RID 3190 Rotaractors ride a wave crest

This Rotary calendar, 2022–23, will go down as one of the most nostalgic months for Rotaractors at RID 3190 (Bengaluru and nearby towns) as from the next year it will be split into RIDs 3191 and 3192, says DRR Joseph Wilson, a dual member of RC Bangalore. “Hence, I have the onerous responsibility to preside over the bifurcation of this Rotaract district into two newly chartered RIDs,” he says.

With a theme of ‘Ramp for a cause’, Dazzling Dudes and Divas is a fashion show open to the public too and organised to raise funds for holding special events for acid attack survivors and special children.

He was finetuning the logistics and making arrangements for the two-day Rotafest (Oct 29–30). “The event, a 30-year-old cultural festival for government school ­students and Rotaractors, was given a boost by PDG Rajendra Rai (2007–08) during his tenure,” he says. While the first day is meant for school students and children from orphanages, the Rotaractors will hog the limelight on the second day with a display of their skills in various stage crafts and field programmes. At least 850 students will showcase their talent that will include a medley of dance, musicals, skits, stage programmes et al at the Kuvempu Kalakshetra Auditorium, BIT campus. “Each student will get a welcome kit comprising an exam pad, stationery, books and refreshment packs. We will provide lunch to all participants.” On the next day, around 1,300 Rotaractors from 100-plus clubs will come out blazing with their high-octane energy, says Wilson.

Fashion show

With a theme of ‘Ramp for a cause’, Dazzling Dudes and Divas is a fashion show open to the public too and organised to raise funds for holding special events for acid attack survivors and special children. “This ramp walk fundraiser initiated by me will most probably be held at the Phoenix mall in the second week of ­December.” The ramp walk will have four categories of contestants — juniors (5–10 yrs), seniors (60–75), special category (wheelchair-bound people) and Rotaract — and they will be judged by a panel of celebrities and film stars. A preliminary event will shortlist the final participants at the Dazzling show for which celebrities have started promoting it through TV commercials and on social media.

Rotacamp is one of the most awaited events as Rotaractors get to enjoy a scenic place, far removed from the urban madness. “Last year around 450 Rotaractors visited Sakleshpur, a hill station, on the way to Mangaluru for a four-day stay and rejuvenation. This time, we are planning a visit to Wayanad, Kerala, with at least 300 Rotaractors on Republic Day weekend in January.”

Flood relief contributions

In August, the RID 3190 team flagged off a flood relief truck containing essentials and material (750kg) to Silchar which were distributed by Assam Rotaractors to families worst hit by the recent floods in that state. Due to torrential rains, towns like Channapatna in Ramanagara district saw massive devastation; and “we partnered with Amazon and Donatekart (oneline shopping) to distribute relief material worth ₹1.3 lakh to needy families.” A 15-member team from the district’s Community Service arm joined hands with the local Rotaractors to provide immediate relief to around 125 families.

RI dues challenge

While each club has to pay the annual district due of ₹4,000, irrespective of their member strength, “the new mandatary RI dues is a challenge and we have to explain to Rotaractors the benefit of remaining in Rotaract,” says Wilson. “We explain to our members that the gains of being a Rotaractor far outweigh the amount they pay as both district and RI dues. They are part of a global organisation known for its great work in charity and also offers opportunities for networking and fellowship.” At present, there are 207 clubs having 10,000-plus Rotaractors in RID 3190.

RID 3190 team flagged off a flood relief truck containing essentials and material (750kg) to Silchar which were distributed by Assam Rotaractors to families worst hit by the recent floods.

Recalling his experience two years back, Wilson says he had a ringside view of Rotary world when he was a project chair of Kreeda Habba, a mega sports carnival hosted by RC Bangalore for 900 government school students at Malur village. Nine years ago, he made a shift from being an Interactor to Rotaractor, joining RAC Bangalore, and “from then on I learn something new everyday in life in the Rotaract world.” An employee of the IT wing of Cap Gemini (data base), Wilson, 28, “continues to be inspired by opportunities thrown up by Rotaract for people like us.” In the near future, he wants to take up a major responsibility in his parent Rotary club and “thus sharpen my skills which will help me to climb up the Rotary ladder in the years ahead.”