THE ROTATOR - Issue 50

Issue 50 of The Rotator features a report on the important June 16th Business Meeting regarding the RHF upgrade plans. It also covers the vibrant Natanotsava program and other impactful projects from the week. Don’t miss it!

Enjoy the read! Your Rotator Team.

Smart Moves in Learning: RCB and Israel Partner for Digital Classrooms

The 8th Edition of Natanotsava, the annual Indian classical dance festival hosted by the Youth Service Avenue of Rotary Club of Bangalore, was held on Sunday, 15th June 2025, at the Rotary House of Friendship, Bangalore. A dawn-to-dusk celebration, the event began at 7:00 AM and concluded at 6:30 PM, featuring a vibrant display of rhythm, tradition, and artistic expression.

This year’s edition saw participation from 134 artists, presenting 52 diverse performances across solo, duet, and group formats. Classical dance forms from across India came alive on stage, with performers travelling from cities as far as Kolkata and Mysore to be part of the cultural extravaganza. The presence of parents, gurus, and dance enthusiasts created a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the day.

The performances were a true reflection of rigorous training, artistic passion, and deep cultural roots. Each item le􀅌 the audience mesmerized with its storytelling, grace, and musicality.

A special mention goes to PP Rtn. Ranga Rao, the Main Sponsor of Natanotsava 2025, whose generous support helped bring this large-scale celebration to life. Natanotsava 2025 proved to be more than just a festival — it was a platform that celebrated young talent, honoured the legacy of Indian classical dance, and brought together a vibrant community of artists and admirers. It was, by all accounts, a resounding success and a memorable milestone in the cultural calendar of the Rotary Club of Bangalore. 

-Rtn. Pooja. S

Such events underscore Rotary’s enduring commitment to fostering the arts among young people. By providing a stage for aspiring dancers to express themselves and connect with rich cultural traditions, RCB not only nurtures talent but also strengthens the artistic fabric of our community.

Natanotsava continues to affirm that the spirit of service includes preserving heritage, encouraging creativity, and inspiring the next generation.

-Ed

A Morning of Miracles: Limb-A-Day Uplifts Lives

On the bright morning of June 19, 2025, Rotarians gathered to witness something truly heartwarming— lives being transformed in real time. As part of the Rotary Club of Bangalore’s long-running “Limb-A-Day” project, in partnership with KMYF at Jain Hospital, individuals who had lost limbs were fitted with prosthetic legs and arms, regaining not just mobility but dignity and hope.

Among them was a spirited 13-year-old girl, a student of Class 8. While we imagined the emotional toll her condition could have taken, she moved with grace and confidence, bringing tears of joy to many eyes. Recipients of all ages — including many of working age — stood tall, stable, and smiling. Once unable to walk, they now descended steps with pride, their new shoes masking all signs of their earlier struggle.

Since 2003, over 5,000 lives have been impacted by this initiative, with beneficiaries returning to meaningful work-farming, driving, skilled trades — rebuilding their lives and their families’ futures. The cost? Just ₹7,500 per limb. A mere ₹20 a day can fund a prosthetic, making it one of the most powerful gifts one can give.

President Gowri handed over a cheque of ₹4.7 lakh to Mr. Aadesh, Trustee of KMYF, ensuring the project touches even more lives. Dr. Mahesh, head spinal surgeon, also presented new upcoming projects on scoliosis and bone marrow transplants—more avenues where help is needed. It was a morning of hope, healing, and humanity. The Rotary spirit shone brilliantly once again.

-Rtn. Sridhar Chari

Kudos to Rtn. Sridhar Chari for passionately championing this cause, and to Rtn. Kavita Muthappa and her dedicated Community Service team for executing this deeply impactful project, with unwavering support and encouragement from President Gowri

Appeal for ‘an ARM and a LIMB’


Expanding the scope of this project in 2025, we now aim to include prosthetic arms in our outreach. With your support, we can restore not just limbs, but also hope, dignity, and independence.
How You Can Help:
We invite all Rotarians and well-wishers to donate a prosthetic limb and arm.

• Cost per limb & arm: ₹7,500
• Just ₹20 per day makes this life-changing gift possible
• Donations in multiples of ₹7,500 are encouraged

Your contribution to RCBCT will have a force multiplier effect, empowering someone to return to work, regain their self-worth, and support their family for years to come.

Project Spotlight: Solarization of PHCs

As part of this year’s flagship initiative, RCB, in partnership with SELCO, has successfully completed the solarization of 40 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), ensuring uninterrupted power supply, especially in labour rooms where it matters most.

This week marked the inauguration of two more 24/7 PHCs at Jadigenahalli and Anugondanhalli. The event was graced by President Gowri and the generous sponsors, Rtn. Shyam Ramadhyani and Ann Lata, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation.

As the sponsors remarked, “It was heartening to see doctors working with smiling faces and treating parents. They are thrilled to finally operate 24 hours without worrying about power cuts.”

At Jadigenahalli PHC, a lone nurse bravely attends night duties in a remote, wooded location. While we salute such unwavering dedication, it reminds us of the need to continue improving working conditions for our frontline healthcare heroes.

RCB: Sharing Experience and Expertise with Fellow Clubs

As the largest club in District 3192, the Rotary Club of Bangalore has had the privilege of executing numerous impactful projects, gaining valuable on-the-ground experience and developing transparent, principle-based governance practices.

Recognizing this, DGE Rtn. Elizabeth Cherian Paramesh initiated a workshop on Project Planning and Management to share these insights with Presidents and officials from other clubs. The session, held at RHF on 14th June 2025 and co-hosted by District 3192 and RCB, was ably moderated by PP Rtn. Ranga Rao and Rtn. A.N. Manjunath, who shared real-world project learnings in an engaging, interactive format.

Participants appreciated the depth and relevance of the discussions, describing the workshop as both practical and empowering. One Rotarian summed it up: “With its engaging and hands-on approach, the program provided us with tools to deliver more efficient, impactful, and sustainable projects.”

In essence, the workshop exemplified RCB’s commitment to collaborative growth — by sharing what we’ve learnt, we help strengthen Rotary as a whole.

RHF Upgrade Plans: General Body Meeting on June 16^th

In recent years, there have been renewed calls to upgrade the House of Friendship to better support RCB’s growing activity. Several meetings—including committee discussions, two board meetings, two trust meetings, and a members’ meeting—reflected strong support for a full-scale upgrade.

A team led by Past President Girish Ramanathan was formed to take this forward. The proposed plan includes a new three-storey building with 24 car parks, triple the rentable space, a museum, multiple meeting rooms, and eco-friendly materials, aiming to generate sustainable revenue and create a structure the Rotary world can be proud of.

On 16th June 2025, a General Body Meeting was held (after 21 days’ notice) to discuss the design, costs, and logistics. Architect Ashok presented the building plan, while President-elect Sukhen explained interim arrangements. Members shared views—some favoured minimal repairs, others supported full redevelopment. Finance emerged as a key concern. Past President Ranga Rao summarized the rationale and potential funding sources.

With reassurances that subscriptions won’t be raised, projects and meetiFngs (combination of zoom and physical) will continue as usual, and funding will be sought through grants (centre, state) and donations including CSR — with construction star􀆟ng only a􀅌er 50% of funds are secured—the members overwhelmingly approved the proposal to pursue the new building. Ini􀆟al expenses were permitted, with a final go-ahead subject to another general body review.

PP Rtn. Ranga Rao’s Message and Appeal to RCBians

Good evening, friends!

• A building is not old just because of its age in the number of years. A building becomes old when it loses its relevance or becomes difficult to use.
• A building must be need-based, efficient, and, most importantly, able to adapt to the owner’s changing needs.
• This 60-year-old building has been redone and redone and adjusted by several presidents. Yet I’m told it has more than four major BBMP compliance issues.
• We could be emotional about the building endlessly, but it would also be good to look at how the new building would suit us bett
• We have no parking lot, only one rentable space, no elevator, and no opportunity to expand or improve the seating area. The building was constructed in different time periods over 60 years.
• What if we had a modern building with 24 parking spaces, three large rentable spaces, water harvesting, solar panels, and completely eco-friendly materials? The building could house a rotary museum, an art gallery, a café, and more.
• What if a Bangalore Darshan bus stops during its route and the guide introduces our building as a famous Bangalore landmark? The RCB
• What if we were to design a building that would be featured in the corridors of RI as a source of pride for Rotarians and an example of what they can do?
• What if we could triple our rental income and, with the help of Global Grants, undertake projects worth five times more than today?
• What if all the CSRs take note of us and the progressive ways of RCB, extending greater support?
• What if we could convert our House of Friendship into an international destination for Rotarians and others?
• Friends, you may have noticed that there comes a time in an organization’s life when it is ready to grow.
• What if I told you that, with the current and future management and members, RCB is now raring to grow?
• What if I said that, with 91 years behind us and the 100th year looming large, we deserve a gift?
• The ultimate winner in every situation is he who can leverage his existing strength.
• If we are not ready to adapt to today, this much land in the center of the city will surely be a lost opportunity.
• When our predecessors bought this land and started building, believe me, they were just like us, discussing how to make it happen.
• I’m told that in 1961, they discussed and deliberated and were desperate for solutions. This building far exceeded their dreams. They had no cash, but they had resources, hope, and, if I may add, Pandu and many others.
• The seniors saw the need, the need for us to be sitting here. We, too, must see the needs of future RCB members.
• In the last 8 years, we have completed projects worth 48 crores, and we hope to do much more in the coming years. Our members have a network, and most importantly, we have huge confidence in ourselves.

So, friends, I urge you to step forward and leave your mark on this historic day, when RCB needs a change in the way we think and act.

Let’s begin by recognizing our predecessors.

Thank you.