Rotaract

The idea of holistic development is nothing new. Schools, institutions, and organizations have long emphasized it. It follows that this idea is interpreted differently by these bodies, as the idea of development is quite subjective. In fact, my own idea of holistic development has  changed after a brief conversation with our Rotaract Club Head.

Most students think that Rotaract is a purely service-oriented club. This is a bad oversimplification, however. Rotaract is a student organization that fosters both professional and personal growth in its members and beneficiaries. Not only does it serve the community, but it also provides a platform for its members that increases their network, provides opportunities, and shapes their future trajectory.

This is largely because several Rotaract members are founders and executives of companies that most aspire to work at. This should come as no surprise, considering Rotaract’s emphasis on all-around development of its members. This strong member network truly gives back to the next generation. The exposure that current members receive is unmatched. For instance, they may be offered roles at cutting-edge startups — the kind you’d read about in the news — because their founders themselves were in Rotary.

Apart from professional development, I was mind-blown by the impact Rotaract generates on a grassroots level. Imagine serving a maternal ward at an ill-equipped hospital, and moving mothers so much that one asks you to name her own child. This sounds like something straight out of a movie, but it's true – and our own Rotaract club had the privilege of naming this child. I had goosebumps just hearing about it, and I cannot imagine how it must have felt to be there, as a part of the club that made it possible.

Adding on, did you know that the Polio eradication drives you've seen since you were a child – and probably received the vaccine from – have all been facilitated by Rotaract, with government approval? That's right, one single organization has singlehandedly worked for the eradication of polio in India. If that's not something you cheer for, I don't know what is.

I've also heard of a misconception among students that the “entry fee” charged by Rotaract is meant for the club's coffers. On the contrary, the fee helps sustain such a large organization as Rotary. Accounting for the sheer scale of the organization, the “entry fee” feels nominal, even disregarding all the benefits you get as an individual or the amount you give back to society.

As a student, I’m proud to say that we have such a wonderful club here at KMIT. Our Rotaract club has developed individuals while giving back so much to the community. Their recent food donation (annadanam) drive is a notable example that fed hundreds of people in one afternoon. It serves as a wonderful example of the effects of holistic development. The 15-minute talk I had introduced me to a club that I only wish I’d known about earlier, and I can’t imagine how much more they have in store.