Advocate TN (Raju) Subramanian, Director of Rotary International, highlighted the organization’s ambitious projects in India, focusing on agriculture, TB eradication, and environmental protection. Subramanian, one of 17 global directors of Rotary International and one of only two from India, visited Belagavi on Sunday to attend Rotary’s flagship event, ‘Annotsav.’
Speaking about Rotary’s initiatives, he shared that the Rotary Foundation is providing $2 million in funding to benefit the agriculture sector. “We aim to introduce advanced technology, similar to Israel’s, in Indian agriculture. Farmers will receive training and infrastructure support, with efforts already underway in Maharashtra. This program is expected to show results in the next one and a half years,” he said.
Subramanian also highlighted Rotary’s extensive TB eradication program, noting the disease’s significant impact on India. Additionally, he emphasized Rotary’s focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Rotary has expanded its efforts to six core sectors, recently adding environmental conservation. Subramanian mentioned a Bengaluru-based businessman’s Rs 100 crore donation to plant 5 million trees, adding that corporate collaborations through CSR funds bolstered these efforts. He also credited the Bill Gates Foundation as a key partner.
India, with 12 lakh Rotary members, has the highest membership globally and will receive $3 million in assistance this year, followed by $1 million from Taiwan. Subramanian said most projects are concentrated in rural areas.
The event was attended by Avinash Potdar, past regional coordinator of the Rotary Foundation, Sharad Pai, district governor of Rotary (3170), covering North Karnataka, parts of South Maharashtra, and Goa, and Manoj Huilgol, former president of Rotary Club of Belgaum.
