Why I Am a Rotarian - PDG Sunil K Zachariah
In 1973,thirty-eight years agoto be precise, Rotary Club of Alwayeinvited fewof usyoungsters to theorganisational meeting of aRotaract Club. I was 16 years old andwas studying for Plus2 then. I had not heard of Rotaract or even Rotary.Thefascinating story that I heard that day inspired me toenlist as a potential member. Few weeks later, when the office-bearers were electedI wassurprised to be asked to be the charter Vice President of Rotaract Club of Alwaye.Little did I knowwhere this wonderful journey would take me!
As weeks rolled on, I got truly engrossed in Rotaract. I found it to be a great opportunity to be part of a world-wide fellowship of youngsters, united in service. I was shy and introvert. Rotaract gave me an opportunity to develop my personality and leadership skills.
I was very active in Rotaract for 12 years -uptomy age28. I served as the President of my club, District Rotaract Representative of District 320, Chairman of All India DRRs' Council and Chairman of the First Multi District Rotaract Conventionin India. All the leadership skills Ihave today, I owe them entirely to Rotaract. Rotaract changed my vision. Rotaract changed my attitude. Most of all, Rotaract changed my life.
Looking back, I wonder what was the aspect of Rotaract that I benefitted most? Was it the leadership opportunity? Was it the fellowship opportunity with young people elsewhere? Was it the international vision that Rotaract inculcated? Was it the spirit of kindness, compassion and service that Rotaract taught? Actually, it is all these and more. Perhaps the most important aspect of Rotaract that I gained was the chance to grow up under the guidance of responsible community leaders - Rotarians of Alwaye. They gave their time liberally to us and were truly our mentors.
In 1985, Rotary Club of Alwaye nominated me as a candidate for Group Study Exchange program to USA. The District Committee asked me why I wanted to go. My answer was that this program will give me a chance to interact with the Rotaractors there. I was selected as a member of the team and I spent4 wonderful weeks in California.
Upon return after the GSE program, I was invited to be a member of Rotary Club of Kalamassery,a new club which had now come up near my home. And I jumped with joy. I knew that this was my opportunity to repay a debt of gratitude. Ever since that day, I liberally give my time and talents for Rotary activities. Ijoined RotarybecauseI thought itgave me a chance to repay what Igained from Rotary.
Soon I learnt that it was not all. Rotary is a magic wand with which I can help those in need.Early in my Rotary life, I remembera little boy whocame hometo tellhowwesaved him from blindness. I can still feelthe warmth of histears falling on my hand. And so it has been with every Rotary project that we did. A library in prison, a network of 41 ambulances, rainwater harvesting tanks for an entire village .. with Rotary nothing was impossible. Together with other Rotarians,wehave great powers to help, to heal, to cure, to share. Currently, we are building a Rotary Centre for Senior Citizens - it promises a life of dignity to the elderly in our community.
I had the opportunity to serve in club, district and international committeesof Rotary. Each leadership role gives a chance to learn more about the true power of Rotary to change lives.
Together with other Rotarians, I can change the world. That is why I am a Rotarian.
* This article is excerpted from the book Why I am a Rotarian, published by Rotary Institute Kolkota 2011