THE ROTATOR - Issue 45

Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26

Knowledge at Fingertips: Braille textbooks ignite Smiles at the Bless Society!

On May 10th 2026 Sunday evening , a Share-a-Smile project titled “Braille — Knowledge at Fingertips” was carried out at the NGO. We had the privilege of visiting the Bless society of Rural and Urban Development for visually challenged children and spending meaningful time with the wonderful students there.
We were warmly welcomed by children and staff, following which Braille textbooks in Kannada generously sponsored by a few Rotarians, were handed over to the students, to support their learning journey. What touched our hearts the most was when, after receiving the Braille books, one of the children
beautifully read from the book for all of us. It was a powerful reminder that education has the ability to inspire, empower, and connect beyond all boundaries.
The joy on the children’s faces and their eagerness to learn left a lasting impact on all of us. Moments like these remind us that true service lies in creating opportunities, dignity, and hope for every child.
Rotarians who participated in this inspiring handover event were Sandya Kunjur, Ambika Verma, Dr Nita Roy, Dr. Gertrude DtSouza, Kalyani Talukdar, Sapna Paul, Rtn Dr Maneesh Paul and DrVijetha Mahadev.
-Rtn. Vijetha Mahadev

Aging Like Fine Wine: Hormones in Harmony shines at Jal Vayu Vihar

The 9th session of “Hormones in Harmony” was successfully conducted on Friday May 8, 2026 at the Jal Vayu Vihar Community Hall. The session, entitled Aging Gracefully Like A Good Wine: Healthy Tips was organised by the Jal Vayu Vihar Owners Association in association with Rotary Club of Bangalore and the Karnataka Endocrine Society.

The evening began with a warm high tea and fellowship hosted at the residence of Rtn Niska Nanjundayya for the esteemed doctors, Rotarians, and Ms. Tina Chandy, Secretary of the Jal Vayu Vihar Owners Association. The gathering created a wonderful atmosphere of fellowship and interaction ahead of the session.
The Rotary team and guest speakers received a very warm welcome from the President of Jal Vayu Vihar Owners Association, Captain K.K. Nambiar and by Ms. Tina Chandy.
Around 75 residents of Jal Vayu Vihar, largely from the senior citizen community, attended the session with great enthusiasm and participation.
The session featured distinguished speakers from the Karnataka Endocrine Society Dr. Rajeshwari Janakiraman (Senior & Chief Endocrinologist at Yeshwanthpur Manipal Hospital & President of KES), along with the main speaker Dr. Chethan Dev K(Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at Sparsh Hospital, Trilife Hospital, and Dev Hormone Clinic). Dr.
Chethan Dev K delivered an engaging and insightful talk on diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, osteoporosis, and overall hormonal wellness. He highlighted how proper nutrition, exercise, healthy sleep habits, stress management, and timely hormone checks can play a vital role in preventing and managing many lifestyle-related conditions. The importance of paying attention to unusual symptoms such as unexplained weight gain and fatigue was also emphasized.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where both doctors patiently addressed several questions from the audience, making the discussion highly engaging, informative, and relatable.
Rotarians present included Rtn Vanita Singh, Rtn Nalini Nanjundayya, and the driving force behind this impactful initiative, Rtn Dr. Nita Roy.
-Rtn. Niska Nanjundayya

Fresh Air, Fascinating Stories and Fellowship at Lalbagh

The air in Lalbagh felt cooler, crisper and more fragrant with more than 50 Rotarians, Annes and Annettes assembled near the west gate. All were looking fresh, motivated by the promise of fresh and healthy air, healthy fellowship and a hearty breakfast!!
The weekly meeting was planned differently this week. A refreshing and engaging nature walk was organised on Saturday, 9th May 2026, for a morning of learning, exploration and appreciation of Bangalore’s biodiversity. The walk was led by Naturalist Karthik, along with Vishaal Loganathan, Citizen Naturalist from The Naturalist School. A big thanks to Rtn Arun Vaddi for the connect. Karthik was the Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts, and an author on the bio diversity of Bangalore through a book on Avenue trees of Bangalore. His wife Priya is a corporate trainer as well as training people to become Naturalists.
Just with a 500 meter walk in Lalbagh, the team immersed us into the wonderful world of Ants, Bugs, Beetles, bees, birds and dead tree branches too !! Karthik shared insights drawn from years of experience conducting nature camps, birdwatching tours and wildlife education programs across Karnataka. A recipient of the prestigious Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award, he has also authored books including Discover Avenue Trees and Explore Spiders of India. Vishaal, who has been actively conducting nature walks around Bangalore, too added observations and stories from the field.

We learnt about Ants and their organized life,the eautiful way in which leaf eater bee builds its nest, dead branches and the teeming life they support, the various trees and their origin, cormorants and the Japanese fishing techniques, and so much more. All this interspersed with questions, comments, greetings and many photographs! !!
As the group moved through the trail at the iconic Lalbagh, every few minutes brought a new discovery or story. Members stopped to watch a huge congregation of bright red cotton stainer bugs, learnt how tiny weaver ants stitch leaves into intricate nests using teamwork, and spent time admiring the striking appearance of lynx spiders. The calls of barbets and cicadas filled the morning air while conversations moved from bamboo and rain trees to silk cotton and jackfruit trees growing around the area. Along the way, we heard several anecdotes, including stories about the white-cheeked barbet and the cultural connection between bamboo and Mizoram.
One hour just flew by. After a final group photo and many thanks to Karthik and team, we strolled hungrily towards the iconic MTR restaurant. Thanks to our secretary Kavita, we breezed through the waiting crowds like VVIPs to the Deluxe room specially set up and waiting for us.

We had a unique meeting followed by a birthday song for the birthday boys and girls present. The birthday boy Rtn TV Raghunath and his charming wife Kamla hosted the breakfast for the whole group. Also in the memory of his father, who had spent forty years visiting MTR every morning.
After a sumptuous breakfast, and raucous conversations, we dispersed with our
stomachs full and hearts content. Thank you, RCB, the programme committee. Karthik and team, and Rtn Raghu for a memorable morning! !
The session was highly interactive, informative and enjoyable, and members left with a deeper appreciation for the rich natural life that exists around us in everyday urban spaces.
-Rtn Sanjay Asher (with inputs from Priya Karthik)