RC1H contributes $61,000 to Rotary Foundation

Metro India News | Hyderabad : The Rotary Club of One Hyderabad (RC1H) has become the world’s second 100% Paul Harris Society club, marking the distinction on its Charter Day. The club was formally inaugurated at a ceremony at The Leela, Banjara Hills, with 27 members.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake District, Moinabad (RCLD), under Rotary International District 3150, RC1H follows its sponsor club in achieving the distinction. Both clubs are based in Hyderabad, a notable achievement given Rotary International’s approximately 36,500 clubs worldwide, including around 4,800 in India.

A 100% Paul Harris Society club has every eligible member committing at least $1,000 annually to The Rotary Foundation, which supports humanitarian initiatives in healthcare, education, disease prevention, clean water, sanitation and peacebuilding. At the ceremony, RC1H presented three cheques of $10,000, $25,000 and $26,000, taking its contribution to $61,000.

District Governor Uday Pilani described the achievement as a matter of pride, noting that Hyderabad had produced the world’s first and second such clubs. He administered the membership and office oaths, presented the presidential and secretarial insignia and handed over the charter.

President Neeraj Goenka said the club would focus on emotional connection, intellectual enrichment and purposeful service. Eleven of its 27 members are women. RCLD President Ramesh Patel stressed the importance of building a lasting legacy, while club adviser Rajashekhar Vodela said expanding Rotary’s reach through high-performing clubs would increase its community impact.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) will be RC1H’s priority for its first two years, with initiatives targeting disease prevention, public health and sustainable communities. The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion titled “Sanitation: A Super Vaccine”, featuring representatives from government, the development sector and industry.

Office-bearers include Neeraj Goenka (President), Vishal Tibrewala (President-Elect), Shruti Mallpani (Vice-President), Rahul Mitra (Secretary) and Nitin Ganeriwal (Treasurer), alongside other members heading various service, education, membership and international relations portfolios.