BANGALORE: In a first-of-its kind move, a single donor has come forward to announce the single largest community fund from India to Rotary Foundation at Rs. 100 Crores (US $ 14.7 Million).
The same was announced at the installation ceremony of Rotarian Suresh Hari as the new District Governor of Rotary International District 3190. Suresh Hari, a member of Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar Club, Vice President of CREDAI Bengaluru and Founder & Managing Partner of Vishal Promoters and Builders, Bengaluru. He was also the Past National President of Round Table India.
The large fund income out of Endowment will be utilized to cover projects across six Focus Areas such as Economic & community development, Disease Prevention & Treatment, Water & Sanitation, Maternal & Child health, Basic Education & Literacy and Economic & Community Development.
Apart from the installation of the 42nd District Governor of RI District 3190, the event also marked the installation of Rotarian Jagadeesh M as the 38th President of Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and its office bearers by Rotarian Suresh Hari. The chief guest of the joint installation event was Dr K. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, Space Commission, Secretary, Department of Space/Chairman, ISRO. The event was held at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru. Rotarian Harish Kumar Anand, President 2017-18; Rotarian Dr. Srikanth A V S, Secretary 2017-18; and Rotarian Fazal Ur Rahaman, Secretary 2018-19 were the other dignitaries at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest at the installation ceremony, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO in his special address said, “Many times, through various networks of resources and partners, we seek help and focus on key service efforts such as promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and fight for a better India and world. Rotary International district 3190 has a great history and heritage to its credit and I believe that the Rotary community has made significant contribution to make the world a better place to live in”. While congratulating the installed leaders complimented the donors, said, that giving is one thing and giving without strings attached is a great thing.’
Commenting on his installation and the endowment fund, Rotarian Suresh Hari said, “I am pleased to be appointed as the Governor of RI District 3190. This will give me an opportunity to make a positive impact in the areas that matters to the community. In this context, I am thankful for the generous donation, which will be put to good use in the days to come. Our International President Barry Rassin had given a clarion call for corpus creation of US $ 2 Billion 25 Million fund by year 2025. With the benevolent contribution commitment by Rotarian Dakoju Ravishankar and Mrs. Paola Ravishankar, I can proudly say that our Rotary district has done a considerable start”. The donor couple Paola Ravishankar and Dakoju Ravishankar were conferred the unique Title of ‘Karma Yogis’ by Rotary District. Ravishankar is a senior member of CREDAI Bengaluru and actively participates in the association affairs.
Rotarian Dokoju Ravishankar,the donor of the endowment, said, “I am delighted to make a meaningful contribution of my life earning towards the six focus areas of Rotary International, including community development, education, health and sanitation. My vision for a peaceful India with complete involvement of work in Orphans, Senior citizens, Tree plantation, Animal welfare, Lake Rejuvenation and support to physically challenged. I have great interest in working in North Eastern States, which I have already commenced”. The funds earnings when fully deployed will be spent in a planned manner and in consultation with The Rotary Foundation.
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