the children who came to the centre—a simple yet deeply meaningful experience that reminded me of the power of service and collective action.
Service above self begins with small acts of kindness that create a lasting impact.
— Rtn. Minku Buttar

A Historic Milestone for the Rotaract Club of Swarna Bengaluru

The Rotaract Club of Swarna Bengaluru proudly celebrates a landmark achievement as our 9th President, Rtr. Rakshith K Shetty, has been democratically elected as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for Rotary Year 2027—28.
This is a moment of immense pride for our club, as Rtr. Rakshith becomes the first Rotaractor from Rotaract Swarna Bengaluru in 12 years and the sixth from the Rotary Club of Bangalore family to be entrusted with the highest elected office in Rotaract District 3192. His election is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of Rotaract.
As a club, we have always stood firm in upholding the spirit of Rotaraction and the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test. We are confident that Rtr. Rakshith will carry these values forward as he leads the district with vision, integrity, and purpose.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him on this remarkable journey. May his tenure inspire Rotaractors across the district, foster meaningful impact, and create a lasting legacy for Rotaract District 3192.
Congratulations, DRR Rtr. Rakshith K Shetty!
Once a Swan, Always a Swan. We are proud of you, and we stand with you as you embark on this historic journey.
-Rtr Ganesh Prabhu