The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands

Another inspirational message from past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo to the Rotarians of District 3090 on the occasion of PETS/SETS on 9th April 2009.

He speaks about the then Rotary International theme, The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands...relevant even today.

 

Rotary should promote civic sense for cleanliness in city, says Punjab Governor

New Team of Rotary Club Chandigarh to focus on waste management in city.

Addressing the Rotary Club of Chandigarh on the installation of the new team at CII here today, the Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria asked the Rotarians to Instill the spirit of cleanlness and leadership through service among people besides reaching out to the rural and deprived sections of society.

He congratulated the new team of office bearers under the leadership of President Teena Avninder Virk who shall be carrying on the legacy of goodness of the club which has a rich history of serving the community since 1958 in the city, and commended her planned projects for cleanliness and waste management.

Chandigarh Garbage Dump to be transformed

He pointed out that Chandigarh Administration is engaged in converting the garbage dump in sector 25 into a beautiful garden with the help of Indian Oil Corporation, and is also very near to making the city TB-free very soon, in which Rotary is contributing immensely.

Educating the needy but brilliant students

He also implored Rotarians to identify economically-challenged yet brilliant students from Plus-1 and Plus-2 classes and support them so that they can pursue higher education.

President Teena Virk informed that the Club intends to take up several initiatives including recycling of plastic waste by creating vertical gardens, management of ewaste, cloth and wet waste, education scholarships to girl children, and setting up a Miyawaki forest in 38 West area.

Shri Kataria also said that this change of leadership throughout the Rotary world is a unique example of maintaining the continuity to the humanitarian service that  promotes human dignity, empathy, care and concern for their fellow beings, which is a true representation of Rotary.

On this occasion, the Rotary Club Chandigarh inducted Shri Gulab Chand Kataria as an Honorary Rotarian, and Past RI President Rajendra K. Saboo presented him the Rotary pin.

Rotary District Governor Dr Rita Kalra, presented two scholarship cheques of Rs.10,000 each to class 4th and 5th students of Vidya Sadan in Bapu Dham colny, supported by the family of Rtn Manmohan Singh Kohli.

Earlier the Punjab Governor inaugurated a waste management project of the club that would address the issues of general household waste and e-waste.

Earlier outgoing President Abha Sharma Joshi, presented the report of the Club's activities and highlighted various projects including the latest one of gifting a Rs.30 lakh van to the human milk bank setup earlier in Mohali under AIMS.

Those who spoke on the occasion included the current District Governor of Rotary District 3080 Dr Rita Kalra, immediate outgoing District Governor Ravi Prakash from Roorkee, and Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo.

Teena Avninder Virk is President 2026-27

Rtn. Teena Avninder Virk, takes over the club leadership of Rotary Club of Chandigarh on 1st of July 2026.  

An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a social activist, Teena is the seventh woman president of the Rotary Club which celebrates 68th years of its charter.

A multifaceted personality with interest in writing, stage performances, helping others, she displayed remarkable courage.

A graduate from MCM DAV Chandigarh with MBA from IGNOU, Teena had been writing for a leading newspaper on women centric topics and interviewed famous women achievers, including Maharani Praneet Kaur,  Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Cine stars Neena Gupta, and Mumtaz, and the Lady foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.  

Apart from women, she had the pleasure of interviewing father of fiber optics Narinder Singh Kapani, a memory she holds dear.

Post Delhi riots she got involved in starting her own business under guidance from her husband Ravinder Singh Virk.

She joined Rotary Club of Chandigarh in 2017, and has served the club in various capacities and been awarded a number of times for her work and commitment.

Teena has in her Board of Directors, Vice President Sartaj Lamba, Immediate Past President Abha Joshi Sharma, Secretary Shabana Azam, Treasurer Anil Chadda, Joint Secretary Dr Aman Bhatia, Director Club Service Prem Mahendru, Director Community Service Arun Agarwal, Director Vocational Service Lalita Grover, Director International Service Amrit Pal Singh Dhiman, Director Youth Service Shivya Sehgal, along with past distrct governors Madhukar Malhotra and Praveen Chander Goyal as ex-officio members, and Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo and Usha Saboo as Mentors.

Rotary Club Chandigarh gifts Human Milk Van to AIMS Mohali

In yet another milestone towards strengthening maternal and newborn health, Rotary Club Chandigarh, handed over a dedicated Breastfeeding Promotion and Human Milk Collection Van to the "Ashneer" Human Milk Bank and Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC) at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali on 29th June 2026.

District Governor (RID 3080) Rtn. Ravi Prakash and Past Rotary International President Raja  Saboo and Usha Saboo attended the event. 

The Rotary Club of Chandigarh's initiative had been made possible by active guidance and support of PDG Madhukar Malhotra, international funding facilitated by PP Hassan Mejie, Director, Special Projects, Rtn. Anil Chaddha, and Rtn. Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, former Director AIMS, Mohali. 

Earlier in 2024, Rotary Club Chandigarh had helped establish, 'Ashneer' Human Milk Bank in AIMS Mohali with the funding from Ruchira Papers Ltd. Yamunanagar. 

The Human Milk Bank is Punjab's first comprehensive CLMC for providing lifesaving pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable newborns. 

The van shall facilitate collection of human milk from adjoining areas, villages, rural health centres, and wouild be promoting optimal breastfeeding practices, said President Abha Sharma Joshi. 

An MoU has also been signed between AIMS Mohali and Rotary Club Chandigarh to strengthen breastfeeding promotion, donor human milk collection, community outreach, research, and advocacy, she added.

The initiative has further received valuable international support through the efforts of Past District Governor Rtn. Madhukar Malhotra and Past President Rtn. Hassan Mejie, who mobilized assistance from Rotary International clubs in the United Kingdom and Italy. 

The primary international support partner is the Rotary Club of Canton, USA, where Rtn. Anu Narula initiated support from her club and her  Rotary District for this important maternal and child health initiative.

Since its establishment, the Human Milk Bank at AIMS Mohali has collected breast milk from over 1600 donor mothers and provided it to more than 350 premature and sick newborns receiving care at the hospital.

Keeping the Hearts Beating

The Pacemaker Bank of our Club keeps many hearts beating, helping numerous lives to continue to have a healthy life.

Every year a number of pacemakers are fitted free of cost on the patients in PGI, thanks to the project that was conceived way back in 1990-91, and continues to run even today.

It was in 1990-91, our Club provided pacemaker to a patient in PGI.

In 1991-92, the Club entered into collaboration with Heart Beat International, USA, for providing free pacemakers to poor patients in PGI.  Rtn Abhilash Kapoor was the then president of the Club, and he continues to be the Project Incharge for this. 

The process involves PGI recommending poor patients for pacemakers, and through Heartbeat International, the pacemakers are arranged.

In 2004, the most touching  scenario was when PGI requested a tiny pacemaker for a two years old child.  It was an emergency.  The team of Rotarians got active immediately and was able to get from USA the required pacemaker within 7 days.  It was collaboration at its best in which Rotarians and Heartbeat International, as well as the government of India worked at tandem to save the life of the little soul.

In 2004-05, however, it became essential to bear the cost of importing and handling charges, and the Club raised US$ 2,500 and remitted to Heartbeat International in order to get 30 pacemakers for the Pacemaker Bank.

During 2011-12, under the leadership of Rtn Madhukar Malhotra, District Governor, the project was extended to other areas in the District, especially Shimla and Dehradun. 

The video shows how Rotary and Heartbeat International is saving lives. 

A salute to Inner Wheel

Life is a Gift...to be shared together.  Watch out how the Inner Wheel in India is making a difference.




If you can't see the video please click here. 

DO YOU WANT TO...?

This is a beautiful video on how you, as a Rotarian, are impacting the lives of the people around the globe. Must see.

(video)


In case you are unable to see the video, click on the link to the blog and check it out. 

Congratulations. India is Polio Free

WHO takes India's name off polio endemic countries list
India, which has been polio-free for over a year now, was taken off the list of polio endemic countries by the World Health Organisation. This announcement was made by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the polio summit 2012 in New Delhi on 25th February in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Azad said he has received a letter this morning stating that the "WHO has taken India's name off the list of polio endemic countries in view of the remarkable progress that we have made during the past one year."

There were only four countries in the WHO endemic list, including Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

After being removed from the list, India will have to remain polio free for the next two years to achieve the polio-free status with concerted efforts and an emergency preparedness and response plan, WHO representative in India Natela Menabde said.

The Prime Minister, while lauding the achievement complimented the government officials and Rotary for this massive success.  Singh said, "This gives us hope that we can finally eradicate polio not only from India but from the face of the earth."

Though many countries have achieved this goal, every country is still under the threat of polio as long as the virus existed, she warned.

Rotarians must keep up extra vigil and continue with vaccination efforts for next two years to ensure that polio virus does not enter the country again. 

Harbhajan Mann's Hearty Gesture

Harbhajan Mann also contributes for one heart surgery

Chandigarh, February 23:  There could not have been a better gift from the star Panjabi actor and singer, Harbhajan Mann, who not only came to perform free of cost for the Heartline Concert organized by Rotaract Club Chandigarh at Panjab University campus yesterday but also made his contribution for one heart surgery under the Rotary Heartline project.

Rotary Heartline project, started in 1999 by Rotary Club of Chandigarh has so far done 400 free heart surgeries for children from economically-challenged background, informed Mrs. Neena Singh, President , Rotary Club of Chandigarh. 

We deeply commend this noble gesture by an artist like Harbhajan Mann  who not only went out of his way to support the cause through his gratis performance but also contributed for the surgery of one child, she added.

Rotaract president Pragya Kapil informed that Rotaract club had been organizing the Heartline Concert to raise funds for and support the Rotary Club Chandigarh’s heartline project since 2005.

The concert began with a ramp walk by Rotaractors of DAV MCM, DAV College and Gian Jyoti Institute of Management, followed by an energetic bhangra performance by the students of Doaba college.

Upcoming artist Vineypal Buttar set the tone of the concert with his recent release dedicated to Sri Guru Gobind Singh, and popular number “Chudail”.

Harbhajan Mann started off with a prayer and moved the audience with his touching songs, “Maanwan, maanwan…”, and “Maan jannat da parchhavan…”, and later made everyone dance to his lilting foot-tapping numbers, “Le gayiaan chain churaake sajjan de akhiyaan…”, “Lalli laal dupatte wali”, and ever-green “Gallan goriyaan…”.

Rtn. Pres Neena Singh, Rtr Pres Pragya, and Harbhajan Mann released the souvenir published by Rotaract Club of Chandigarh, on this occasion. 

Being Human: From Knoxville to Bapudham

US girls gift for children of Bal Bahar school in Bapu Dham

Nicolle from Knoxville, Tennessee, USA was in 9^th standard when accompanied by her sister and Rotarian parents visited Chandigarh to be a part of the team of Rotarians from various countries who visited India to participate in national immunization day for polio.

She was overwhelmed as she went around visiting the slums and Bapu Dham colony. One of the Rotarian couples from the city, Major B.M. Singh and his wife, Kiran, took them to the school and crèche that they were running for the children of the colony.  Nicolle interacted with them as the children sat around on make shift rooms, with no proper kitchen, flooring, or uniforms.

She was moved.  “I became attached to every child, and something inside me was torn and I wanted to do something for these children,” she said.  

“I thought this was a normal reaction that a child from abroad would have looking at the conditions here, and I almost forgot about it,” said Major B.M. Singh, who was surprised to see their commitment. 

However, for Nicolle, and her classmatesit became her life mission.  Being human, was perhaps the only reason that ignited the fire in them. 

Helped by their Rotarian parents, they set up the Interact Club in their school, Webb School of Knoxville, with Nicolle as the first club president.

“Bal Bahar School in Bapu Dham was our first project, and we decided to raise funds. We organized holi, hosted an Indian dinner for the community, published a 2012 calendar also and successfully sold its copies for US$15 each to the people to collect funds,” Nicolle said.

Accompanied by the incoming president elect of Interact Webb School, Isabel, who is currently in 9^th standard, and their respective mothers, brought gifts for the 150 children who study at Bal Bahar, and also presented a cheque of US$ 11,000 to Major B.M. Singh, for the school.

Working for the children of Bal Bahar, had been the most satisfying for us, say Nicolle and Isabel, as they left for Delhi for their onward journey back home.

Young Heroes programme launched

Rotary Club of Chandigarh and Rotaract Clubs sponsored by our Club, joined hands with the Chandigarh Police to make our city safe.
Named 'Young Heroes' programme, engages the young Rotaractors in reaching out to homes to ensure people are made aware about community's own participation.
"Safety remains our major concern since that alone can ensure an environment wherein anyone can be more productive, efficient, and use his/her full potential," said Mr. Alok Kumar, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic), addressing the Rotarians and Rotaractors at Rotary House today.
Accompanied with SP Operations Mr R.S. Ghuman, DSP HQ Ashish Kapoor, and Inspector Ram Gopal of ICCRU for Traffic Safety, interacted with the youngsters and demonstrated the nuances of spreading the message across all sections of the society.
He informed that after the Rotaractors and others who want to volunteer for the programme fill out the form and submit to the traffic police, the department will organise an orientation programme besides issuing them with special identity cards to facilitate them in this campaign.
DIG Alok Kumar said that these 'Young Heroes' would be the brand ambassadors for this mission to generate awareness among the residents.
Speaking on the occasion, Past Rotary International President Raja Saboo complimented the enthusiastic Rotaractors and hoped that this mission to create a better and safe city can be realised through their continued participation and involvement. "You must take up this task as a mission to make a difference in the lives of the people," he added.
DG Manpreet Singh encouraged the Rotaractors to bring the positive change in their own self as responsible citizens and then bring the change in the attitude of the people through concerted campaign.
Earlier Rtn. PP Arvind Mahajan introduced the chief guest DIG Alok Kumar.
This is a great initiative of our club and anyone can join this campaign for a safe city. 

Share Your Thoughts!

Here's another competition. Please send to me a 200 words essay on how you feel we can sow the seeds of gender equality in the minds of the people. 

Rotarians and their family members are also encouraged to participate and contribute.
- The entries should be emailed to seejaysingh@gmail.com, with 'Hamari Beti' Competition written in the subject box of the email.
- The last date for receiving all entries is 15th February.
- Each entrant would receive a Certificate of Participation.
- Three selected entries would win prizes.
So get going. Put on your thinking caps and go ahead.

Hamari Beti Committee

Bangkok would be a lifetime experience

There is no reason why we should not be there at Bangkok. This would indeed be a lifetime experience for every Rotarian to feel and experience the internationality of Rotary.
Here's our very own IPDG Madhukar Malhotra, who invites to be a part of the Indian contingent to Bangkok for the RI Convention on May 6-9, 2011. Please register if you have not done so already.

Congratulations on First Year of Polio-free India

Here's a message from our RI President Kalyan Banerjee as we completed one year of polio free India. But it is the time for every Rotarian to make sure that the next two years remain polio free by stepping up our efforts in generating awareness, reaching out to the unreached population, sensitising them, and making sure that every child under 5 years receives the magic touch of Rotary through polio drops.


Rotary celebrates India’s first polio-free year. from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Why is Bangkok so exciting for Rotarians this year?

Check this out with PDG Shaju Peter. And of course, do not go alone. Its got to be a family outing.

City of Bangkok beckons you.

Hope you have registered yourself for Rotary International Convention at Bangkok with your family.  Here's a peep into this amazing city.


Discover Bangkok from Rotary Thailand on Vimeo.

Make 2012 and Beyond Special for Yourself!

As we ring in the New Year, it is time once again to pause our lives for a while, and look within...or better still, "Reach Within", as Kalyan Banerjee says it.  

We are living through an exciting time when the entire world is looking towards India... for the knowledge it possesses, for its IT prowess, for its growing economic impact,  for its multi-skilled young human resources, and of course, for the treasure trove of spirituality. Coupled with that is a growing strength of  Rotarians trascending human barriers of diverse cultures, religions, or castes, that augurs well for a better future for humanity.

"Reach Within..." to discover the love, care and compassion that resides within each one of us, and see the world around us with a new perspective.

"Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" by showering and sharing love, care and compassion for the humanity at large. 

The most quoted author C.N. Bovee writes beautifully, "There is no better exercise for your heart, than reaching down and helping to lift someone up!!!" 

Yes, there is no greater pleasure than helping someone rise. 

Let this be our promise to ourself for 2012 and beyond, to exercise our hearts and reach the people in need. 

This alone is the biggest reason of our being a Rotarian. This alone is our religion. Or as Dalai Lama says, "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." 

Rise. And let the new religion of love, compassion and care permeate through our beings and "embrace humanity".

Mother and Child Care

A health camp "Mother and Child Care" was organized in association with Fortis Hospital as part of their CSR activities at Colony no. 5 on 21st Dec 2011. The camp was attended by more than 100 beneficiaries of our Rotary Roshni Centre (a centre for adult literacy classes for women).

Before the check up, Dietician Nivedita Singh, educated mothers about the common health problems such as anemia, constipation and protein and calcium deficiency prevalent in economically backward classes. Oral examination, eye check up, BP and ENT examination were conducted. After the check up, calcium and folic acid tablets were also distributed to the mothers and refreshments to the children.  The Fortis members who participated were: Dr. Monica, Dr. Sunil Kochar, Sister Deepika and Sister Pavittar. President Neena Singh motivated the women to give priority to their own health as well as the health of their children. The camp was very well organised by Surinder Kaur the teacher of our Roshni Adult Female Literacy Center. 

Children from Malawi return with Gift of Life

Three of the four children, who had successfully underwent heart surgery for congenital heart disorder under the Rotary Club Chandigarh's Heartline Project, flew back to their home yesterday. 

Rtn. Hassan Mejie and PP Kewal Seth gave them a warm send off with a quick sight-seeing of the city and lunch at Rtn. Baldev Aggarwal's restaurant Sip'n'Dine yesterday. 

Earlier on 8th September, having known about the visit of Malawi children for heart surgery, the First Secretary from Malawi High Commission in India reached Fortis Hospital to meet with the three children and their parents. She expressed deep gratitude to Rotary for saving the lives of these children. 

Patience Nkomo (6), Hastings Maloya (6) and Prisca Patrick (14) were very happy having had the precious Gift of Life, but were sad at the time of leaving our  beautiful country. 

Our special thanks to Dr. T.S. Mahant, Director Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, who conducted the surgeries. And of course, our very own Ann Babbi Harbhajan Singh, who took care of the entire family right from their arrival till they returned back to their homes. . 

Children from Malawi for Heart Surgery

TV News Coverage by Day&Night TV


And how this project came about? Learn from IDPG Madhukar Malhotra in another tv channel story