Vol: 12 Issue: 3 September 2019

EDITOR’S COLUMN RI’s Areas of Focus for the month of September is Basic Education & Literacy aimed to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. The Basic Education & Literacy Project guidelines help in assessing & responding to the community requirements and how to access various resources available through various Rotary platforms. The report from our DG who attended the ‘IGNITE 2019’ the summit organised by Rotary Literacy Mission {R I L M} at Kolkata will reveal wonderful ideas for projects under Literacy and Basic education. Rotary India Literacy Mission is doing great work in providing basic education to those who are deprived of education. state is having above 90% literacy as you can see from the cover photo released by RILM. Another important fact to remember is that RILM is working with so many corporate establishments as well as NGOs approved by Govt.of India. The recent CSR awards function at Cochin reveal that our neighbouring Districts are active in utilising the CSR opportunities in India, to do good projects with Rotary clubs. Please go through the article by our DG in this issue to get more awareness of the current scenario of Literacy programs done by RILM. The Membership Challenge to each Rotarian in our District is ‘Each One Bring One’. Find out and invite, good friends with who loves to serve mankind beyond caste and creed, who loves to give back help to the society, to be part of the Rotary Family.

For the 11th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating i.e. four stars from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Also, Rotary Foundation (India) has been awarded “Most Committed NGO” and “NGO of the year” award for CSR activities. The messages from our clubs show that majority of the clubs are in active engagement with Rotary. The Onam celebrations are conducted with more involvement of family members. The District Project REACH is followed enthusiastically by Rotary as well as the public and local authorities. It seems that our District Project “REACH” will make wonderful impact in the community if the MoUs signed by clubs are implemented effectively. Let the people of action unite and take action to create lasting change in our communities and in ourselves. An adage says that ‘If you want to know someone’s mind, listen to their words. If you want to know their heart, watch their actions’. Be true Rotarians, who practice what they preach. It would result in great upsurge in public image of Rotary among the community.

Rtn.Adv.PAG.T.Ramakrishna Kurup Chief Editor

Submit articles, stories of projects & club events to the Editor, GML: [email protected] Photographs should be high resolution digital images with details. District Governor reserves the right to publish the matter sent for publication The District Governor Speaking, September being the month designated for Basic Education and Literacy, dedicate your time to promote I feel proud as the clubs have shown interest in promoting programs for enhancing basic education and literacy. our District Project Reach .The District Seminar is over and I am happy to inform that for the 11th consecutive several clubs have started projects as well as signing MoU year Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating with local bodies. Undoubtedly the participation of public i.e. four stars from Charity Navigator, an independent and the effective implementation of the projects under evaluator of charities in the U.S. Rotary Foundation Reach to the full satisfaction of the community will enhance (India) has been awarded “Most Committed NGO” the public image of Rotary. and “NGO of the year” award for CSR activities. The TEACH program of Rotary India Literacy Mission is Our top priority is membership development .Due to the adopted by other countries. floods we postponed the District Seminar on Membership Development. But the Rotarians became People of Action to Club administration is a part of leadership training. help the flood victims with all kinds of help. My thanks to all Proper reporting in due time is necessary to analyse Rotarians and families for their help in dealing with the flood data at my office. Several clubs lag behind in timely disaster and rehabilitation. The donations for Shelter Box is submission of online monthly reports. Please submit progressing and the details of donor clubs and individual monthly reports in time. Rotarians will be published later. The mandatory dues to Rotary International After the deluge we are returning to the top our priority- and Rotary District are the primary duty of each club. membership development. The District Seminar is onFinancial discipline like payment of the mandatory October 6th at Contour Convention Centre Changanassery. dues is the primary duty of each member. Rtn Baharat Pandya, R I Director will be the chief Guest. As Rotary is moving ahead with the new action plan and new Our promise of 200 shelter Kits to the flood vision statement we have a lot to learn from our leader. The victims of other Rotary Districts are yet to be fulfilled. flexibility in new club development is to be well understood Several clubs have shown responded with donations for for enhancing membership of Rotary. 50% plus growth shelter kits. The participation of all clubs is needed to is the target of our Rotary District.Rotary Central has a show that we care our fellow beings in times of disaster. number of resources in the learning centre to help clubs and I remind you of the famous words of Paul Harris, the club officers in their roles that help develop membership. founder of Rotary International in 1912 that “If you Probably undertaking a Rotary club health check plus the have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my Building a diverse club learning centre course is a good friends, you are a potential Rotarian.” place to start. There are numerous other resources available including Representing your community’s professions and So move ahead with pride and power of Rotary to do Connect with prospective members as places to commence good in the world. your membership efforts. A net increase of membership, a net increase in female membership and a net increase in Yours in Rotary Service, membership of members under 40 are all ways that count to Rtn. Shirish Kesavan achieving the Rotary citation and these should have entered District Governor. in your club’s goals for the year.

4 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE Dear fellow Rotarians children at Rotary events on every level. and members of the family of Rotary, Often, the young professionals that Rotary needs to attract in order to Here in the United States, another remain a dynamic 21st century service summer is winding down. And organisation are the very people who for the Maloney family, every have the greatest family summer ends with a return to my responsibilities. We must not keep these hometown of Ridgway, Illinois, for prospective young members away the annual Popcorn Day festival, from their families by holding events where I am honoured to serve as on evenings and weekends at which the “Popcorn King,” the master of their children are not welcome. ceremonies for the day’s events. For too long, we have closed the Regardless of the season, every doors of many Rotary events to family has its own traditions. I children and sometimes even spouses. would like to suggest a new one What wasted opportunities these are! for yours: Find an opportunity to Every chance we have to pass on the introduce your family to Rotary. One gift of Rotary to young people. We of my family’s traditions is to take must take it if we are going to grow our daughters and grandsons to the Rotary and ensure that the next generation Rotary International Convention. is fully engaged in our mission. The 2020 convention in Honolulu will be a wonderful way to introduce So let us open our doors and do it in a your children and grandchildren to fun way, with opportunities that make the internationality of Rotary. We our children and grandchildren want to are planning many family-oriented learn more about Interact, Rotaract, and events for everyone to enjoy. Rotary membership. Start small if you must — perhaps by holding some of your Any time is a fabulous time to meetings at more family-friendly times bring family members on a Rotary — but think about how you can continue service project or to a fundraising these kinds of events for years to come. event. But perhaps you have not seen many family-friendly events Bringing children to Rotary events at your club. That is precisely why is not just fun; it also exposes one of my top priorities this year them to the world! Make this a is to make most Rotary events memorable year for your family — welcoming to family members. and an unforgettable year for the ever-expanding family of Rotary as We must foster a culture where Rotary Connects the World. Rotary does not compete with family, but complements it. We should never expect our members to choose between the two. That means being realistic in our Mark Daniel Maloney expectations, ¬considerate in our President, Rotary International scheduling, and welcoming of

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 5 Rotary Governance MESSAGE FROM Documents

Clubs and districts are guided by the Manual of Procedure, One- RI Constitution, and RI Bylaws. These documents provide the structure for RI’s to-One policies and procedures. Every The economy in our subcontinent club and district can propose is vitally linked with the amendments to constitutional monsoon because of our water documents through the resources. At times the monsoon Council of Legislation. unleashes its fury and then we have calamvities like floods. This monsoon Manual of Procedure season, there have been floods in The Manual of Procedure offers Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, a concise version of Rotary’s Bihar and the North-East. These have policies and procedures. It is caused devastation in many parts. To published every three years to vocational training and skill development their credit, Rotarians have risen to the reflect adopted legislation and to young adults. occasion, responded with relief material, decisions of the RI conventions, shelter kits, food, clothing, medicines. the Council on Legislation, the This is the need of the hour, especially I commend the Rotarians, clubs and Rotary International Board of for the girl child. I believe that the best districts who have done much to Directors, and the Trustees of ornament for a girl is a good education. This provide succour to the affected The Rotary Foundation. is a powerful tool in her hands that has the people. potential to transform not just her life but The manual covers these key the lives of entire families. Once the floods recede, rehabilitation areas: can begin. Let us put our efforts into Structure: Includespolicies and If you educate a boy you educate one helping the affected people get back to procedures for clubs, districts, person, if you educate a girl you educate a normalcy. Rotary can adopt schools in zones, RotaryInternational, family and by ripple effect an entire village/ the affected areas and begin rebuilding and The Rotary Foundation. community. Let us redouble our efforts to them into Happy Schools. I appeal to make our country and our zones 100 per all Rotarians to contribute generously Carrying out Rotary’s mission: cent literate in the coming years. Ensuring towards this effort to rebuild both the Includes the structure, policies, quality education is the most important lives of the affected, and the schools in and procedures of the programs thing we can do for future generations. That the affected areas. of RI and the Foundation will allow us and them to fulfill the dream for a better world. Don’t let what you cannot September is Basic Education and InternationalMeetings: do interfere with what you can do. Do your Literacy Month. Nelson Mandela Includes the RI Convention, best. rightly said, “Education is the most Council on Legislation, and powerful weapon you can use to change International Assembly. Enjoy Rotary, Enjoy Yourself. the world.” For young minds, education

is the key to unlock the doors to their future. I commend Rotarians and clubs for the outstanding work they do in the field of education, whether it is providing e-learning facilities, Dr Bharat Pandya making Happy Schools, providing RI Director, 2019-21 opportunity for marginalised population to send their children to schools, offering scholarships or

6 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 RI DIRECTORS The Rotary International constitutional documents Importance of Education provide club and districts the foundation for RI’s policies and procedures. They are My dear Rotarians, Constitution of Rotary Kofi Anan says, “Literacy is the road to International and Bylaws of human progress and the means through Rotary International. which every man, woman and child can realise his or her full potential.” Standard Rotary Club Constitution .All clubs Worldwide, 67 million children have admitted to Rotary no access to education, and over 775 membership must adopt this million people, over 15 years, are constitution. illiterate. Rotary understands this and Recommended Rotary Club our members support educational specific focus is interlinked with the others in objective and content, Bylaws - Clubs can tailor projects that provide technology, these bylaws, as long as their teacher training, vocational training, accompanied with improvement in learning outcome of primary changes align with Rotary’s student meal programmes and low- constitutional documents and education and spread of adult literacy. cost textbooks to communities. Our the Rotary Code of Policies. goal is to strengthen the capacity of If you have doubts about your communities to support basic education Asha Kiran: This September, let proposed changes, please and literacy, reduce gender disparity in each Rotarian pledge to send back submit them to the general education and increase adult literacy. out-of-school children to schools secretary for the RI Board to under the Asha Kiran programme. consider. Educate the girl child: If you Under this programme, children Rotary Code of Policies really want to empower societies, from vulnerable communities, who have never been to school, -The Rotary Code of reduce poverty, improve basic hygiene Policies compiles all of the and healthcare, address population dropped out from school, been irregular in attending school, or have organization’s general and explosion, and fight high rates of infant permanent policies. The lagged behind, are mainstreamed/ and maternal mortality, the answer is revised version is available after to educate girls. The old adage holds regularised ensuring their retention each meeting of the RI Board good: If you educate a man, you in schools after the required and the Council on Legislation. educate a person; if you educate a orientation. The objective is to A separate document outlines woman, the entire family gets educated. facilitate these children’s access to amendments made to the code mainstream State-funded primary/ whenever it is updated. RILM-TEACH: Rotary in India, elementary schools. Sending a child The Rotary Foundation Code through the Rotary India Literacy back to school costs ₹2,500 a year. of Policies is maintained in a Mission, has embarked upon one of the separate document. A revised most comprehensive programmes on Remember one child, one teacher, one book, one pen… can change the world. version is available after Total Literacy and Quality Education. each meeting of The Rotary This mission wishes to achieve the Foundation Trustees. literacy goals through its comprehensive programme called T-E-A-C-H: T–Teacher Support; E–E-learning; A–Adult Literacy; C–Child Kamal Sanghvi Development; and H–Happy School RI Director, 2019-21 Each of these programmes with September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 7 RC of Flowers with flood relief materials SWANTHANAM FROM ROTARIANS TO FLOOD VICTIMS

Rtn.Dr.Jagan Mohan, Chairman, Membership Development In the first week of August 2018, there was good amount of rain but by second week end it came to an end. The media was full with news about the havoc created by rain. TV Channels showed the minute by minute footage of rising water level in dams as if to see a miracle of sudden stop of the downpour when the water touch the maximum level. lost the power. Frantic calls for help started from stranded families in the pitch dark rainy night. Next On August 14th I was invited by friends in RC day morning we started a camp in Karunagapally as the Chairman of focus project Town bus stand, started preparing kanji & payer, Annadanam. I & my friend Anianmon went via Supplying food packets for distribution, Assisting Kollam as the RC Lotus was doing Annadanam in para military forces and praying that such tragedy Kollam. It was very difficult to drive in such heavy should never be seen, but as the chairman of rain. After the meeting we reached Kozhencherry Focus project Annadanam the support given by past midnight. Next morning I was woken up by clubs where exhilarating and pushing us forward. my son Aryan who said Pamba is overflowing & my father wanted me to go and check about The natural disaster stuck southern Kerala last the Kozhencherry Palliyodam. On reaching year but this year it was the north Kerala. Since Vallakkadavu there was a huge crowd and I saw we were affected and we know the pain, we Pamba flowing beyond the banks. The dams were under the leadership of Assistant Governor John opened. When I came home my friend Anianmon Varghese started to collect the essential things was there. He was rescued by police from the first needed like clothes, food kit, drinking water floor of his house. His house was fully submerged etc. RC Pathanamthitta, RC Kozhencherry, RC along with one car in the porch. By evening we

8 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 Pathanamthitta Central, RC Pathanamthitta flowers, RC Kumplampoika all generously contributed. AG. John Varghese, RC Pathanamthitta President Rtn Sanjay Kuruvilla, Rtn Vijay Kumar Mehta, Rtn Vino, Rtn Vijo, Rtn Shibu, Rtn Manoj, Rtn Jose, Rtn Aby and myself started our journey to Nilambur.

I had contacted IPDG Dr. Ummer and requested his help to coordinate our activities. He and past district secretary general Rtn Dr.Kedarnath received us in his house. Even when his clinic was flooded, Dr Kedarnath, his wife Rtn Sandhya Kedarnath and son Ambady were engaged in relief work. We all stayed the remaining days with them and joined their relief work.

The flood kits were supplied to people in remote areas. We cleaned houses in the landslide hit area of Kavalappara where maximum deaths happened. The accident which completely shook me was the front part of a bicycle in another landslide hit area were talks about the impending danger of flood, we Pathar. The very thought about the owner of that thought all will be well by August 11th and went ahead. cycle who might be a small boy or girl not more But due to the heavy rain, the venue of seminar & than 5-7 years sent a chill through my spine, but Alleppy Changanassery road was totally flooded. With we were all happy to know that there were no much pain we rescheduled IGNITE to October 6th. deaths reported in that area. We came back on the 4th day fully tired but feeling proud about the For the first time we have a mega luckydip draw fact that we could make our small contribution of 2 nights 3 days stay at Asia’s most exciting city and we are part of a great organization with its Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thanks to AG Rtn Tony meaningful theme - Rotary Connects the world. Cyriac Neerackal of zone 30 and Valley holidays. As its almost 2 ½ months since we all met for a We had fixed the date for membership seminar on seminar, we are all eagerly waiting for all Rotary August 11th. We were all busy visiting clubs for the friends to come together in Contour Convention promotion of seminar IGNITE. Even though there centre, Changanassery. Our chief guest is RID Dr Bharat Pandya and guests ARC PDG Rtn Sreenivasan and ARC PDG Rtn Dr George Sunderraj. The experience of helping the flood victims of our state reminds me of the words of R.I President

“Wherever you live, you benefit from being part of a community. But those benefits are not free. You need to give something back for the privilege of being part of that community. That philosophy lies at the heart of Rotary.”

My sincere thanks to all clubs for their donations for flood relief and I thank the Rotary leaders of R I Dist.3202 for helping us to provide help to the flood victims. September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 9 Dr. P. S. Kedar nath IPDG.DR.E.K.Ummer IPDSG, Rotary District 3202 Dist.3202 Dear team members of R I Dist.3211 Dear AG Rtn Adv. John Varghese, Dist. Chairman Membership Development Rtn Dr K S Jagan Mohan, Nilambur is still under the hangover of the first of its Senior Rtn Mehthaji and all dear team members of kind flood ever witnessed. The expression of fury of 3211 Mother Nature was so devastating. It will take long time to attain the normal rhythm of life here. Fist I congratulate all of you for your venture to help the flood affected needy peoples of It took only 15 minutes to bury many people alive Nilambur. along with their dreams and belongings. A large area was submerged, people fled leaving behind This year the flood calamity in Nilambur was everything. After the short period of initial very hectic. 63 deaths, more than 300 houses shock the entire state focused its entire power to lost. Thousands of houses had damaged .Near Nilambur and surroundings. Government about 1oo camps are opened in church, Temples, machinery and all kinds of associations rubbed mosque, schools and auditorium. In camp relief shoulders in rescue operations and rehabilitation materials are coming. But there are so many of victims. Rotary as usual pumped money and people went back home. Houses are completely materials to wipe the tears of our brethren. filled with mud and waist. Complete dresses, home utensils and everything lost. Medical Ten members from Rotary Kozhencherry and camps and medicines IMA is doing throughout Pathanamthitta came to Nilambur with a full the camps. So they are usually in need of food, load of food materials, drinking water, dress and home utensils items, rice and dress materials and cleaning materials. They brought all equipments, Cleaning materials are needed for those who went including pump set and generator for cleaning back to their homes .This is present scenario. houses and utensils. They took the pain to personally distribute items to the needy in camps Hence we the Dist. 3202 and Members of Dist. and directly to houses. Rotary “connected” us, 3202 congratulate the team members of Dist. 3211 even though in calamity, a blessing in disguise. for their support and help for Dist. 3202 and needy people of Nilambur. Kudos to Rotary service all Congratulations and best wishes to the Rotarians friendship. Hope we will meet again. who did an exemplary service here and all other Rotarians who supported them to do so.

Rotarians from RID 3211 with IPDSG Dr. Kedarnath of RID 3202

10 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 What actually is Rotaract? Rtn.Dr.Thomas Vavanikunnel District Governor Elect and District Advisor Rotaract Rotaract is a global organisation that empowers students and young professionals to create positive change in their local communities and around the world. Rotaract provides unique opportunities that assist its members in becoming the business and professional leaders of tomorrow. Sponsored by Rotary International, Rotaract Clubs across world are part of a worldwide organisation of 210,000 individuals in 9,100 clubs covering 170 countries. Rotaract club of Grand Cayman is community based, and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise. We are true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.

Members engage in a wide range of activities including social, professional and community events. Rotaract Clubs are more than just community service groups. Each club is part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world. This effort starts at the community level, but it knows no limits in its outreach.

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

Rotaract has six goals: 1.Develop professional and leadership skills 2.Emphasise respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual 3.Recognise the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve 4.Recognise, practice and promote ethical standards as leadership qualities and vocational responsibilities 5.Develop knowledge and understanding of the needs, problems and opportunities in the community and worldwide 6.Provide opportunities for personal and group activities to serve the community and promote international understanding and goodwill to all people

Why join Rotaract? Rotaract connects you to a network of business, professional, and community leaders to facilitate the development of your personal and professional skills. Clubs seek industry experts to share stories and guidance, invite motivational speakers to meetings, and regularly engage in workshops and training on personal growth areas including leadership and communication. Rotaract, suitable for 18 to 30 year olds, has a strong social aspect. Many clubs create awareness or fundraise through exciting social opportunities such as trivia night, walk-a-thons, happy hour, and different fun events. Meetings are regularly held at a convenient and casual place, making for a great environment to meet likeminded people. National and international Rotaract conferences allow you to: • Share ideas and develop a global perspective •Enhance your professional and leadership skills •Network with young people from around the world •Experience local customs •Visit cultural attractions •Meet other passionate young people united in their vision for a better world

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 11 Frequently asked questions about 2019 Council on Legislation changes to Rotaract

The 2019 Council on Legislation amended the constitutional documents of Rotary International to include Rotaract clubs as a membership type of Rotary International. This action elevates Rotaract and positions Rotary for a future that is innovative, inclusive, and adapting to the world around us. It recognizes that Rotarians and Rotaractors make individual contributions and have different membership experiences but serve side by side in a shared desire to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

What does the vote on Rotaract (enactment 19-72) mean?

Rotary International is composed of its member clubs. This enactment, 19-72, broadens the definition of membership to include both Rotary and Rotaract clubs. It elevates Rotaract clubs by acknowledging them in the RI Constitution and RI Bylaws as a unique membership type within RI. Rotaract clubs will still have their own standard constitution and will remain a separate club membership type from Rotary clubs. But by being recognized in the constitutional documents, Rotaract clubs will enjoy greater support from RI. For the exact text of the enactment, refer to the legislation that was proposed at the 2019 Council. See the version of enactment 19-72 marked “Motion to Amend” at the top. The Council approved this version of the enactment, and all other versions should be disregarded.

How do Rotaractors benefit from this change? This action shows that Rotary International recognizes the unique value Rotaract brings to our organization. The enactment will give RI more accurate information about Rotaractors so it can improve the support and resources that help Rotaract grow. As partners in service, we will be able to better track our impact and expand our reach.

Does this mean Rotaractors automatically become Rotarians? No. Members of Rotary clubs are Rotarians and members of Rotaract clubs remain Rotaractors. This enactment will not change the separate identity of Rotaractors. It simply expands the membership of Rotary International to include both Rotary and Rotaract clubs.

Will this change the Rotaract experience? This enactment will not change the club experience that Rotaractors have. Rotaract clubs will still be sponsored by Rotary clubs and should maintain their current relationships with their sponsor Rotary clubs. But Rotaractors will have a much closer relationship with RI now that Rotaract clubs are a recognized membership type of RI rather than a Rotary program.

Does this mean Rotaract clubs will start paying dues to Rotary International? Not immediately. According to the current RI Constitution, Rotaract clubs will pay dues as established by the Board. The Board will determine at a future time the amount of dues and when they would be collected. The Board will continue to research the best way to introduce dues. It will consider what amount is fair and what products and services Rotaractors would receive in exchange. Any changes will be implemented gradually.

Are Rotaract clubs still required to be sponsored by a Rotary club? Yes. Rotaract clubs still need to be sponsored by a Rotary club to be officially recognized by Rotary International. Sponsorship of Rotaract clubs is mandated by the Board and described in Rotary’s Code of Policies. 12 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 Will Rotaractors now be able to use Rotary Foundation funds for their projects? No. Only Rotary clubs may apply for global and district grants from the Foundation. The Trustees determine who is eligible to apply for global grants and would carefully review any proposal made to allow Rotaract clubs access to Foundation funds. The Trustees encourage Rotaract clubs to work with Rotary clubs on global grant projects. Rotaract clubs can also receive funding from district grants through a Rotary club, and Rotaractors can apply for scholarships and Rotary Peace Fellowships through the Foundation.

Can Rotaract clubs now vote at the Councils or at district conferences? No. This change does not grant Rotaract clubs a vote at Rotary district conferences or separate representation at the Councils. However, Rotaractors will continue to be encouraged to contact their district’s Council representative to express their opinions on issues that will be voted on.

Will Rotaract clubs be counted in Rotary’s overall membership numbers? No. Rotaract clubs will not be counted in the total number of clubs in a district. Rotarians and Rotaractors will still be counted separately.

Will Rotaractors now automatically receive a copy of a Rotary magazine? No. Rotarians pay for a subscription to the official magazine for their region through the membership dues their clubs pay to RI. However, Rotaractors can subscribe to the digital version of The Rotarian.

Do Rotaractors need to do anything differently now? This enactment is not meant to change the club experience for Rotaractors. Rotaract club leaders can update their club and member information on the Club Administration page of My Rotary so that RI can learn more about their clubs and support them better. Clubs that have reported their information will be the first to know when new products and services become available.

Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards The purpose of the Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards is to recognize exceptional community or international service projects that further focus and increase the humanitarian service goals of Rotary International. Every year, Rotaract clubs around the world change lives by developing sustainable and innovative solutions to community challenges. Nominate your Rotaract club or district’s best local or international service project for a 2019- 20 Rotaract Outstanding Project Award.

Rotract Club members of Royal Mangalam with faculty and Members of Rotary Club of Kottayam East September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 13 My Visit to RI Head Quarters Dear Rotarians, This is regarding my visit to Rotary International Head Quarters at “ One Rotary Center 1560 Sherman Ave Evanston, IL 60201 , USA”, on 04th Sep 2019 morning 10.30 am , as per the permission obtained from “ Kelly Capesius “ , Executive Assistant to 2019 – 2020 Rotary International President “ Marks Moloney “ .I handed over “The Rotary Connect” Governors Monthly Letter of Rotary District 3211 to Kelly Capcsius ,Executive Assistant to R I President Marks Maloney and presented a model of a House boat on behalf of my club Rotary Club of Chingavanam on which the names of District Governor, President and Secretary were engraved . They have taken us to the Rotary museum and Flags were displayed of different countries where Rotary is functioning. Names of many Indians including Kerala representatives who was made substantial contribution to the Rotary international and there photos were also displayed.

They have presented me the Flag & Logos of “Rotary Connects the World “as a memento for my visit. The visit was very much interesting .

President Rtn. A.T.Chacko Chingavanam

14 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 ROTARY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Rotary’s 100-year track record of Rotarians joining Profi ts Most Who Serves Best.” together to use their skills and passion to make a diff erence in their communities is one that fosters pride 2)Primarily, a Rotary club is a group of representative worldwide. In addition to our governance documents, business and professional people and community leaders Rotary clubs and districts should be familiar with who have accepted the Rotary philosophy of service and Rotary’s guiding principles and values statements in are seeking: order to carry out Rotary’s mission and understand our history of commitment to professionalism and First, to study collectively the theory of service as the true service. Th e following is a selection of value statements basis of success and happiness in business and in life; and and principles that Rotarians and Rotary clubs use to second, to give, collectively, practical demonstrations of it inspire their involvement and engagement in Rotary. to themselves and their community; and third, each as an individual, to 1923 STATEMENT ON translate its theory into practice in COMMUNITY SERVICE business and in everyday life; and fourth, individually and collectively, Th e following statement was by active precept and example, to adopted at the 1923 convention stimulate its acceptance both in and amended at subsequent theory and practice by all non- conventions. It is included in the Rotarians as well as by all Rotarians. Manual of Procedure because of its historical value. (Rotary 3)RI is an organization that exists Code of Policies 8.040.1.) a)for the protection, development, In Rotary, Community Service and worldwide propagation of the is to encourage and foster the Rotary ideal of service; application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, b)for the establishment, business, and community life. encouragement, assistance, and In carrying out this application administrative supervision of of the ideal of service, many Rotary clubs; clubs have developed various community service activities c)as a clearing house for the study as aff ording opportunities for of their problems and, by helpful service by their members. For the guidance of Rotarians suggestion but not compulsion, for the standardization of and Rotary clubs and to formulate a policy for Rotary their practices and of such community service activities, toward community service activities, the following and only such community service activities, as have already principles are recognized and accepted as sound and been widely demonstrated by many clubs as worthwhile controlling: and as are within, and will not tend to obscure, the Object of Rotary as set out in the RI constitution. 1)Fundamentally, Rotary is a philosophy of life that undertakes to reconcile the ever present confl ict 4)Because they who serve must act, Rotary is not merely between the desire to profi t for one’s self and the duty a state of mind, nor Rotary philosophy merely subjective, and consequent impulse to serve others. Th is philosophy but must translate itself into objective activity; and the is the philosophy of service — “Service Above Self” — individual Rotarian and the Rotary club must put the and is based on the practical ethical principle that “One theory of service into practice. Accordingly, corporate September 2019 | Th e Rotary Connect 15 action by Rotary clubs is recommended under the safeguards provided herein. It is desirable that every b)As a general thing, no Rotary club should endorse Rotary club sponsor a major community service activity any project, no matter how meritorious, unless the each fiscal year, varied from year to year if possible before club is prepared and willing to assume all or part of the the end of the fiscal year. responsibility for the accomplishment of that which it endorses; This activity is to be based upon a real community need and should require the collective cooperation of all its c)While publicity should not be the primary goal of members. This is to be in addition to the club’s continuing a Rotary club in selecting an activity, as a means of its program for the stimulation of the club members to extending Rotary’s influence, proper publicity should individual service within the community. be given to a worthwhile club project well carried out;

5)Each individual Rotary club has absolute autonomy d)A Rotary club should avoid duplication of effort in the selection of such community service activities as and in general should not engage in an activity that is appeal to it and as are suited to its community; but no club already being well handled by some other agency; should allow any community service activity to obscure the Object of Rotary or jeopardize e)A Rotary club in its activities the primary purpose for which should preferably cooperate a Rotary club is organized; with existing agencies, and RI, although it may study, but where necessary may standardize, and develop such create new agencies where activities as are general and make the facilities of the existing helpful suggestions regarding agencies are insufficient to them, should never proscribe accomplish its purpose. It is any community service activity better for a Rotary club to for any club. improve an existing agency than to create a new and 6)Although regulations are not duplicative agency; prescribed for an individual Rotary club in the selection of f)In all its activities a Rotary community service activities, club acts best and is most the following rules are suggested successful as a propagandist. for its guidance: A Rotary club discovers a)Because of the limited a need but, where the membership of Rotary, only responsibility is that of the in a community where there entire community, does is no adequate civic or other not seek alone to remedy organization in a position to it but to awaken others to speak and act for the whole the necessity of the remedy, community should a Rotary club engage in a general seeking to arouse the community to its responsibility community service activity that requires for its success the so that this responsibility may be placed not on Rotary active support of the entire citizenship of the community, alone but on the entire community where it belongs; and, where a chamber of commerce exists, a Rotary club and while Rotary may initiate and lead in the work, it should not trespass upon nor assume its functions, but should endeavor to secure the cooperation of all other Rotarians, as individuals committed to and trained in organizations that ought to be interested and should the principle of service, should be members of and active seek to give them full credit, even minimizing the in their chambers of commerce and as citizens of their credit to which the Rotary club itself is entitled; community should, along with all other good citizens, be interested in every general community service activity, g)Activities which enlist the individual efforts of all and, as far as their abilities permit, do their part in money Rotarians generally are more in accord with the genius and service; of Rotary than those requiring only the mass action

16 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 of the club, because the community service activities of 6)involve the community, when desirable and feasible, in the Rotary club should be regarded only as laboratory implementing community service projects, including the experiments designed to train members of a Rotary Club provision of required resources; in service. 7)cooperate with other organizations in accordance with (RCP 8.040.1., 23-34, 26-6, 36-15, 51-9, 66-49, 10-165) RI policy to achieve community service objectives;

STATEMENT ON COMMUNITY SERVICE 8)achieve proper public recognition for their community service projects; The 1992 Council on Legislation adopted the following statement on community service. 9)act as catalysts to encourage other organizations to work Rotary Community Service encourages and fosters together in community service efforts; the application of the ideal of service to the personal, business, and community life of every Rotarian. 10)transfer responsibility for continuing projects, when appropriate, to community, service, or other organizations, In carrying out this application of the ideal of service, so that the Rotary club can become involved in new a variety of activities developed by Rotary clubs have projects. afforded significant opportunities for service by their members. For the guidance of Rotarians and to formulate As an association of clubs, RI has the responsibility to a policy for Rotary toward community service activities, communicate news of community service needs and the following principles are recognized: activities, and from time to time suggest programs or projects which advance the Object of Rotary and which Community Service is an opportunity for every Rotarian would benefit from the concerted efforts of Rotarians, to exemplify “Service Above Self.” It is the commitment clubs, and districts who wish to participate. (Rotary Code and social responsibility of every Rotarian and Rotary of Policies} club to improve the quality of life for those who live in the community and to serve the public interest.

In this spirit, clubs are encouraged to:

1)review regularly service opportunities within their communities and involve each club member in an assessment of community needs;

2)capitalize on the unique vocational and a vocational talents of members in implementing their community service projects;

3)initiate projects in accordance with the needs of the community and commensurate with the club’s standing and potential in the community, recognizing that every community service activity, however small, is important;

4)work closely with the Interact clubs, Rotaract clubs, and Rotary Community Corps and other groups which they sponsor, in order to coordinate community service efforts;

5)identify opportunities to enhance community service projects through Rotary programs and activities at the international level;

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 17 Rotary’s new Action Plan Message from the Strategic Planning Committee By Stephanie A. Urchick, Chair of Rotary’s Strategic Planning Committee

When we began developing a new strategic plan for initiatives designed to achieve these goals. While the Rotary over two years ago, we started by taking a Action Plan focuses on Rotary International and the look in the mirror. We asked hard questions as we corporate-level activities that will drive us toward performed a thorough self-assessment, all the while our vision, much of it also translates to a club and acknowledging the changing world around us. Once district level. we identified gaps between who we are and who we need and want to be, we looked to you. We asked What does this mean for you? Each club should have more than a million people from across the world the same priorities as the Action Plan. What can you to share their input with our Strategic Planning do to help reach these goals? Take into consideration Committee through focus groups and surveys. Each the priorities and ideas in this plan. How can you goal in our plan is based on feedback from leaders, make your club and the experiences of its members members, and Rotary participants who want the the best it can be? organization to achieve its vision. Thank you for sharing your passion and insight—we heard you! After considering how your club can have the most impact, use the strategic planning guide as your Our new strategic plan is different from our past plans. toolkit. Use the priorities and tips to develop your This will be our Action Plan—our organization’s call own plan of action, align with our priorities and to action to work together to build a stronger future. support our shared goals. Tailor your plan so that it This plan will help us realize what’s truly possible is the most effective for your club and engages your when People of Action unite, connect with others members and the members of your community. who share our values, and commit to creating change in the world and within ourselves. We will be audacious and innovative in how we implement Rotary’s Action Plan and we encourage Our Action Plan is not about wiping away our you to be the same. tradition or tried-and-true core principles. It’s about You helped build this Action Plan and we will use making our organization stronger so that our values it to strengthen Rotary so that together, we can act will last for years to come. It’s about using effective boldly to help make the world better for generations tactics to strengthen the organization at all levels. It’s to come. about ensuring that every person who engages with us has a meaningful, valuable and fulfilling experience. This is our Action Plan. It’s about changing more lives and communities for the better. In June 2018, the RI Board of Directors and Rotary Foundation Trustees approved four new strategic We are committing ourselves to increasing our priorities and objectives that will be the foundation of impact on the world, expanding our reach, our next strategic plan. This plan sets the framework enhancing the experiences and engagement of Rotary for our future so that we can continue to thrive as participants, and increasing our ability to adapt and a respected, dynamic organization that advances be innovative. Over the next several years, we will communities worldwide. be exploring, implementing and refining a series of 18 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 PRIORITY 1-Increase Our Impact. People of Action professionally relevant and fulfilling. When they see are effective problem-solvers. our dedication to investing in them at every stage Why do Rotarians achieve so much? We invest of their professional life, our participants are eager in relationships. We make decisions grounded in to go the distance with us—even at a time when evidence. We know how to mobilize our networks to there are many other options for networking and create solutions that last. And we’re always learning volunteering.Let’s recommit to putting the needs, from our experiences in projects, clubs, and careers. expectations, and growth of our participants at the Throughout the fight to end polio, we’ve shown what centre of all we do. we can do when we draw on our collective strengths. We’ve created solutions that match the people they PRIORITY 4 -Increase Our Ability to Adapt .People serve. We’ve evaluated the results to learn from our of Action are inventive, entrepreneurial, and resilient. successes and setbacks. We’ve shown throughout our history that we excel This is a model we will use again and again in at finding new ways to lead the world to lasting pursuit of our audacious goals: educating the world’s change. And we’ve proven in our own careers that children, ensuring equitable access to water and we know how to help organizations of every kind sanitation, helping local economies grow sustainably, move forward. That’s why new approaches to our and so much more. organizing principles don’t threaten our sense of who we are. We’re ready to seek out fresh opportunities, Let’s seek out new ways to translate our expertise into create more paths to leadership, open up our making a difference—in our communities and across conversations to diverse voices, and simplify how we the globe. Let’s prove that our impact on the world operate—with confidence. Let’s stay true to ourselves has only just begun. and stay ahead of change in our next 115 years.

PRIORITY 2 -Expand Our Reach. People of Action Rotary new Action Plan - Frequently activate and inspire one another. Asked Questions

We know that our capacity to make a difference is Q: Why does Rotary have a new Action Plan? larger when more people unite with us. We want the world to appreciate our ambitious, compassionate, A: The world today is not the same as it was when and inclusive spirit—because when they do, they see Rotary began in 1905. Demographics have shifted, that Rotary is the source for the person-to-person the pace of change has accelerated, and technology involvement so many are seeking. Told widely and has created new opportunities for connection and emphatically, our stories give people hope that the service. What hasn’t changed is a need for the values world can change for the better, inviting listeners to that define Rotary: fellowship, integrity, diversity, imagine themselves as part of that change, too. Let’s service, and leadership. With our new plan, we will build connections and opportunities that will allow honor our past and embrace our future. We can evolve people who share our drive to do the same. and keep Rotary not only relevant but thriving.

PRIORITY 3 -Enhance Participant Engagement. Q: How were the new Rotary vision statement and People of Action strive to understand the needs of Action Plan developed? others. A: Rotary’s new vision statement: “Together, we see Just like the people and communities we serve, our a world where people unite and take action to create participants need to feel seen and heard. They’re lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, seeking experiences that feel personally and and in ourselves” was created by using the input and

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 19 feedback from Rotary members, former members, organization, members, and supporters toward Rotaractors, alumni, Youth Exchange students, projects, opportunities, and activities that support Rotary staff, and the general public. In all, over one our vision. million people across the world were asked to share their insights with the Strategic Planning Committee Q: How will the new Action Plan be rolled out? through surveys and focus groups. The result is a statement that inspires and engages while setting the A: The new plan is being rolled out throughout the pathway for the future of our organization. The vision 2019–2020 Rotary year. We are committed to full was approved by the Rotary Board of Directors and transparency in sharing information about how the Board of Trustees in June 2017. new plan’s components may or may not affect clubs and how they will be asked to support the strategic Shortly after the vision statement was adopted, the priorities. Take a look at the main page to learn more Committee began developing Rotary’s new Action about the overall Action Plan and how you can help. Plan. Again, the Committee invited reactions and In the coming months, you will receive information input from Rotary members; over 582 people from on additional initiatives being undertaken to achieve 28 different countries participated in focus groups the objectives in the plan and how clubs and districts and interviews to provide feedback. In June 2018, can get involved. both boards approved the strategic priorities and objectives that make up the new Action Plan. Q: What are clubs and districts supposed to do with the new Action Plan? Q: What is the Action Plan and how does it affect members? A: We want to make sure that all clubs and districts know that this new plan was shaped by the input of A: The Action Plan is intended to guide activities Rotary members, and that it lays the foundation for at the corporate level, but as clubs and districts are new and exciting opportunities for the organization. the core of Rotary, they are strongly encouraged to Read through the Action Plan on the main page, develop their own action plans and align them with and think about how you can help Rotary achieve Rotary’s new plan. The world is changing rapidly its goals. Encourage your clubs and districts to talk and to continue thriving in the years ahead, Rotary about and share the new plan. Help Rotary members must evolve. This plan is intended to help us honor begin to see for themselves how they can be a part of our past and embrace our future by guiding our this team effort.

The Rotary Foundation has received the highest Four Stars rating for the 12th consecutive year

For the 12th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Also, Rotary Foundation (India) has been awarded “Most Committed NGO” and “NGO of the year” award for CSR activities

The Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 12 consecutive 4-star evaluations.

“Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that The Rotary Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work”, says Michael Thatcher, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation sets the Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. “The rating reflects Charity Navigator’s assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.

Rotary International 20 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 Dear fellow Rotarians and Rotary families, I and the team of District Conference Committee invite you to be a part of this great event and enjoy The District Conference is a major event ofmemorable moments of togetherness and friendship Rotary every year. It is a time for celebrating the in your Rotary life with two days of knowledge accomplishments of the clubs and reconnecting sharing, precious gifts, bonhomie and camaraderie. with friends. Every person who attends a Conference finds that being a Rotarian becomes Rtn.AKSM.SUDHI JABBAR even more rewarding because of new experiences, Chairman Organising Committee, District insights, lasting friendships, fun and fellowship. Conference The District Conference will be uniquely designed RID 3211 with Rotary business in the presence of top international officials, flavoured with presence and participation of outstanding leaders and celebrities in various professions and vocations.

The new vision of Rotary is “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves”. Let us connect together to grow Rotary in this Rotary Year at the District Conference “ SHIREESHAM 2020 on 18th and 19th of April 2020 at UDAYA PALACE CONVENTION CENTRE, Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram.

The inauguration of registration for District Conference was actually scheduled on 11th August at the venue of Seminar on Membership Development at Changanassery. Due to the unforeseen natural disaster, the seminar was postponed to October 6 at the same venue. The inauguration of registration for District Conference will be conducted on 6th of October at the Venue of District Seminar on Membership Development.

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 21 Rotary India Centenary Celebrations - Fire 20 20

“FIRE 20 20” (Family Involved in Rotary December 2019 Entertainment) is not to burn, but to warm Rotary families 4. Grand Finale 19th January 2020 at Contour Backwaters Resort with enjoyment love and co-operation. It is the festival of and Convention Centre, Changanassery. Art and Culture in Rotary District 3211. Rotary connect the world. FIRE 20 20 connect the Rotarians and their The FIRE 20 20 team invite all the Rotarians and their families all families of Rotary District 3211 with love, enjoyment and these events at all stages of Competitions. co-operation. A new bond is built in this connective link of Art and Cultural activities, in FIRE. This was ignited Rtn. MPHF PAG Adv. P. S. Sreedharan by Late PDG, C, Luke, and it got carried forward by Rtn. Chairman FIRE 20 20 PDG AKS Member John Daniel, Rtn. Major Donor Suresh Mathew, and Rtn Major Donor IPDG E. K. Luke. The Chairmen of the FIRE in last years namely Rtn.Babumon, Rtn. Shafi Kurumpelil, Rtn. Sumithran and Rtn.K.J. Rajeev are my search lighters, guiding beacons. Music, Dance and Thiruvathira were the events staged in previous four years. But FIRE 20 20 is ever attractive with additional four items, i.e. Pookkala Malsaram, Literary Competition, Cookery Competition and Competitions for best Rotary Couple.

No Rotarian, Ann and Annett are supposed to keep aloof from these events, since all the events are indented for them and to connect Rotary Families together. FIRE 20 20 team invite you all, not for competition alone, but to participate and enjoy.

Our desire and delight is only in the participation and performance of all Rotarians and their families. There by all of you are getting due recognition, acceptance and appreciation. Prizes and positions are immaterial. Cash prizes do not matter much, but enjoyment, encouragement, affection and appreciation are of prime importance.

We invite you all to the splendid occasion at Contour Back Water Resorts and Convention Centre, Changanassery at 9 .00 am, on 19th January 2020 to enjoy the Grand Finale FIRE 2020. Come and enjoy this unique Art Festival with varied food delicacies, fun, frolic and fellowship.

No words will be sufficient to express my gratitude to our FIRE Brochure released in connection with FIRE Kollam beloved Governor Major Donor Rtn. Shirish Kesavan and Revenue District Meet. other Senior Leaders of our fraternity in Rotary District 3211, who have benevolently entrusted with me this great task of connecting our Rotarians together with Love and Enjoyment of this Cultural, Art and Food Festival, FIRE 20 20.

Time Schedule fixed for each level competition

1. Club Level Competitions must be completed before 30th October 2019. 2.Zonal Level Competitions before 31st October 2019 FIRE Inauguration of the FIRE 20 20, Kollam Revenue 3. Revenue District Level Competitions before 31st District Planning Meeting by the DG

22 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 How Do You Define a Great Leader?

Hear from Toastmasters Board of Directors members on how they define a great leader. What makes for a great leader? In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we posed this question to the nine female members currently serving on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Who better to help us look at what makes for a great leader than those who lead this great organization? Here’s what a few of them had to say.

To Radhi Spear, DTM (Director, Toast Masters) a leader not only sets a course, but takes action. “I believe a great leader Toastmasters and Rotary to has a vision, communicates that vision persuasively and leads unite in partnership by example,” she says. “In the corporate world, bosses can tell us what to do and we do it to keep our jobs and receive our paychecks whereas outside the corporate world it doesn’t really A strategic partnership is currently work that way. How many times have our kids shown us our being developed between Toastmasters inconsistencies in what we ask of them compared to what we International andRotary International. practice ourselves?” Discussions are underway on how the organisations can utilise one another’s For Tuire Vuolasvirta, DTM, great leaders inspire and motivate others to achieve more and reach unimaginable goals. resources towards the personal “For me, a great leader is one who can bring out the best in development of their members. each person. The qualities of a great leader are courage, self- Past RI president Barry Rassin says confidence and authenticity,” Vuolasvirta stated. the world respected leadership and public speaking toolkit developed by If you read our recent article titled “5 New Year’s Resolutions for Leaders,” you’ll remember that one of our Toastmasters would be an asset to resolutions was for leaders to listen more. This point is echoed Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors by Margaret Page, DTM, who states, “Great leaders are authentic to help enhance their communication in their interest in people and their problems — their ability to abilities, with positive impact on emotionally connect is a superpower. They listen deeply and are leadership,service and professional intent on learning, and their willingness to find solutions flows skill sets. Toastmasters participants from their empathy for other people.” will in return be welcome to undertake In business, leaders are expected to show results— community service work together be it in sales, increased performance, decreasing expenses or with members of the Rotary family. other measurable metrics. However, leaders can’t do everything Rotary additionally offers numerous themselves and most have a team supporting them. As much as opportunities to practice speaking results matter, they won’t be met if leaders don’t have a strong skills in all variety of situations. relationship with team members. “Strong leaders have strategic vision and are committed to a balance between results and relationships,” Carol Prahinski, DTM, claims.

International President Lark Doley, DTM, shares her ideas on great leaders being uninhibited by their ego. “Leaders need to ‘check their ego at the door’, empower their teams, prioritize, and execute to succeed.” Doley goes on to say, “Great leaders are not born; they are made.”

Becoming a great leader is a never-ending quest requiring constant evaluations, feedback and improvement. However, the path starts by defining, in your own words, what makes for a great leader. Stop, take some time and reflect. How would you answer this question?

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 23 ROTARY ONAM 2019

D G Shirish Kesavan at Onam Celebrations held at his office

District Governor Rtn Shirish Kesavan and Rotarians celebrating Onam at DG Office

R C of Alleppey East organised Onam Kit Distribution & T B Awareness progm@ Dist TB Centre, Alleppey on 7th Sept 19 .Hon’ble Minister for Finance DR.T M Thomas Issac inaugurated the function. R C of Quilon PDG.Prof.K.Udayakumar inaugurating Onam Celebrations

R C of Aleppey North donated Onam Kit for Palliative care R C of Alleppey Coir City celebrated Onam at Lions Club Hall, R C of Kottayam East Onam Celebrations held at Tharavadu Heritage patients in association with Janamythri Police on 9th September Alleppey Home Kumarakom 24 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 ROTARY ONAM 2019

R C of Karunagappally Hon’ble M P. Sri Arif inaugurating Onam Celebrations

District Governor Rtn Shirish Kesavan and Rotarians celebrating Onam at DG Office

R C of Quilon PDG.Prof.K.Udayakumar inaugurating Onam Celebrations R C of Quilon Heritage Inauguration of Onam Celebrations and Vasthradanam by Sri.M.Mukesh MLA at Agathimandiram Kollam

R C of Kottayam East Onam Celebrations held at Tharavadu Heritage R C of Mannar Onam Celebrations Home Kumarakom September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 25 R C of Parassala Onam Celebrations R C of Pathanamthitta Flowers Onam celebrations R C of Quilon East Onam Celebrations

R C of Quilon Lotus Onam kits distribution R C of Greater Kollam in association with Community Health Center Chavara organ- ised Onam Sadya to palliative care patients in Chavara Thekkumbhagom Panchayath

R C of Onam celebrations R C of Thalayolaparampu Onam Celebration R C of Thalyplaparambu Onam Celebrations

R C of Trivandrum Cosmos Onakodi distributed to children of R C of Trivandrum Metro A G, Rtn.C.Shaji distributing Onakkodi and provided R C of Trivandrum Metro organised Ona sadya with inmates of Vanchi Poor Abhaya gramam Ona Sadya to the inmates of Vanchi Poor Fund Ammaveedu,Pazhavangadi Fund Ammaveedu,Pazhavangadi 26 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 R C of Quilon East Onam Celebrations R C of Quilon serving breakfast as a part of our Annadanam project at Quilon Poor Home

Rtn DGN K Srinivasan as Mahabali

R C of Karunagappally Onam Kits were distributed in Onam Celebrations R C of Greater Kollam in association with Community Health Center Chavara organ- R C of Quilon West Onam Celebrations ised Onam Sadya to palliative care patients in Chavara Thekkumbhagom Panchayath

R C of Thalyplaparambu Onam Celebrations R C of Aroor Onam Celebrations

R C of Trivandrum Metro organised Ona sadya with inmates of Vanchi Poor R C of Venjaramoodu Ona dsadya with Onakodi at Panayara Care Home Fund Ammaveedu,Pazhavangadi September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 27 R C of Chathannoor celebrated Onam at Karunalayam R C of Greater Kollam in association with Community Health Charitable Trust, Chathannoor and donated dress materials Center Chavara donated Onam Kits to palliative care patients in Chavara Thekkumbhagom Panchayath

R C of Kallara Onam Kits and free goats were distributed R C of Quilon Heritage DG Shirish Keshavan distributing Onakodi at After care home, Inchavla

THE ONLINE OFFICIAL DIRECTORY

The Online Official Directory provides an easy and secure way to search for member, club, and district information. It’s a helpful tool for planning a club visit, making connections, or finding international service partners. The directory is your guide to the worldwide fellowship of Rotary.

Protecting personal data entrusted to us by our members, donors, and program participants is of the utmost importance to Rotary. The official directory includes information that Rotary needs to secure. To keep this information safe so it is not shared publically outside of the Rotary community, a PDF of the 2019-2020 Official Directory will not be made available this year.

A hard copy of the 2019-20 Official Directory is available to purchase for $10 from the Rotary Support Center at +1-847-866- 4600 or your local international office. FOR ONLINE DIRECTORY LOG INTO THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://my.rotary.org/en/search/ official-directory

28 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 Nationwide ban on single-use plastics from October 2, 2019.

New Delhi: Starting October 2, India is set to impose a nationwide ban on single-use plastics from cities and villages, in an attempt to revive its rank from among the world’s most polluted. Government officials on Wednesday suggested that at least 6 out all the single-use plastics will be banned from October.

What is single-use plastic? Single-use plastic meaning: Single-use plastic is a form of plastic that is disposable, which is only used once and then has to be thrown away or recycled. Single-use plastic items: The single-use plastic items include plastic bags, water bottles, soda bottles, straws, plastic plates, cups, most food packaging and coffee stirrers.

Why is single-use plastic being banned? With climate and environment becoming a rising global concern, plastic pollution and plastic waste management have become the focal point of worry. Millions of tons of plastic are being produced every year, which is not biodegradable. Hence, the countries across the globe are adopting and implementing strategies aimed at eliminating the use of single-use plastic.

As only 1-13 percent of the plastic items are recyclable, the rest ends up either buried in the land or water bodies, eventually reaching the oceans, leading to polluting of water bodies and killing of marine life. Most of the plastic is not biodegradable and over a period of time the plastic breaks up and releases toxic chemicals into the water bodies, which in turn make their way into food and water supplies. If the plastic does not end up in the water, it ends up as a huge pile of waste that is hard to dispose of. Many of the south Asian countries have become global dump yards of plastic. The plastic pile-up is not only affecting the human body but also choking the environment.

The UN Environment head Erik Solheim had also highlighted earlier that plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental threats and countries have to come up with a better plastic waste management and disposal plan to deal with the huge plastic dump that is degrading the environment.

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 29 REACH

REACH is going well and good. The public meetings and awareness classes gives Rotary more public relations and public image. I congratulate Rotary Clubs of Chathannoor, Kundara, Paripally, Pathanapuram, Karthikapally and Cherthala Town for conducting well organized and well attended programs.

Kudos to AG Lalji and REACH revenue district coordinator Rtn Santhosh for their sincere support.

RC Kundara is implementing project in their adopted Perinad grama panchayat systematically. One ward of the Perinad grama panchayat will be declared as zero waste ward on 2nd October by Honorable minister Smt Mercy Kutty Amma in the presence of DG Shirish Kesavan and the remaining 19 wards will be declared on 26th January. Congratulations to team Kundara and AG Suresh Yesudas. Puthakulam grama panchayath was adopted by RC Chathanoor and one ward will be declared as zero waste ward on 2nd October. Remaining 19 wards will be declared on January 26th as zero waste wards. Congratulations team Chathanoor lead by Rtn. Shajahan and Rtn Manoharan.

RC Kollam City constructed a four star project Thumburmozhi waste management system at Government Victoria hospital Kollam and its inauguration also will be conducted on 2nd October. Congratulation team Kollam City lead by Rtn John Kennath. Kudos to AG Krishanakumar too.

R C of Sherthalai town club organised one mega REACH’ project at Sherthalay Railway station. Complete cleaning in surrounding area of Railway station was done and collected complete plastic waste. Around 200 students participated in this project from Rotaract club, NSS College, Ayurshetra, and St. Michaels College Sherthalai. Our Honorable MP Sir M A. Aarif inaugurated the function at 9.30am.

Some of our clubs are doing well in REACH. But some that had adopted wards before our district seminar and had received recognition in seminar haven’t started their works yet. Dear presidents it is a chance to increase your public image as well as the public image of Rotary through this project so take it seriously. The detailed assessment about progress of District Project will be given shortly. Wishing you all the best.

K J Rajeev ,

District Chairman REACH.

R C of Kollam City -Rtn. K Manoharan, Environment Trainer, R C of Chathannoor MOU for Waste Management & conducting awareness class on Greenhouse Effect & Change of Declaration of ZERO waste Panchayat, signed with Poothakulam Climate Gramapanchayat

30 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 R C of Greater Kollam D G Rtn Shirrish Keasavan inaugurating R C of Karthikapally Reach Project Organising meeting Reach Project Seminar at Thekkumbhagom Pnachayath

R C of Karthikappally Clean Plus Committee formation & R C of Kollam Greater conducted awareness camp and drawing Awareness class on waste disposal at source competition on waste management for students at Dewaswom School ,Kollam

R C of Kottayam North,During the 2000 meeting R C of Kottayam Southern presenting cotton bags released Sri Thiruvachoor Radhakrishnan MLA inaugurated the club released by club to Kottayam Sub Collector. level REACH Project

R C of Kottiyam MOU signed with Pullichira Panchayath R C of Kottayam East waste bins donated to Mangalam under Reach project Engineering College under District Project REACH.

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 31 R C of Kottiyam MLA Sri Noushad inaugurating Reach R C of Parassala signed MOU with parassala panchayath Project Seminar president for REACH GOLDEN PROJECT

R C of Pathanapuram signing MOU with Pathanapuram R C of Quilon adopted organic farming of vegetables as Grama Panchayat under Reach Project part of Rotary District Project

R C of Quilon Central signed MO U with Kollam corporation R C of Sherthalai Honourable M P Sri Arif administering to implement REACH in 13 wards of Corporation and oath to Rotarians while cleaning Sherthalai Railway Station donated Rs.72000 for 400 numbers of waste bins to kollam corporation

R C of Varkala Inauguration of Reach Project 32 The Rotary Connect | September 2019

Rotary Leaders from District 3201, 3202 and 3211 with TRF Trustee Chair and PRIP Gary C K Huang at Rotary CSR Conclave and Excellence Awards held at Kochi.

DG Shirish Kesavan and Rotary leaders with TRF Trustee chair Gary Huang DG Shirish Kesavan with Rotary leaders at Polio, Measles and Rubella at Cochin during CSR Summit National Orientation and Planning Meet at Delhi

CSR DG Rtn.Shirish Kesavan hand over the District Directory District Governor Rtn. Shirish Kesavan receiving BIke Riders from 2019 to RI Trustee chair Gary C K Huang and Lady Corina RC of Warora at his office on 8th August 2019

DG Rtn. Shirish Kesavan and Rotarians saluting National R C of Anchalummood gave financial aid to a cancer R C of Aroor Vocational award given to A Teacher NSS Flag on Independence Day patient LPS, Panavally 34 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 CLUB MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2019

R C of chingavanam distributed Umberla to colony people R C of Pathanamthitta South Annadanam near Rotary Club

R C of Pathanamthitta South organised food kit and R C of Haripad organised Car Free Day Rally R C of Mannar gave Financial aid to poor patient artificial limb distribution

R C of gave evening meal at Asraya Shishu Bhavan, Pandalam R C of Punalur organised marriage of poor lady under R C of Kottayam EAST reaching out to a critically ill under- continuing District project SNEHA BANDHAN privileged person with required Medicines

R C of Kottayam East sponsored new Rotract Club of Royal R C of Pathanamthitta Metro handing over the key of Mangalam, at Mangalam Engineering College snehaveeduv in Venmani and by Adv K. Raju (Hon.Minister of Forest & Wildlife.. ) DG Shirish Kesavan with Rotary leaders at Polio, Measles and Rubella National Orientation and Planning Meet at Delhi R C of Quilon Asst Governor Dr.Manual Peris inducting two members

R C of Kottayam North added one more member to their fraternity by inducting Rtn Pradeep Mathew. R C of Pathanamthitta Inaugurated Focus Project Annadanam in

R C of Quilon- D G Shirish Kesavan adorning Rotary Pin on R C of Quilon Lotus as part of National charity day donated R C of Quilon- D G Shirish Kesavan adorning Rotary newly inducted member to Mr N Raju Senior Manager, Indian dress materials Pin on newly inducted member to Mr M Vahab (IPS) Bank kollam

R C of Aroor Vocational award given to A Teacher NSS R C of Kottayam North organised Training camp with NCC R C of Kottiyam organised public awareness program Traffic LPS, Panavally Kerala on Personal Hygiene and road safety regulation September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 35 R C of Quilon Lotus as part of Teachers Day DG Shirish Kesavan presents a copy of the Rotary District R C of Quilon serving breakfast as a part of our honouring teacher at Malayali sabha school Kollam Directory to Kollam District Collector Mr Abdul Naser Annadanam project at Quilon Poor Home

R C of Quilon West End Mega Induction R C OF Quilon West distributed Pension for aged R C of Travancore Trivandrum inducted 13 new Ceremony ladies under Mathrusparsam project in meeting members held at Navodaya Grandha sala Neeravil

R C of Travancore Trivandrum inducted 13 new R C of Vaikom Town - Dr. G Sumitran releasing R C of Varkala honouring PDG. Prof. Udaya members along with our Onam Celebrations DGN book on the occasion of 900th weekly meeting Kumar with Ponnada at Onam celebrations Rtn. Srinivasan K. was the Chief Guest and AKSM Rtn Sudhi Jabbar was the Guest of Honour

R C of Varkala organised cardiology medical camp in R C of Varkala PDG Prof Udaya kumar inducted new members association with Dr.Sumithran of Padmavathy Medical Foundation

RC of Punalur Dr.Jagnmohan.,Chairman membership development inducted three Rtn Vijayalekshmi Teacher being honoured on new members Teacher’s Day celebration by Deputy Director of Education 36 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 IGNITE 2019 16-17 SEPTEMBER 2019,KOLKATA by, DG Rtn. Shirish Kesavan

Ignite 2019 was convened in Kolkata on 16- 17 September 2019 at Swissotel Kolkata ; under the Chairmanship of RIPN Shekhar Mehta . Mr. Mehta urged upon the goal of Rotary is to Make India Totally Literate (95% of population ) by 2025 – an achievable target to grant India a status of a Literate Nation.

In India, currently the Literacy statistics is at 74% aggregate, keeping in mind the fact that 96% children Rotary International Shekhar Mehta delivering go to school. Dropouts will be counted as literate opening remarks in IGNITE in the census in 2 years time. But Adult Illiterates the learning outcomes of the students. RILM will will still be counted as illiterates .Our program recognize only 2-3 days. The Program emphasizes on with Govt.of India is to make India Literate. The Training and re-training of teachers and Recognition Literacy rate in India is 74 % because 1/3 of adult are to outstanding teachers with the Nation Builder illiterates are in India. This figure is 25 crores adult Awards . illiterates. The emphasis is on Adult Literacy which A teacher training program taken up independently translates that if all adults become literate, the figure by a Club maybe as follows: may jump by 15% to reach 85-90 % rate of Literacy in India.The attendance recorded at the event was a Basic Training: 1 day training commendable 91.5% Intermediate Training: 2 days training Advanced Training: More than 2 days training with The entire Program of T-E-A-C-H is a very robust a follow up. However to get recognized by RILM, a and well-structured program, successful for two club should follow the RILM prescribed training reasons: structure which is the intermediate and advanced 1.It is very comprehensive in approach as T-E-A- training. C-H Current statistics stands at 47,123 teachers trained 2. It takes care of all aspects – the child, the teacher and 21,663 teachers awarded under Nation Builder and the environment of learning/ school; and add to Awards. NBA felicitations should be ceremonised that the adult illiterates . on 5 September ( Teachers Day ) and 8 September ( The TEACH program is well designed based on ideas Literacy Day ). taken from all stakeholders as Govt, ureaucrats, experts, NGOs and international NGOs . E- LEARNING At Ignite 2019 , RILMs e-learning program “E-Shiksha KEY FOCUS AREAS : “program with its objectives was discussed in detail. TEACHER SUPPORT The key points which need mention are School Under the Teachers Training Program, the aim is requirements and eligibility necessary for installation to improve the professional skills and performance , details of selected vendors on the RILM website of teachers, to make them more confident in their , criteria for RILM selection of hardware and & everyday classroom performance and to Improve software, Recognition criteria for Clubs & Districts ;and identifying any appropriate software by clubs September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 37 other than shortlisted software of RILM wereJawahar Vadlamani, It is the only program where discussed. RILM is receiving direct donations from Rotarians. E-learning achievement across the nation with 15286 The Champion Project of RILM Asha Kiran…a was reported. ray of Hope was reignited on 17 September 2019; Major partnerships with State Govts. have been where the Rotarians pledged to take back 20,000 reported, MoUs with Govt. of Punjab for software children to school and thereby ignite their lives with installation to 19272 schools, Govt. of MP for education and knowledge. e-learning installation for 15000 schools, Govt. of 115 NGOS applied to RILM 33 NGOS approved for Maharashtra for e-learning installation at 18510 implementation. schools, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for e-learning Rotarians can help RILM to find an NGO for installation at 45000 schools.Each Partnership has participating in the Child Development program, different scope of work and fund reallocation whereby a Support of Rs. 2500/- for one child to be RILM s online portal system was discussed ,which will sent back to school under the Asha Kiran program. be used for grant linked projects in specific locations. As on date, RILM has enrolled 37,436 children The portal can be visited from the RILM website. under its Asha Kiran program and 93.70% children Steps to implement e-learning program without any mainstreamed in govt. and government-aided grant support was discussed with all formats for schools. capturing primary data from schools and monitoring Under Vision 2025, various dignitaries present etc.The necessary forms for capturing impact and promised to contribute to this cause and already timely uploading of reports was highlighted. 1090 children were pledged to be taken back to RILM officials emphasized the need of CSR inclusion school. Asha Kiran …a ray of hope, was indeed in projects at state and district level. Already RILM reignited ! has signed MoUs in various states. The focus for promoting E Learning should remain HAPPY SCHOOLS on Govt. Schools/ Govt. Aided Schools. The reachout The session was conducted by Dr. Bharat Pandya, has been 20 lacs students and 55,000 to 60,000 who stressed on the fact that 6 out of 9 facilities teachers . Various corporates have been approached mentioned below need to be provided to qualify for providing hardware and software, where RILM is as a Happy School and all 9 need to be complete to the Distribution hub. declare a Happy School. •Painted, well maintained and secure school building ADULT LITERACY/ SKILL DEVELOPMENT •Adequate and functional separate toilets for boys The key focus in Adult Literacy is Skill Development and girls of adults in India for gaining a sustainable life . To take •Hand washing stations this forward the Project Dignity has been launched in •Clean and adequate drinking water for both India. Global Grants under the Loomba Foundation students and teachers are available for the skilling 30,000 widows and / •Library or their dependant sons and daughters to become •Play material, games and sports equipment employable and lead a dignified life. It also adds to the •Benches, desks for students figures of adult literacy . The entire process of Global •Well maintained space for teaching staff Grants and TRF funding was explicitly explained. •Shoes and school bags for students The current statistics stands at total no. of adults Inner Wheel Clubs have been reporting well, but RC made literate at 87,870 and No. of Skill Development reporting needs acceleration. The current statistics beneficiaries at 11,710. is 2758 Happy Schools formed and 3004 Libraries Very soon, MOU with GOI at Niti Ayog for Adult opened. Literacy. This will a big step towards making India Standardised design for plaques for Happy Schools literate. and Libraries are available in the website. CHILD DEVELOPMENT Partnership with Hindu Publishers need to be taken The Child Development Session conducted by PDG up in Chennai along with links to Amar Chitrakatha, 38 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 National Geographic and other reputed publishers Square in the city, Major Media campaigns on public with the habit of pulping books. transport systems, 1st Day Cover Stamp Release to Local tapping of PSUs and other corporates and commemorate the occasion, Light shows / Lighting manufacturers of raw materials for creating Happy up buildings in the city, Rotary Billboards to be put Schools is a vital part in localized efforts by clubs up – all this to create awareness of the excellent work and districts to generate funds for Happy Schools Rotary has done for the past 100 years. apart from Global Grants. The Padho Bharat Book Support will continue to A 100 years centric Coffee Table Book would be raise books for Libraries by getting Books from released under the able guidance of Ms. Rashid Bhagat reputed publishers free of cost, which clubs can avail and Ms. Shyamshree Sen. just bearing handling and transportation charges. It was also envisaged to synchronize Rotary India and Clubs will match this with 100 books in vernacular Rotary International Websites to comprehend data in each school through support from NBT or holistically. The website would be designed to impart Pratham who are partners of RILM. a feature of perpetuity in approach. As partner to the Happy School Project, Ratna Nidhi announced an inventory of 50,000 books, whereby ROTARY NEPAL LITERACY MISSION 5000 used books will be available free of cost every month. The delegation from Rotary Nepal Literacy Mission Mr. Rohan Batra from Otsu Magnum Sadoshima – District 3292 led by Rtn. Kiran Lal Shreshtha; announced 1:1 CSR Matching Grant and special participated with extensive support and pledged for rates on bulk purchase for supply of school furniture 100% achievement of results and projects amounting to Happy Schools. above Rs 100 crores. They pledged to make Nepal There was an offer from PDG Chandavarkar to tie 100% literate. up with Hindustan Lever to get soaps freely supplied to schools for WASH. POSITIVE HEALTH PROGRAM Links were discussed about for Neelkamal, Pioneered by RID Bharat Pandya, the initiative under Plumbing and Sanitary fitments, wash stationsthe Project Public Health Program to tackle chronic approved by UNICEF, Kansai Paints and Nerolac by diseases as Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart Disease, Sandip Agarwala of 3141. Further links need to be Stroke, Chronic Kidney Disease, Chronic Respiratory developed with Cement Companies as well. Disease and added to this Non Communicable Vision 2025 for Happy Schools under the TEACH Disease. Program in RILM was to make 10,000 schools as Happy Schools in the next 6 years ; and set up 15,000 The two main targets identified were: libraries in schools. 1.Each Rotary Club to hold camps in their own clubs as this program is for Rotarians health. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS 2.To hold talk shows and awareness camps in schools With Rotary India completing 100 years in 2020, and colleges. it marks a milestone I the history of the Rotary calendar. The dates scheduled for the Celebrations KEYNOTE ADDRESS is 14 to 16 February 2020 at Kolkata, India. Calcutta PRIP Kaylan Banerjee, the dream maker of the entire is the Centennial City as the Rotary Movement was Literacy Program in India concluded that Literacy launched here in India. is back in fashion and blessed the august gathering PDIP Shekhar Mehta will be the Chairman of the to take this dream forward. Rotary’s stalwarts RID Centennial Celebrations; with RID Kamal Sanghvi Kamal Sanghvi and RID Bharat Pandya will be at the and RID Bharat Pandya as the Conveners. helm to realise the dream of Quality Education and A brainstorming session conducted on 17 Total Literacy in India. The full Rotarian orchestra is September 2019 to mark the Celebrations such as a on stage and we will strive to achieve the dream of 100 Newspaper Supplement Release, Dedicate a Road or % literacy in India. September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 39 Stop NCD - Rotary’s Project for Positive Health

RI Directors Kamal Sanghvi and Dr Bharat Pandya have started a new initiative — Project Positive Health - Stop NCD — for our zones. India is facing an NCD epidemic responsible for 60 per cent of deaths. Indians are genetically and culturally prone to developing non-communicable diseases or NCDs, which are a major cause of premature deaths. Improper lifestyle and food habits contribute to the rise in NCDs among Indians. High-calorie food, rich in salt, oil and sugar kills many times more people than terrorism does. The four common NCDs are — diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

1.Know your numbers campaign Every Rotary club should take up a campaign that exhorts every adult to know his three main health numbers — weight, BP and blood sugar. Clubs must hold ‘Know your Numbers’ camps to monitor the weight, BP and blood sugar regularly in people. These camps are inexpensive and easy to organise.

During these camps, health literature pertaining to importance of having the right numbers — BP measuring 120/80, BMI less than 25, fasting blood sugar less than 100 and post-lunch sugar less than 140 must be emphasised. Distribute brochures containing simple tips to control diabetes, BP, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Distribute brochures on healthy diet and life- style measures. A health talk or a panel discussion on FAQs on NCDs can be done at the camps.

The dates for the pan-India camps and awareness programmes are: Sep 29, 2019, Sunday — World Heart Day, Nov 14, 2019, Thursday — World Diabetes Day, Feb 23, 2020, Sunday — Rotary’s Anniversary, April 7, 2020, Tuesday — World Health Day

2.Spreading awareness Two-pronged approach — Awareness among Rotarians and community; Awareness in schools and colleges. Awareness campaigns with talks, videos, pamphlets and brochures. Schools and colleges should be targeted to address obesity in youth. While it is not easy to change adult behavior, it is easier to change behavior in children and young adults. An awareness campaign in schools and colleges and via social media is an important thrust area of this project. Involvement of Rotaract is important. Rotaract clubs can help in the social media campaign and spread awareness in schools and colleges. The tagline for the campaign is ‘Ek Chammach Kum, Char Kadam Aage’. It means one spoon less of salt, oil and sugar and 30 minutes of exercise daily

3.Advocacy role Rotary, along with other NGOs, can form an advocacy group which can push the agenda of NCD control and the narrative on healthy living to take center stage with the government. Advocacy can be by ensuring food labelling especially salt and energy content, statutory warnings on unhealthy foods similar to cigarettes, restrictions on advertising of junk food. Rotary has rolled out the Project Positive Health - Stop NCD and made it a pan India initiative to pro- mote positive health among people. This is a very doable project. It is low cost and can be continued over a long period of time.

National Committee Members

Name of NCM District Contact Name of NCM District Contact Dr E K Sagadhevan 3202, 3000, 3232 9994477725 Dr Sayantan Gupta 3240 & 3291 9734184165 Dr Sushil Khurana 3011, 3012, 3100 9810056308 Dr R Bharat 3250 9934320311 Dr Indumati Gopinathan 3141 & 3142 9820031371 Ashok Singh 3030, 3261, 3262 9861010130 Dr K Ravi Appaji 3181, 3182, 3190 98805 61430 Dr Zamin Hussain 3040 & 3053 9827316646 Dr K Vijayakumar 3212 9443161102, Dr Mohan Prasad GV 3020, 3150, 3160 9849082522 9025162113 Jayprakash Vyas 3054 9824012876

40 The Rotary Connect | September 2019 Re-launch of RILM’s pioneer project Asha Kiran

Dear District Governors,

Thank you all for making the Ignite 2019 an immensely successful program with your presence on 16-17th September, 2019 at Kolkata, and your commitment of sending 20,000 out-of-school children back to school.

On 17th September, 2019, we witnessed a re-launch of RILM’s pioneer project Asha Kiran…a ray of hope. The conference hall was illuminated with the Rotarians’ massive pledge to send children back to school. That afternoon, Asha Kiran was re-ignited!

Your role in the Asha Kiran campaign:

1.Light up a candle as commitment to send one child or more back to school 2.Take a photo or video of yourself or in a group and exhibit your commitment on RILM Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/RotaryIndiaLiteracyMission/) / various RILM Whatsapp group with #AshaKiran 3.Motivate your club members, friends and family members to sponsor children under the Asha Kiran program.

Earlier, under the Asha Kiran program, RILM reached out to 37,436 out-of-school children through 13 states & 1 UT in coordination with 33 NGOs. RILM have successfully mainstreamed 93.70% of total children into various govt. and govt.-aided schools. Details of all the sponsored children are available at www.rotaryteach. org.

The progress that we have been able to make till now has largely been because of the huge support at the grass root level by Rotarians led by the District Governors. We once again solicit your proactive participation in Asha Kiran project implementation and touch 20,000 lives with the ray of hope. This will but be just another step towards making India totally literate and imparting quality education. Let us together light up the flame of Literacy through Asha Kiran… a ray of hope and help children go back to school!

To make online/offline donation, please visit: https://rotaryteach.org/donation.php?v=1 You can help make their dreams come true!

Regards,

PRIP Kalyan Banerjee Chairman - Rotary India Literacy Mission

Kamal Sanghvi Director – Rotary International

Rekha Shetty Chair - Child Development Committee, RILM

September 2019 | The Rotary Connect 41 Gary visits Kerala - Joint reception by 3 Districts of 3211, 3201 & 3202

It was a proud moment for 3 Districts of Kerala when we were told that TRF Trustee Chair PRIP Gary C K Huang and his Partner madam Corrina, along with TRF Trustee PDG Gulam Vahanvaty would be visiting us on the September 2, 2019. Elaborate plans were made to make this occasion a memorable, both for the visitors and for the District 3201 along with the leaders of neighbouring Districts - RID 3211 and 3202.

The delegation was received by the three Governors of Districts 3201, 3202 and 3211 along with the three DRFCs and other senior leaders at the Cochin International Airport on 2nd September and after a short dinner meet, they were taken to Hotel Le Meridian.

DG Madhav Chandran and other leaders of RID 3201 took PRIP Gary and PDG Gulam on a tour to visit the various path breaking projects that RID 3201 had implemented. Meanwhile, the first ever Rotary CSR Conclave and Excellence Awards was held at Le Meriden Convention Centre, Kochi on the same day, to recognise the exemplary CSR initiatives carried out by companies wedded to the philosophy of philanthropy while focussing on their own corporate goals. The entire event was conceived to give fillip to the visit of PRIP Gary C K Huang, TRF Trustee Chair, to Kochi. Elaborate preparations were made under the leadership of DG R Madhav Chandran and Rtn S R Nair, Chairman, Rotary International CSR Conclave and Excellence Awards. The deliberations undertaken prior to the event culminated in calling for nominations from the various corporate houses in Kerala and Coimbatore, highlighting their CSR activities in different categories. The categories were primarily drawn out keeping in mind the focus areas of Rotary. Nominations flowed in from over 108 companies from Kerala and Coimbatore out of which the jury shortlisted 32 companies based on the impact created by the activities as well as the sustainability of the projects. From these shortlisted ones in each category, silver awards and gold awards were given in a colourful function organised later in the evening.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Mr Navas Meeran, Chairman of the Eastern Group and Mr Prasad K Panicker, Executive Director, BPCL Kochi Refineries, in a grand function presided by PDG Venugopal C Govind. Mr Nixon Joseph, President & COO, SBI Foundation delivered the keynote address. District Governor Shirish Kesavan, RI District 3211 and District Governor Karthikeyan, RI District 3202 felicitated on the occasion. This was followed by a panel discussion in which all the shortlisted corporate houses from various categories participated and elaborated on the activities that were done by them as part of CSR. This discussion was helpful in initiating dialogues between Rotary Clubs and corporate houses to explore possibilities of joining hands in doing good to the world.

The presence of PRIP Gary C K Huang and his partner Corrina added glitz to the award ceremony which followed the conclave in the evening. Silver awards and Gold awards were given to selected corporate houses from among the nominations received. Special recognition awards were also given to few companies who had done commendable work in their chosen area of community service.

42 The Rotary Connect | September 2019

Registration at on starts October 6th Contour Convention Centre, Changanacherry Printed &Published Rtn. by: Shirish Kesavan, Dist. Governor RID 3211 AVAIL EARLY BIRDPRIZES (For Private Circulation Only)

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