RI District 3142 – 20th April
DISTRICT LEARNING ASSEMBLY
It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today in this prestigious District, addressing leaders who will assist and inspire DGE Harsh throughout the upcoming Rotary year.
Your commitment and hospitality make this moment even more special, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to be part of this gathering.
Since I became a District Governor, I’ve had the privilege of attending District Learning Assemblies not only in our district but also across India.
The energy, the excitement, and the sense of purpose that incoming leaders bring to this occasion always stand out. They are poised to make an impact, ready to guide and inspire the clubs, and above all, to lead by example.
The District Learning Assembly is, in many ways, a university for Rotary leaders—a place where knowledge, strategies, and guidelines are imparted to those entrusted with leading the district and the clubs .
As leaders, we must learn to engage with fellow Rotarians on equal footing, respecting their experiences and perspectives.
This is a noble, demanding mission—leading among equals. Leadership, like a relay race, is not about stopping to pass the baton but about running side by side, at the same speed, as we transfer our responsibilities.
Remember, your year as a leader in Rotary is not a marathon; it’s a 365-day sprint. Be quick off the blocks, keep your momentum, and finish strong.
This assembly also highlights the key focus areas of Rotary and our district, guiding us toward the year’s theme and ensuring we understand how to align our service with Rotary’s global objectives.
When Paul Harris founded Rotary, who could have foreseen that it would become the global force for good it is today? We are now in our second century, and we are wiser and more powerful than ever before.
Rotary’s strength lies in its members. Each Rotarian has the potential to be an agent of change, driven by a deep well of compassion and a desire to serve.
The future of Rotary depends on how we, as individuals, act. If we act with purpose, Rotary will thrive. In turn, we must BE THE INSPIRATION—set the example and lead with heart.
DGE Harsh, fresh from the International Assembly, is with full of ideas, innovation, and tools for implementation.
His leadership will transform this Learning Assembly into an arena of action, compassion, and communication.
I have no doubt that, together, we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to educate, motivate and inspire club leadership, ensuring success throughout the year.
Leadership in Rotary is not about power or authority—it is about accountability. As we move forward, we do so united by common ideals and driven by the shared goal of serving humanity.
Rotary leadership is both an art and a science—an art of building friendships, awakening enthusiasm, and inspiring others, and a science of turning dreams into reality, maintaining unity in diversity, and multiplying efforts to achieve great goals.
As we look toward the future, we must reflect on the countless lives changed by Rotary and the Rotary Foundation.
From eradicating polio to providing clean water, education, and peace, Rotary’s impact is global, and every Rotarian is part of that transformative work. We are not just participants in a program; we are agents of change, and together, we can do more than we ever imagined.
Margaret Mead’s famous words remind us that “a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” This is the power of Rotary, and it’s the power of each of you as leaders.
Let us also remember that leadership in Rotary is an opportunity—an opportunity to do extraordinary things with ordinary people. This is the essence of Rotary’s strength.
As we lead, let us create new paths, embracing change and fostering the kind of leadership that builds a better future.
Rotary founder Paul Harris was firm in his belief that Rotary must adapt to the changing world, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it continues to do so.
Service to humanity is not innate; it is something we learn through experience and through the example set by others.
To be effective, we must continuously educate ourselves, just as athletes and artists perfect their crafts through dedicated training. Leadership, too, requires ongoing learning and growth.
As we enter this new Rotary year, I urge you to put your heart into everything you do. Mother Teresa, once called the “most powerful woman on earth,” famously said that it is “small work with great love” that makes a difference.
This love—the love we have for humanity and for service—is the fire that fuels our mission. DGE Harsh has full faith in your leadership, and together, we will turn this year into one of lasting impact.
Be knowledgeable—both about Rotary and about the people we serve.
Every leader must create opportunities, not just by identifying problems, but by transforming challenges into chances to make a difference. As we face challenges, let us remember that there are no problems, only opportunities to innovate and grow.
Effective communication is crucial in Rotary leadership. As you lead, your clubs will follow not because they have to, but because they believe in your vision.
A good leader communicates effectively, recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others. In the end, a great leader doesn’t just tell or explain—he or she inspires and motivates.
Rotary’s power lies in its ability to transform lives and communities. Our membership growth is vital to that power. Every new member brings fresh energy and ideas. It is not enough to recruit members—we must inspire them to be part of something bigger than themselves.
The Rotary Foundation fuels our global impact, and every contribution is an investment in a better world.
Every dollar given is a seed of change, helping to create vaccines, provide clean water, and promote peace. Together, we are writing a story far greater than any one of us.
Finally, remember that leadership in Rotary demands humility and hunger. Humility to recognize that we are always learning, and hunger to achieve more, to inspire others, and to leave a lasting impact.
Let’s embrace the challenges of leadership with the knowledge that we are capable of great things. Rotary is alive with opportunity, and it is up to us to seize that opportunity and make a difference.
As Robert Frost said,
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Let’s continue to serve, lead, and create a future where Rotary’s light shines even brighter.
Thank you, and let’s make history together!!