Mr. Kumar Kewalramani
Governor of Rotary Club for the year 2000

Since when are you a member of the Rotary?
I became the member of Rotary in May 1978 of the Thane (W) zone. We were only 28 members then. After which during the 1985-86 period, I was elected as the president. I was then elected as the Chairman of various avenues from 1986 onwards. Then the District treasurer for 1993-94 followed by the Assistant Governor in the 1997-98 period and finally the District Governor for the 2000-2001 period.

What do you think you have achieved being the member of Rotary?
It has taught me a lot of things like managing time, interacting with people, leadership qualitites and serving the community. Besides, integrity and Honesty is the best part of a true Rotarian.

Which are the major projects of the Rotary?
We have been working on eradication of blindness since the last 30 years. Besides eradication of polio is another major mission of the Rotarians worldwide.

What have the Rotarians been doing in that direction?
This year 30,000 Catract operations are to be performed through the help of the 106 clubs situated in Bombay, New Bombay and Thane district besides 3000 polio connected surgeries to be done.

How are the funds raised for these operations?
Donations of Rotary club, the corporate world and the Rotary International, all these goes in raising the funds for the operations.

What are your duties as a Governor of the Rotary?
As a governor, I have to keep a track of 5000 Rotarians of the 106 clubs of the district. I have to see that they function in an organised manner. In my year of governership I have to visit the 100 clubs atleast once.

What are your plans for your period of Governership?
My mission is to collect 2 Crore Rupees for the Rotary foundation for eradication of polio and aids besides increasing the membership to 600 nos.

Any programme for World Aids Day was held by the Rotary?
Yes, Indeed we had a very big Rally at Thane, Mulund, creating awareness about Aids. Around 5000 people including children were a part of it.

What are your plans beyond the period of Governership?
I shall continue to support the Rotary movement by active participation and also support my successors.

How has being a Rotary member helped in Personal life?
Rotarians are my true friends, they have always been there in times of happiness and grief. Besides we get a lot of learning from fellow Rotarians.

Any message to the Rotarians?
I shall always ask them to continue to involve themselves in the good work and help the downtrodders and needy persons in whatever capacity they can.

Any message to the people in general?
They should help the Rotarians in doing the good work and also join the Rotary movement in making India a stronger nation.

As told to Thaneweb.com