THE ROTATOR - Issue 43

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

RHF to be Recast in Stone & Spirit. Our RHF in new Avatar, the grand old building that has stood as a hallmark on Lavelle Road for 91 years !!!

A 1967 legacy prepares to pour itself into a modern vessel—an iconic, sustainable, art-infused structure rising in Bengaluru’s Central Business District, where community development is especially for the urban poor.
A Defining Evening, April 27, 2026, unfolded as a defining evening for the Rotarians gathered at the Rotary House of Friendship (RHF). For decades, this venue has stood as a symbol of service, camaraderie and shared ideals. On this particular evening, however, the air carried a heightened sense of anticipation. This was not merely another Monday meeting; it was a moment of collective vision, a turning point in the club’s journey to create impactful community service messages.
Presiding over the gathering, Rtn Sukhen Padmanabha, President of the Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB), set the tone with a call for renewal. The president spoke of a shelter that had served faithfully since its inauguration in 1967, now poised to be reborn as a modern, functional, and iconic structure in the heart of Bengaluru’s Central Business District. His words were not about erasing history, but about reimagining and re-dedicating to it, carrying forward the spirit of fellowship into a space designed for future generations of rotarians.

The Seed of Renewal. The idea for a new building had circulated for over 25 years, but it took root in June 2025, during a special general body meeting led by the then president, Rtn Gowri Oza, on 25th June 2025. The then general body consented for the building committee to move forward with the bold vision of creating a new stage and space to continue community development. That seed of thought has since grown into a blueprint, nurtured by the dedication of Rotarians of the building committee who gave their time and energy selflessly.
President Padmanabha acknowledged the tireless work of the building committee, chaired by Rotarian Girish Ramanathan, with Past President Ranga Rao, Rotarian Manjunath Aneikar, Rotarian Kamalacharan, and Rotarian Jigisha Rajguru lending their wisdom and effort. Their commitment ensured the blueprint was not just a technical plan but a living, robust document, unveiled piece by piece, moment by moment, as the dream took shape.
The Polestar of the Evening Among the many contributors, one figure stood out as a guiding star. Past President Ranga Rao, fondly addressed as “Ranga” by his peers, was hailed as the polestar of the evening. His ability to secure funding from a single donor, a reputed business house from Bengaluru, was nothing short of remarkable.

The ovation he received was spontaneous and heartfelt, for he had transformed the daunting challenge of fundraising into a smooth, graceful, and need-based achievement. To many, he appeared as a generator of resources, a man whose quiet determination translated vision into reality. His presence reminded the gathering that leadership is not about titles, but about guiding through vision, focus, and action, said the president.
Architecture as Inspiration: The architectural imagination behind the project was presented by Mr. Bijoy Ramachandran, of Hundredhands. Having bagged the contract to create this iconic building, he stood before the Rotarians with a plan that was both ambitious and sensitive. He was ably assisted by Rotarian Manjunath in the creative efforts.
He traced the contours of the proposed structure, explaining how challenges shaped its integration into the existing urban fabric. His presentation was not just about walls and floors but about creating a space where emotions, thoughts, actions, and deliberations could converge.
The building, he explained, would rise across three levels, each equipped with modern amenities. Three halls for meetings, one on each floor, would provide spaces for community-sensitive activities, dialogue, and decision-making. A president’s office, generous common areas, ample parking facilities, and senior citizen-friendly features would ensure the building is not only functional but inclusive. Highlights include solarization, the use of eco-friendly materials, water harvesting, and, importantly, energy efficiency coupled with environmental responsibility. A striking feature, among others, is proposed to be a mural wall, transforming the building from a mere concrete block into a living art form.
A Participatory Spirit. The open house that followed was a testament to the participatory spirit of the Rotarians. Members came forward with ideas and Suggestions, each reflecting their personal connection to the club and its future. Building committee member Rtn Manjunath and architect Ramachandran listened attentively, assuring the gathering that they would consider each input before finalizing the drawings. The goal was not merely to construct a building but to weave into its fabric the motions and feelings of every Rotarian, ensuring the new home resonated with collective identity.
After the architect’s presentation, Past President Rtn Ranga Rao was called upon to present the CSR arrangements and the funds availability. He explained that after the huge task of approaching and presenting our community service building to various Bangalore-based philanthropists, large corporate foundations, Company CSR initiatives, High net-worth individuals, central / state government grants, overseas funders, TRF, and many other entities, he believes the current arrangement suits all parties best. After conducting detailed due diligence and reviewing ten years of RCB community activity in this building, the SATTVA / Knowledge Realty Trust offered a CSR grant of Rs 13 crores (with 10% escalation, a 3-year tenure, and reasonable visibility inside and outside). The group has excellent credentials with a high ICRA ranking, especially since the stakeholders are SATTVA and Blackstone. The terms, conditions, legality, milestones, payment schedules, branding, have been finalized after multiple meetings with our senior members like Rtn Arjun Menda, PDG Rtn Prabhashankar, Rtn Kusuma Muniraju, Rtn Vish lyer, Rtn Vivek Prabhu, Rtn Kamalacharan, Rtn Jigisha Rajguru, and many others in Trust meetings / Building committee / Brand committee meetings. It is proposed that the actual demolition and construction will likely start in August 2026 after receiving the 2nd tranche of the grant.
Past President Rtn Ranga mentioned that as of now, the trust has over 30% Of the total funds required.
The presentation was received cheerfully and with all enthusiasm and positivity. The meeting witnessed a spontaneous standing ovation and applause for the building committee and all members who have contributed to the awesome work done till now.
The president invited the Chairman of the Building Committee to update the members on the arrangements for the move, interim meetings, and revenues/costs in the new scenario. Past President Girish gave a highly detailed account of how each item/equipment from the present premises would be handled. He explained that the operating cost of running the entire premises would be well covered by our revenues. He explained that the interim office would be in the CBD area, meetings would occur in social clubs, all committee meetings would proceed as normal, and finally, the inner wheel’s requirements would be considered. He particularly mentioned that the committee felt that there would be no need for any increase in subscription in the incoming year.

At the end of the Special General Body, the president presented the proposed resolutions, which were passed unanimously and jubilantly.
1. Redevelopment of Rotary House of Friendship
2. Approval of Architectural Designs
3. Authorization for Statutory Permissions and Approval
4. Approval of CSR grant Agreement
5. Authorization to the board for Execution of Documents

Feedback and Accolades from Rotarians

Summer Camp 2026-0rganized by: Spastic Society of Karnataka 20 April 2026 to 25 April 2026

The Spastic Society of Karnataka conducted its annual summer camp for children with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, and children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Supporting partners were Rotary Club of Bangalore, Manipal Hospital and Essae.
The camp aimed to provide therapeutic recreation, skill development, exposure to activities of daily living outside the home, and joyful experiences in a safe, inclusive environment. A total of 100 children aged 8 to 18 years participated.
Objectives
– Provide learning experiences through yoga, arts & crafts, music & dance, theatre, and a trip to Pegasus for adaptive sports and adventure activities
– Encourage social interaction and peer bonding
– Develop motor, cognitive, and creative skills through play
– Offer parents respite while ensuring children were cared for in a nurturing environment
Team & Support
The camp was facilitated by a dedicated team of special educators, therapists, volunteers, and caregivers, whose commitment and compassion made the experience successful.
Outcomes
– Children showed improved participation, confidence, and enthusiasm in group activities
– Parents shared that the children were happy and engaged. For many parents, it was also a valuable learning experience to be apart from their children for 5 nights and 6 days
– Volunteers gained deeper sensitization and hands-on experience in supporting children with special needs.

Conclusion
The summer camp was a meaningful and enriching experience for both children and staff. It reaffirmed the importance of inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can learn, play, and thrive together.
The project was championed by Rtn. Kalyani Talukder, ably supported by many well-wishers.