Rtn. Adv. Jalvath

The Welcome Address by the Club President

It was a thoughtful decision to hold such a programme at the very start of the Rotary year, giving Directors and members — including nearly all of our new Rotarians — the chance to actively participate. What was intended as a training session soon became, in the truest sense, a “Joy of Learning.” Every participant walked away awestruck by how much they had learned about Rotary, and there was widespread appreciation for the effort the speakers put into explaining complex ideas in simple terms, within a short span of time.

The tone for the day was set by President Rtn. Adv. Jalvath himself, whose welcome address featured a woodcutter’s story on the value of consistent performance — a fitting note on which to begin.

Legacy, Impact, and Identity

Rtn. Ramkumar Seshu, a Senior Rotarian and management guru from Rotary Club Bangalore, spoke on “Proud to be a Member of Rotary Ulsoor: Your Legacy, Impact and Identity.” He began by urging every member to pause and appreciate themselves for choosing to be a Rotarian in the first place — a decision that, in itself, is an act of service to humanity.

His talk touched deeply on humanity and the idea of an “insensitivity index,” explaining why a certain inner calm and detachment from external noise is essential for true peace of mind. He spoke about how easy it is to get carried away by negative news and outside distractions, and why every individual must stay anchored to their own sense of purpose rather than being swayed by what is happening around them. He explored how members can find genuine happiness within the fellowship of Rotary, and how they complement one another, embodying the spirit of “We Can Do” — a philosophy built on mutual support.

Rtn. Ramkumar Seshu

PDG. Rtn. Manjunath Shetty

The Discipline of Effective Meetings

PDG Manjunath Shetty took up the subject of “Effective Meetings,” highlighting the importance of discipline, conduct, procedure, and the customary practices that have long defined Rotary Ulsoor. He walked the audience through the different types of meetings that form the backbone of club life — from Regular Weekly Meetings and Board Meetings, to milestone occasions like the Club Installation, the Governor’s Official Visit, the Club Assembly, and Charter Night.

He emphasised how these time-tested traditions and customary practices help the club maintain discipline and its unique identity, walking the audience through his presentation point by point — a session that managed to say a great deal in a nutshell.

The Purpose Behind Service Projects

PP Rtn. Ramesh, a very senior Rotarian from Rotary West, spoke on “Service Projects.” He offered an interesting breakdown of why people join Rotary: roughly a third for service, another third for friendship and fellowship, twenty percent for networking, and the remaining ten percent simply to oblige the president. He traced the origins of Rotary and the moment the idea of service first took root, stressing that projects should always be built on proper community assessment — in health, in education, and always in consultation with stakeholders.

He placed special emphasis on sustainability, noting that a project’s true success lies not in its inauguration, but in its upkeep long after the ribbon-cutting is over — through periodic inspections and regular follow-up visits that ensure it continues to benefit people throughout its intended life. He illustrated this with examples: a school toilet block is only as good as the water supply and cleaning staff that keep it running years later, and a donated RO water plant needs regular servicing and a trained local caretaker, not just a one-time installation. He shared how Rotary West has successfully executed several major projects using this approach — treating maintenance and monitoring as seriously as the initial execution.

Rtn. Ramesh V R

IPDG Rtn. Sridhar B R

Thinking Bigger: Fundraising and CSR

IPDG B R Sridharan spoke on “Fund Raising and CSR Strategies,” drawing on his own experience as District Governor last year. He encouraged members not to feel any discomfort in asking for money, since the ask is always in service of others’ welfare. He described how expanding one’s network and simply asking the right people can lead to remarkably sustainable projects.

He shared his own dream of helping 50,000 beneficiaries — largely auto drivers and security guards — who often cannot afford medical tests for themselves or their families due to the cost involved. When he approached a potential donor through his network, he was astonished by the response: an offer of 4,600 sq ft of space, seed money of ₹60 lakhs, and a further ₹30 lakhs every year for the project. Through this and similar efforts, his team has completed projects worth approximately ₹1.6 crores and executed 13 CSR projects.

He urged members to think bigger — to explore Global Grants, CSR partnerships, trusts, foundations, and philanthropists — and assured everyone that storytelling and emotional connection can work wonders. As he put it, Compassion plus Resources equals the Rotary Gift. Trust, transparency, and a demonstrated ability to execute and deliver, he said, will always attract more funding.

Understanding Rotary’s Global Structure

Rtn. Mohan Kumar, DDLF, spoke on the “Administrative Structure of RI, RI Zones and Districts,” explaining why a well-defined structure matters so much in an organisation as vast as Rotary International — spanning 34 zones, 530 districts, 46,000 clubs, and 1.4 billion Rotarians worldwide. With leadership changing at every level, from top to bottom, every year on 30th June, sound structuring becomes essential for administrative convenience. He noted that RBU belongs to Zone 7, home to 44 districts, 93 clubs, and 1.8 lakh Rotarians, and emphasised the growing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at every level of the organisation. For members interested in learning more, he pointed to the official Rotary website as a valuable resource.

Overall, it was a fantastic session — rich with insight, perspective, and plenty to take home. The lessons and tips shared on this day will undoubtedly help RBU serve the deserving, the needy, and the poor within our community even more effectively going forward.

Rtn. Mohan Kumar