Rotary Club of Pune Sports City
Back
Rotary Club of Pune Sports City Marks 30 Glorious Years with Grand Peace-Themed Celebration
The Rotary Club of Pune Sports City commemorated 30 years of its Charter with a grand and memorable celebration on 25 January 2026 at Vishva Bhavan, Symbiosis International University, S.B. Road, Pune. The event was organised with Rotary International District 3131 as co-host and also served as a curtain raiser for the Rotary Peace Centre, which was inaugurated the following day at the Symbiosis International University, Lavale Campus.
The landmark occasion, aptly named as “Peace Wave”, was graced by an illustrious gathering of global and national Rotary leadership, including RI President Rtn. Francesco Arezzo, TRF Chair Rtn. Holger Knack, TRF Trustee Rtn. Bharat Pandya, District Governor Rtn. Santosh Marathe, and Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President of Symbiosis International University. The function was also attended by senior Rotary zonal and district leaders, along with nearly 550 Rotarians, Rotaractors, invited guests, and family members in the audience.
Prior to the main event, RI President Francesco Arezzo and Dr. S.B. Mujumdar jointly inaugurated a Peace Pole installed in the Symbiosis campus to mark the club’s 30-year journey and reaffirm Rotary’s commitment to world peace. Beside the Peace Pole, a specially curated Pledge Board for World Peace was placed, on which all dignitaries penned their messages and pledges for global peace, adding a deeply symbolic and participative dimension to the occasion.
The formal programme commenced with an address by Rtn. Sushrut Sardesai, President, Rotary Club of Pune Sports City, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries and reflected on the club’s three-decade-long journey of service, fellowship, and impact. The entire programme was ably and elegantly anchored by PRID Dr. Mahesh Kotbagi, whose seamless narration added depth, dignity, and continuity to the proceedings.
The evening’s programme showcased the three-decade-long journey and impactful service initiatives of the Rotary Club of Pune Sports City, reflecting its sustained contribution to community development and humanitarian service. Inspiring addresses by the RI President, TRF Chair, District Governor, and Dr. S.B. Mujumdar highlighted Rotary’s global mission, the importance of peace-building, and the role of institutions in nurturing harmony and understanding.
Cultural performances formed a vibrant part of the celebration, with three group dances depicting India’s rich traditional heritage, followed by a deeply moving candlelight song and dance performance involving the entire gathering, symbolising unity, hope, and peace. Each segment of the programme was thoughtfully designed around the central theme of “World Peace”.
The stage décor echoed this message, adorned with white flowers and 1,000 paper cranes, specially made by lady members & Anns of the Club, as universally recognised symbols of peace, creating a serene and powerful visual impact.
The celebration started on a warm and festive note, with the audience enjoying fellowship and the unique opportunity to have group photographs with the RI President, TRF Chair, and their spouses, making the evening truly memorable.
The 30th Charter Celebration not only marked a significant milestone for the Rotary Club of Pune Sports City but also reinforced its enduring commitment to Rotary’s ideals of peace, service, and global understanding.
