THE ROTATOR - Issue 33

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

RCB Hosts Inspiring 19th AICFB National Chess Championship

TThe 19th AICFB National Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged 2026 concluded successfully in Bengaluru, at Dwaraka Hall, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.
Somendra from Delhi emerged victorious, claiming the national title. The tournament, held from February 8-12, saw 49 players from 13 states and four zones compete in a nine-round Swiss league format.
Organized by the All-India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) and hosted by the Rotary Club of Bangalore, in partnership with Rotaract Club of RI-JAS, Ramaiah University, and the Karnataka State Chess Association for the Visually Challenged, the championship served as the selection event for the IBCA World Team Chess Championship 2026 in Petrovac, Montenegro.
The top five players representing India are:
* Somendra (Delhi) – National Champion
* Kishan Gangolli (Karnataka) – 2nd place (8 time national champion)
* Rithvik Marri (Telangana) – 3rd place
* Aryan B. Joshi (Maharashtra)
* Patra Subhendu Kumar (Odisha)
The championship had a total prize purse of RI .5 lakh, distributed among the top ten finishers.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Mr. Das Suryavanshi, State Commissioner, Office of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, President of RCB Rtn Sukhen Padmanabha, officials of Ramaiah University and Rtns of RCB.
The event showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship among visually challenged chess players nationwide. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their generous support in making this event a grand success.
Rtns Kamalacharan S R, Kurien Thomas, Vijay P Rao, Ujwala, Arvind Deshpande, Dattaraj M.K., Hemanth Manay, Satej Alur, Srinivas B Garudachar, Vikas Poddar, V.S. Surendar, Arun Bhaskar, Rajkiran and Rotary Avoidable Blindness Foundation.
-Rtn Kalyani Talukder

India’s Budget 2026: A Bird Watcher’s Fiscal Lens

When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on February 1, it was described as a “Yuva Shakti driven” blueprint, emphasising infrastructure, manufacturing, and human capital development. But while television anchors chased soundbites and headlines, Mr. Harish Rao our guest speaker an expert analyst and keen bird watcher chose to decode the budget with the patience and precision of someone accustomed to spotting rare species in dense foliage. His framework, which he calls Four Point Something, highlights feature that often escape the glare of breaking news.
The most striking allocation in Budget 2026 is the R12.22 lakh crore earmarked for capital expenditure. For Rao, this is akin to a bird building its nest, laying the foundation for future generations. Capex is the lifeblood of infrastructure: highways, railways, ports, and digital networks. By sustaining a strong public investment push, the government signals confidence in long-term growth. Rao notes that this is not just a number but a deliberate strategy to crowd in private investment. In a global climate of uncertainty, India’s commitment to infrastructure is a positive marker of resilience.
Rao’s second observation concerns fiscal deficit management. The government has set a target of 4.3% of GDP, which he believes is both achievable and strategically sound. Achieving this balance requires careful pruning of subsidies, efficient tax collection, and prioritisation of growth-oriented spending. Rao emphasises that fiscal prudence is not austerity but a calibrated glide, keeping India’s economy aloft withoutturbulence.
The third point in Rao’s framework is the projection of nominal GDP growth. With real GDP estimated at 7.4% and nominal growth buoyed by moderate inflation, the economy appears poised for expansion. Nominal GDP matters because it influences revenue collections, debt sustainability, and investor confidence. A healthy trajectory here signals that India’s growth story remains intact, even amid global headwinds.

Perhaps the most imaginative part of Rao’s analysis is his focus on human capital development. The budget proposes five university townships, 1.5 lakh geriatric caregivers, five regional medical hubs, three new Ayurveda institutions, and a NIMHANS-like mental health institute in every state. It also emphasises upgrading ITIS and promoting medical tourism. Rao interprets this as nurturing the flock, investing in education, healthcare, and skills that sustain the population. Just as bird habitats must be preserved for species survival, human capital must be cultivated for national progress.
This emphasis on inclusive growth reflects a deeper vision: India’s rise must be powered not only by steel and silicon but also by knowledge and care.
Finally, Rao introduces the idea of “smoothing,” which he describes as 0%, nil taxation, both direct and indirect. While not a literal policy, it is his metaphor for the government’s effort to simplify compliance, reduce friction, and make the tax environment less burdensome. The budget’s measures to streamline processes, reduce litigation, and encourage voluntary compliance embody this spirit.
Mr. Harish Rao’s Four Point Something analysis reminds us that budgets must be observed with patience and perspective. The <12.22 lakh crore capex allocation builds the nest; the 4.3% fiscal deficit target defines the flight path; nominal GDP growth expands the wingspan; human capital initiatives nurture the flock; and smoother taxation ensures effortless flight. Together, these elements form a coherent vision of India’s economic journey.
In the end, Rao’s bird-watcher’s lens offers a refreshing departure from the cacophony of television debates. By focusing on what sustains growth rather than what merely excites headlines, he shows that the Union Budget 2026 is not just a fiscal document but a living ecosystem one that must be nurtured, balanced, and allowed to soar.

Hormones in Harmony at Christ University, Kengeri Campus – Reaching Every Audience

The Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB), in collaboration with the Karnataka Endocrine Society (KES), conducted the 5th and 6th sessions of the Hormones in Harmony for a Healthy Life series on February 16 at Christ University, Kengeri Campus, thoughtfully tailored to two distinct groups.
At 2 pm, Dr. Shruthi J, Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, addressed 75 ground staff members in Kannada on The When, Why & What of Common Endocrine Disorders,” explaining the causes, symptoms, and solutions for common endocrine disorders such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, including lifestyle modifications to prevent them. The session bridged important awareness gaps, with participants showing keen interest in accessing specialist care.
At 3:30 pm, Dr. Shyam Sundar (Endocrinologist, SPARSH Hospital and Co-founder of Grapes Clinic), engaged 50 MBA students through his talk, “Hormones & Hustle: Staying Fit in a High-Stress Career.” Using relatable, real-life examples from fast-paced professional environments, Dr Shyam Sundar highlighted strategies to balance ambition, stress, and health. The session sparked numerous thoughtful questions from the students, reflecting high engagement and curiosity about managing health amidst demanding lifestyles & careers. These back-to-back sessions reflected the series’ inclusive vision, empowering diverse communities with practical knowledge for lifelong hormonal well-being.
-Rtn. Dr. Nita Roy

A warm bed for orphan boys of Sanrakshan by RCB members

We are happy to share that Sanrakshan Boys Orphanage recently received 50 bunker beds and reached out seeking support for mattresses for these beds to ensure the comfort of their young residents.
Recognising the importance of providing an essential sleeping setup for the children, we stepped forward to help.
Through the generous contributions of our very own Rotarians namely Rtns Ramakrishna Mudugal, Ambika, Sandhya, PDG Mangaraj, Anand B, Omana, Sowmya, Veena, Hemanth M, Nita Roy, H S Sridhar, Somnath C- the total amount raised was Rs. 1,06,000/- Beneficiaries: 35 children.
-Rtn Sandhya Kunjur

ABreaking Barriers, Building Bridges

What an incredible conversation! Houseful at the Department of Sociology, Christ University. Huge thanks to all the amazing panel for sharing their insights and experiences. Let’s keep pushing for a more inclusive and accessible world Inclusion Matters Enhancing Participant Engagement Committee # EKYA (DEI)
-Rtn. Kalyani Talukder