Rtn. Rahul Shah | Rotary Club of Pune East

In March 2019, while planning a 900 KM religious cycling expedition from Pune to Palitana, Gujarat, I met Rtn Uttam Dhoka. That relationship introduced me to Rotary. I officially joined Rotary Club of Pune East on 18 November 2021.

What attracted me most was Rotary’s unique culture of inviting individuals based on values and credibility. Very soon, Rotary became an important part of my life.

In RY 21-22, I received the “Rising Star” award. In RY 22-23, my family received the “Best Family” award, followed by the “Best Couple” award in RY 23-24.

In RY 23-24, I became part of the Board of Directors for the first time as Membership Director. This role gave me valuable insights into membership engagement and Rotary systems. During the same year, I introduced “RCPE Has Got Talent,” a platform where club members and Interactors showcase their cultural talents. The initiative was highly appreciated and continues as an annual club program.

In RY 24-25, I served as Public Image Director for Rotary Club of Pune East, focusing on strengthening the club’s social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

In RY 25-26, I served as Club Secretary and introduced five weekly engagement initiatives:

* Cyber Security & Financial Sutras

* Environment Ideas

* Pustak Handi

* Movie Manoranjan

* Pune Facts

These concepts created continuous member engagement and knowledge sharing throughout the year. Next Rotary year, I will serve as Membership Director

My district journey started in RY 23-24 when DGE Shital Shah introduced me to District Public Image Director Rtn Kranti Shah. That became a turning point in my Rotary journey.

As a member of the RID 3131 Public Image Team in RY 23-24, I conceptualized the first-ever Multi-District Public Image Seminar with participation from five Rotary districts and prominent external personalities. During the same year, RID 3131 crossed one million social media impressions. I was also part of the district sports team. The district Public Image team also introduced “Rotary Navdurga,” a concept by Rtn Rushikesh Kulkarni that continues today.

In RY 24-25, I served as District Public Image Secretary under Director Rtn Prasad Ganpule. During this year, I introduced “365 Days = 365 Public Image Ideas,” where one Public Image idea was shared daily throughout the year. The initiative was later featured in Rotary News India.

In RY 25-26, I served as District Public Image Co-Director under Director Rtn Nitin Mulay. I continued the “365 Public Image Ideas” initiative and focused on Rotary branding awareness as per Rotary Brand Center guidelines. During the year, I have designed the monthly district flyers published on the RID 3131 website. I also served as Zonal Chair for Zone 5 – Vocational Avenue.

RY 25-26 was especially important as our club’s own Rtn Shital Shah served as District Governor. I worked extensively on Public Image activities for the District Conference and coordinated participation of ISRO personalities. For the first time in RID 3131 history, an ISRO speaker addressed the conference. Along with Rtn Dr Rucha Vaze-Mokashi, I also served as Chairperson of the Stalls Committee.

Professionally, I have worked with IBM and Kyndryl for nearly 20 years, serving clients including Vodafone, Airtel, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Shoppers Stop, Manappuram and IIFL. I currently work in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Ethical AI, helping individuals and organizations use AI and robotics in practical daily applications.

This professional journey inspired one of the most meaningful initiatives of my Rotary journey — Rotary AI Seva.

In RY 26-27, while serving as Chairperson – Membership Orientation in the RID 3131 Membership Team, I have conceptualized Rotary AI Seva, a new district vertical focused on AI awareness. The initiative aims to spread practical AI awareness among more than 10,000 people including Rotarians, students, women entrepreneurs and senior citizens.

In March 2026, I conducted two AI awareness sessions for Rotarians in collaboration with the District IT Team. My article on practical AI usage in Rotary life was published in the January 2026 issue of Rotary News India. My podcast, “Modern AI Unveiled: The Truth Normal People Don’t Know,” was also released by Neoskills Learning Solutions, Pune.

I also serve as a Core Committee Member of the APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation.

What started as a cycling journey to Palitana eventually became a journey of service, leadership, Public Image and innovation through Rotary.

For me, Rotary is where passion, profession and purpose come together to create meaningful impact.

Rtn.Rahul Shah

Dist Co-Director Public Image

RY 2025-26