Greetings fellow Rotarians, Welcome to a journey of opportunities and joy. We are about to begin a new year of Rotary which is not only challenging but is also going to test our commitment towards our motto: Service Above Self.

In these challenging times, we need innovative minds brimming with ideas, joy and enthusiasm. We have to get away from negativity of the pandemic, apply our minds, plan and re-plan, design and re-design our actions.

We have to be innovative in everything we say, think and do. This is the time to re-define our ways and means to serve humanity. We can no longer rely on the way we used to serve for more than a century now.

We need innovation in today’s digital world, in this new-normal life. It has provided, along with challenges, new opportunities to us. Post-pandemic, the world has changed forever and the process continues. Nobody knows exactly where we will end up but we need to prepare and be ready to serve in this changing environment.

Instead of trying to achieve our goals on our own, let us expand our vision and outreach to other organisations that are doing good in the world. Find NGOs in your vicinity which can collaborate with Rotary to make dreams real… ours, theirs and those of our communities.

Edgar A Guest said:

There are thousands to tell you, it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point to you, one by one,
The dangers that await to assail you;

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;

Just start to sing as you tackle the thing,
That “cannot be done,” and you will do it.

I conclude with Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts: Stop not till the goal is reached. Stand up and express the divinity within you.

Fellow Rotarians, the time has come for all of us to stand up and express ourselves through our acts and deeds. Be a light not only for yourself but others too. Be a friend not only for a few chosen ones but others too.

Remember that “we shall not pass this way again. Whatever good you want to do in the world, start doing it today.” My best wishes to each of you on the journey of change, opportunities and challenges.

Dr Mahesh Kotbagi
RI Director, 2021–23