Since its inception 113 years ago, the Rotary movement has survived two world wars and many other upheavals. Its charitable arm, The Rotary Foundation has celebrated its Centennial Year in 2017. The enduring values of Commitment, Enthusiasm, and Dedication to a Cause have been the hallmark of its existence. This potent potion percolates to the most basic unit of Rotary, i.e the Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians all over the world.It is a mathematical truth that any quantity when divided, falls in value. However, two aspects of humanity i.e Peace and Happiness, when divided actually increase exponentially in content and value.Many philanthropist , individuals and organisations look up to Rotary as a reliable partner to ensure that their contributions actually reach the needy. Time and again, Rotary, with its 1.2 million army of volunteers around the world, has proved to be the most credible organisation for this purpose.In India, the Doyenne of Benevolence, Smt. Rajashree Birla has been at the forefront to ensure that the good work that Rotary does, leaves behind a better world for generations to come. She has contributed over US $ 12 Million for the eradication of Polio apart from contributions for other worthy causes. Social equality and meaningful charity being omnipresent in the Birla DNA, Smt. Rajashree Birla is very quick to assess the relevance of an Initiative and willingly offers assistance for the same. Her unstinted support for Eradication of Polio ensures that a healthy and youthful India is ready to shoulder the responsibility of building the India of tomorrow..In the year 2012, the consecration ceremony of a unique Project, Triumph Blood Bank & Thalassemia Day Care Centre was the beginning of my association with the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, and this Project in particular. By delivering the project within the span of one Rotary year, and then running the project for the past 6 years, then Club President Ravi Iyer and his team have demonstrated that the very same potent mix of commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to a cause, runs through their veins.Having followed the progress of this project and its social Impact, I can vouch that Rotary Club of Thane Hills are rendering, Service above Self in the truest sense. They deserve all support to ensure that the this facility continues to serve Thalassemic children and the Community in general. Being privy to the trials and tribulations faced by the project, I have been doing my bit for this noble endeavour by arranging financial support.It was nice of Smt. Rajashree Birla to accept my request to visit this facility in 2015 and spent some very poignant moments with the Children undergoing transfusions at the facility. The experience must have certainly struck a chord in her heart. When I forwarded a request for financial assistance for this project, she came through with a generous contribution of about Rs. 50.00 lacs. and since then has been every year financially supporting the project.
I am sure her helping hand has helped Rotary Club of Thane Hills continue to serve the community and greatly enhance Rotary’s image in Society.
Ashok Mahajan Director , Rotary International (2007-09)
Trustee , The Rotary Foundation (2009-13)