RID 3040 Rotaract notches record growth
With the introduction of annual RI dues for Rotaractors from July 1, “it will be a challenge to sustain membership in the short term. But the new policy change will ensure that we induct quality Rotaractors and the focus is on doing impactful, large projects for the communities,” says DRR Yatharth Golchha, RID 3040.
As per the new RI directive, community-based Rotaract clubs have to pay $8 per year for a Rotaractor, while clubs at institutions (like colleges) need to pay $5 per head annually. “Till last year, most of our clubs are dependent on their parent Rotary clubs for funds, sponsorship and mentorship. But now, after the introduction of district Rotaract funds from July 2021 during my installation our approach is oriented towards financial independence through mobilising funds internally and seeking sponsorship without the support of Rotary,” explains Golchha. To begin with, Rotaractors have to pay ₹150 each per year for district funds, apart from the membership fee the clubs may collect from them. “This fee is a modest step we have taken, but this will initiate the habit of mobilising funds within Rotaract for organising events and programmes.”
New rules, structure
During his installation, his district Rotaract team has introduced bylaws to streamline the functioning of Rotaract clubs in RID 3040. “Now with these laws, a sort of ready reckoner, a Rotaractor can refer to it as a handy guide for the conduct of projects, meetings and other aspects of Rotaract,” says Golchha.
He has also launched Rotaract Business Connect (RBC), a virtual forum to promote the businesses of Rotaractors through B2B and B2C networking. “So far the RBC forum would have benefitted over 60 Rotaractors in our district.
A slew of high-profile events has enabled the Rotaractors to bond with each other like never before. The one-day Garba Mahotsav during Navaratri in Indore saw Rotarians too joining the gala fellowship. “DG Col Mahendra Mishra was the chief guest at the social get-together in which dance and music, followed by a sumptuous dinner, gave us something to look back in future,” he recalls. Around 60–70 Rotaractors took part in the festival event.
However, the main highlight of his term so far has been the two-day virtual DTS (district training seminar) titled Rehnumai (guidance in Urdu), in which 15 speakers including DG Mishra, DGE Jinendra Jain, DGN Ritu Grover, DRRs and PDRRs shared their views at the interactive sessions. Rotaract Pro League saw a combination of games — badminton, volleyball, chess and table tennis — and field athletics like sack race and others brought out the sporting skills of Rotaractors.
District record
RID 3040 has installed two Rotaract clubs with largest charter membership in this district. RAC Indore Oriental Navlakha was chartered with 646 membership in September 2021 and its strength has risen to over 900 by March-end. Another club, RAC GH Raisoni University at Sausar in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh was chartered with over 350 members in July.
“We launched a district Rotaract portal www.3040rotaract.org to upload projects and share best practices,” says Golchha.
When I took over as DRR, we had 719 Rotaractors in July last year; now the strength is 2,550 across 57 Rotaract clubs in RID 3040, a meteoric growth of 350 per cent.
– DRR Yatharth Golchha, RID 3040
A freelance fashion photographer and Rotaractor since 2017, Golchha is the third generation Rotarian in his family. His father Anoop Golchha is a second-level PHF, while mother Vandana is also a Rotarian. “My grandfather Gian Chand Golchha is a former Rotarian who had sown the seeds of ‘service above self’ in our family.”
The DRR says a lot of promotional activities will be taken to draw new Rotaractors from colleges and other institutions. “When I took over as DRR, we had 719 Rotaractors in July last year; now the strength is 2,550 across 57 Rotaract clubs in RID 3040, a meteoric growth of 350 per cent,” smiles Golchha.
