How do you feel for achieving the great privilege of leading Rotary World in 2011–12?

Firstly, humbled that I am considered capable enough to lead our great organisation. Secondly, enthused at the opportunity to join hands with the world’s Rotarians and strive to move our organisation forward, meeting the challenges of the 21 st century and anticipating and exploring to the needs of the future.

What is the future of Rotary in India?

Good. Rotary is already and will further be, recognised as the most effective, useful, hands-on, forward-looking service based volunteer organisation in India. It is indeed trusted and respected.

Are Rotarians of India a much maligned lot because of some ethical and some tolerance deficiencies?

Not in India. And even in the othercountries, I don’t believe that the tolerance deficiency of the Rotarians of India, has ever been an issue. There have indeed been ethical problems in some cases, in some areas on a few occasions — issues of integrity, usually finance related and more often, of clashing giant-sized egos. We must face them squarely, each one of us and emphasise on zero tolerance in these instances.
The future, as always, is in our hands. It is up to us — each one of us and all of us, working together, to set aside these issues fairly.

Polio eradication remains a top priority for Rotary. Assuming that polio will be under reasonable good control, do you envisage another major eradication project?

There is no question of reasonable control of polio. It has to go. Forever. And the sooner we do it, the better. This, I honestly believe, will happen soon perhaps in the next 2 to 3 years. And after that, looking at what can most benefit every country in the world, I believe, eradication of illiteracy would be the way we might choose to go. Illiteracy exists today in most countries and it is growing in some unexpected places. I believe a literate world will be a safer, more tolerant, happier world.

An election at various levels of Rotary especially for the District Governor has been a sore point for many. Your comments.

In India, all elections above the level of club elections could be sore points. I have often wondered why can’t we take the way we look at our club elections, further forward to the District and Zonal levels. It is up to us — you, me and all of us involved beyond club level elections, to face the issues squarely and sort them out, keeping issues of ego and (so called) prestige in the back burner. The leader must focus on friendship and service through Rotary rather than only leadership.

Rotary India Award is a very prestigious recognition for the recipients. You have been very intimately associated with this award. Your comments.

We must take it forward through publicity in the Rotary Webs and sometimes through the Rotarian Magazine. The work of the prize winners are always outstanding. I believe the whole Rotary world would love to know about them.
We do need to build on the public image of the awards at the Indian level — make it like the Magsaysay Award of India.

What is your candid opinion of the leadership in Rotary in India.

Top class. Indians are outstanding everywhere throughout the world. Only, in Rotary, I believe we need to work harder to bring all this closer together. It can be done. Indeed, it is happening.