Every July 1st, a new president takes over the leadership of Rotary International. Appropriately, this process allows for a "rotation" of members from different countries to serve in this important role. A cherished Rotary International tradition is that each new president announces a carefully chosen theme to help inspire members throughout his (so far, it's only been men) term. Oftentimes the choice of theme reflects not only the personal ideals of the incoming president, but also that of his culture. And so the newest RI President, Kalyan Banerjee of India, has a beautiful theme for this Rotary year -- Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.
In his first presidential message which appeared in the Rotary World Magazine Press---the 32 international magazines of RI--- Mr. Banerjee reminds his fellow Rotarians that, "All of us in Rotary are looking to change the world - why else would we be Rotarians? We believe that our world can be happier, healthier, and more peaceful, and that we can create that better world through our service.
In 2011-12, I will ask Rotarians to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. I will ask you to search first within yourselves, to understand that all of us, everywhere, have the same dreams, the same hopes, the same aspirations, and similar dilemmas. When we understand, and truly feel, that others' needs are the same as our own, we begin to understand how important our work is...."
Mr. Banerjee goes on to quote the well known words of Mohandas K. Gandhi. " 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.' In Rotary, we endeavour to live ethically and honestly, to share friendship and fellowship, to see equal worth in every human being. We are not interested in the lowest common denominator, for Rotary is anything but common. Instead, we work to elevate ourselves, elevate others, and thereby embrace the world.
Together, we will Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. And in peace, harmony, and friendship, we will bring change--and a more joyful world."
Thank you, Mr. Banerjee, for the reminder of these most important sentiments, and goals. May your words and their true meaning be heeded within Rotary International, and throughout the world.
Candy Isaac
Songs for Peace
In his first presidential message which appeared in the Rotary World Magazine Press---the 32 international magazines of RI--- Mr. Banerjee reminds his fellow Rotarians that, "All of us in Rotary are looking to change the world - why else would we be Rotarians? We believe that our world can be happier, healthier, and more peaceful, and that we can create that better world through our service.
In 2011-12, I will ask Rotarians to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. I will ask you to search first within yourselves, to understand that all of us, everywhere, have the same dreams, the same hopes, the same aspirations, and similar dilemmas. When we understand, and truly feel, that others' needs are the same as our own, we begin to understand how important our work is...."
Mr. Banerjee goes on to quote the well known words of Mohandas K. Gandhi. " 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.' In Rotary, we endeavour to live ethically and honestly, to share friendship and fellowship, to see equal worth in every human being. We are not interested in the lowest common denominator, for Rotary is anything but common. Instead, we work to elevate ourselves, elevate others, and thereby embrace the world.
Together, we will Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. And in peace, harmony, and friendship, we will bring change--and a more joyful world."
Thank you, Mr. Banerjee, for the reminder of these most important sentiments, and goals. May your words and their true meaning be heeded within Rotary International, and throughout the world.
Candy Isaac
Songs for Peace