THE ROTATOR - Issue 30

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Blood Donation Camp

Rotary Club of Bangalore, in Partnership with its Rotaract club and RotaryTTK Blood bank, conducted a Blood Donation camp at New Horizon School Gurukul, Kadubeesanahalli, on Saturday, the 24th January 2026.
The camp was well attended, and we collected 77 units of Blood. Many students and teaching staff spoke on camera about the need to donate blood to save lives. It was inspiring.
RCB wishes to thank New Horizon School Management, Students who donated Blood, TTK Blood bank and all those involved in making this a successful event !!!
-Rtn. C. S. Sukumaran

Golf Academy

Rotary Club of Bangalore Golf Academy at Begur Govt School was started in the first week of October with the following facilities: 4 Bays of hitting Net, one green of 500 sq feet, sand Bunker of 150 sq feet. The academy is managed By Tarun Sardesai.
We had the selection period for 2 months, where 200 kids came for trials every dayfrom 3 to 5 pm.
We shortlisted 25 Boys and 10 girls for Regular Training, and the selected kids were given T-shirts and Shoes for practice.
In order to give them a better idea of natural grass, putting and bunker, we decided to take them to a golf Course and Sansera was kind enough to provide us a bus to take them to Zion Hills, where they were given a chance to hit from natural grass, putt on green, and try bunker shots. We also took them around the golf Course to play a few holes.
-Rtn. Praveen Singhvi

Sparking Innovation Through STEM

The ASI Techno craft STEM CSR project on Electricity and Innovation, conducted for Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya students, was highly engaging and informative. Students gained hands-on knowledge about electric circuits, conductivity, and safe usage. They designed their own illuminating greeting cards, reinforcing experiential learning. The session was enjoyable and educational. More such sessions, including activities like ‘launching of rockets’, would be highly beneficial. Heartfelt thanks to ASI Techno Craft and the Taskforce members for organizing this wonderful learning experience.
-Rtn. Kalyani Talukdar

Sangeet Utsav: A Symphony of Unity and Talent

Students of the Deccan International School, Bengaluru, presented a soulful music show on 26th January to celebrate India’s 77th Republic Day with a resplendent musical evening titled Sangeet Utsav. The event unfolded as a vibrant confluence of diverse musical traditions, cultures, and artistic influences, creating an atmosphere that truly reflected the spirit of unity in diversity.
The night began with a solemn invocation, setting the tone for an evening steeped in soulful melodies. Students from various grades came together to present a repertoire that seamlessly merged classical and contemporary styles. What made the celebration remarkable was the multilingual dimension of the performances. Songs and compositions were rendered in five languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and English, symbolising the linguistic richness of India and the inclusiveness of the school community.
Each performance was a testament to the students’ dedication and artistry. The Veena resonated with timeless classical notes, evoking the grandeur of South Indian traditions. Vocal ensembles carried the audience through devotional hymns and modern harmonies, while instrumental accompaniments added depth and texture to the overall presentation. The blending of voices and instruments created a tapestry of sound that was both soothing and exhilarating.
The uniqueness of Sangeet Utsav lay not only in its multilingual character but also in the way it brought together different genres on a single stage. Carnatic ragas intertwined with Western harmonies conversed with contemporary beats, and traditional instruments shared space with modern ones. This artistic fusion highlighted the adaptability of music as a universal language and underscored the values of harmony and inclusiveness that Republic Day embodies. Teachers and guests were visibly moved by the performances. The students’ ability to perform in unison, whether through group vocals, instrumental duets, or coordinated ensembles, demonstrated both talent and teamwork.
The evening concluded with a grand finale where all participants joined together in a spirited rendition of a patriotic song. The hall reverberated with applause, not only for the musical brilliance but also for the message of unity and pride that the event conveyed. Sangeet Utsav was a celebration of India’s cultural diversity, a tribute to the nation’s democratic spirit, and a showcase of youthful talent. By merging languages, traditions, and genres, the students of Deccan International School created an unforgettable experience that honoured the essence of Republic Day in the most melodious way.

Rotary Club of Bangalore hosts its 6th RCB Club Connect

On Wednesday, 21st Jan 2026, Rotary Club of Bangalore hosted its 6th session 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 speakersfrom:
Rotary Club Of Southwest Florida (US)
Rotary Club of Watala (Sri Lanka)
Rotary Club of San Salvador (El Salvador)
Rotary Club of Bangalore (Karnataka, India)
Rotary Club of Bangalore (Karnataka, India):
Rtn. Sandeep Ohri (International Service Director), Rtn. Aria Ohri (Chair, International Services), Rtn. Pragya Jain, Rtn. Sneh Sheikhawat, Rtn. Sumant Singh, Rtn. Marzia, Rtn. Sanghamitra, Rtn. Nilesh Kapse
Rotary Club Of Southwest Florida (US): Rtn. Mohit Pilani (President), Rtn. Priya Rotary Club of Watala (Srl Lanka): Rtn. Luvi (President), Rtn. Raj Rajalingam (Past President), Rtn. Ganeshan Rotary Club of San Salvador (El Salvador): Rtn. Antonieta Navarrete (DG Elect), Rtn. Edgar (Past President) Highlightsfrom Club Presentations: Rotary Club of Southwest Florida (US)
Rtn. Mohit from Southwest Florida shared their club’s innovative approach, highlighting their rapid growth to 96 members in their first year, focus on networking and community impact, and notable projects including a children’s book initiative with Chef Vikas Khanna.

Rotary Club of San Salvador (El Salvador) Rtn Antonieta and Rtn Edgar from Club San Salvador described their 100-year-old club’s work on WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) projects in rural Salvadoran schools, as well as medical initiatives including partnerships for free open-heart surgeries for children.
Rotary Club Of Watala (Sri Lanka) Rtn. Luvi highlighted the club’s location near Colombo and the airport, with a population of around 88,000 males and 94,000 females, including 33,000 schoolchildren. Luvi discussed the high literacy level in the Gampaha district, where the club is based, and mentioned challenges such as limited recreational spaces and environmental issues. He also shared details about past projects, including flood relief efforts and support for hospitals, and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and health services in the region.

Rotary Club of Bangalore (Karnataka, India)
Rtn. Sandeep Ohri presented a video showcasing the club’s impact over the years, from its founding in 1934 to recent initiatives. Rtn Aria provided details on the club’s current status, including its membership, sister clubs, and global grant projects, such as screening patients for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma using Al fundus cameras. She also mentioned Rotarian Dakuju’s generous pledge of $450 million to Rotary, which is funding an endowment and a forest restoration project. The meeting focused on collaboration opportunities and ongoing projects. Rtns Aria and Sandeep discussed a blood bank lab upgrade project in Bangalore, which Sandeep explained is crucial for organ donation testing in South India. Rtn. Sneh shared details about their club’s Peace Day celebrations, including a peace wall art project and a concert featuring Mahima. The group discussed potential future collaborations, particularly around Peace Day initiatives, and agreed to continue communication through WhatsApp and email.
-Rtn. Aria Ohri

Cancer Impact Forum

In Cervical Cancer Prevention Month (January), the Rotary Club of Bangalore, with Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore, and their CSR partner AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, hosted the dynamic public health forum “Shield. Screen. Support: Cervical Cancer Awareness & Prevention 2026.” Healthcare professionals, students, educators, NGOs, and community leaders united to drive awareness and action toward eliminating cervical cancer.
Chief Guest Dr. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, Rtn. Prof. Elizabeth Cherian and Ms. Kanchan Bannerjee delivered inspiring addresses that resonated deeply, underscoring prevention, early detection, and shared responsibility.
The intercollegiate quiz sparked enthusiastic participation, judged expertly by Dr. Kiran A. Kulkarni (St. John’s Medical Hospital & KSC-AGOI), whose post-question insights enriched understanding of HPV, vaccination, screening, and prevention.
Powerful personal testimonials highlighted HPV vaccination, timely screening, and survivor-centered care, leaving a profound impact.
A standout thematic skit by postgraduate students from Bangalore Medical College, directed by Dr. Ashakiran Rathod (Vani Vilas Hospital & KSC-AGOI), creatively debunked myths, shattered stigmas, and made vital screening messages relatable.
Attended by 170 participants from colleges, NGOs, hospitals, and corporates, this triumph affirmed that cervical cancer prevention thrives on awareness, science, and community commitment.
Heartfelt thanks to every speaker, participant, volunteer, sponsor, and collaborator whose invaluable contributions and commitment made this forum a remarkable success. Special appreciation to the Rotary Club of Bangalore Management Team President Rtn Sukhen Padmanabha, Secretary Rtn Kavitha Muthappa, and Director of Community Services Rtn Srini Velidanda for their visionary leadership, and to Rotarians Dr. Maneesh Paul and Dr. Vimukta Avinash for their strong support, ensuring seamless execution.
Rtns. Dr. Nita Roy & Dr. Somya P.R

Republic Day at RBV

The 77th Republic Day was celebrated on 26th of January 2026 at Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya with great pride and patriotic spirit. The programme commenced with an impressive NCC parade accompanied by the band set. The Chief Guest, Rtn. Sukhen Padmanabha, President, RCB, along with Rtn. K. L. Ramesh, was formally honoured, followed by a warm welcome to the dignitaries. The National Flag was hoisted at by the Chief Guest. Students presented a variety of cultural programmes, including a display by NCC cadets, speeches, and brief introduction of freedom fighters. The Chief Guest appreciated the school’s efforts and praised the teachers as the backbone of the students. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by sweet distribution to students and parents.
-Rtn. Manju