Dear Rotarians,

This is the first time I am writing as the Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG).

As an immediate Past District Governor, I have a privilege to know the district from a very close angle and I am so proud of the work done by my core team, district Secretariate, Assistant Governors, District Avenue Directors, their teams and most importantly my batch of 2023-24 Presidents and their club teams to take RID 3131 to greater heights. I have had the honour of witnessing the dedication, passion, and hard work of our Rotarians. Their invaluable time, exceptional talents and generous donations have significantly enriched our community. I extend a profound thank you to each one of you for your unwavering support and dedication.

What a fabulous year it has been! What with the history being created in almost every aspect of Rotary, be it value of service projects undertaken in 23-24 (180 crores), New Rotaract Clubs being formed, Membership growth being given to the district by Rotary & Rotaract clubs, RYLASs, Innovative projects, District Thrust areas being served. Talking of district Thrust areas, we have raised funds in excess of 10 crores for 750 Paediatric Cardiac Surgeries, more than 300 borewells being recharged, 300 plus Anganwadis being touched and renovated, 18000 cataract surgeries, 13000 cervical cancer vaccinations, 2000 plus check dams, 121 new interact clubs out of which more than 35 in affluent schools, 5000 societies being reached out for creating awareness about green initiative etc. It’s almost like you name the avenue and you will see exemplary work being done in each of them. 

Our work in The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Total giving (Annual Fund (APF), CSR, Global Grants, Polio together) has taken us to beyond 3 million USD for the first time in the history of RID 3131 to be amongst the top districts in the World! As for the Annual Fund collection is concerned, we are nearer to our 1 million mark than we have ever been in the history. Not only that, we stand at No 1 in South Asia for our AF collection.

Along with the above, many new innovative initiatives were undertaken in the district. Rotary Kind Hearts, RID 3131’s very own, a very versatile, crowd funding platform that can be used by all the clubs to raise funds for their clubs. Gamification of Rotary knowledge using games like Snake & ladder, Monopoly, Tambola, Quiz formats etc that are now copyrighted with RID 3131.

Phew! The list is long but now its time for handing over. Time for transition, transition of leadership from the outgoing District Governor to the incoming District Governor. This smooth transition ensures continuity and stability, allowing for sustained progress and uninterrupted service to our communities.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to DG Rtn. Shital Shah. DG Rtn. Shital Shah is committed to making all-out efforts to set new records in membership growth, service projects and enhance the support for our The Rotary Foundation.

I am confident that under his leadership, our district will reach newer heights,

becoming the premier district in Zone 7, Asia and making significant strides in the global Rotary community.

Best wishes

Rtn. Manjoo Phadke

District Governor 2023-24