My Rotary Journey: From a New Member to Assistant Governor
I joined the Rotary Club of Pune Kothrud (RCPK) in 2017-18. My Rotary journey began with active involvement in Youth Week, where I vividly remember conducting a session on interview skills at MMCOE Engineering College. That first experience sparked my deep connection with Rotary’s mission of service and leadership.
In the following year, I took on greater responsibility by serving as Chairman of a committee, and soon after, I was entrusted with my first leadership role as Sergeant-at-Arms and a Board of Directors (BOD) member. During this period, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and most meetings shifted online. While this was challenging, it taught me adaptability and resilience. From January onwards, as a few physical meetings resumed, I gained valuable insights into managing teams during uncertain times.
One of the most defining moments of my Rotary journey came when I became the accidental Club President of RCPK, unexpectedly stepping into the role due to unforeseen circumstances. With limited experience, this role was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride—filled with challenges, learning, responsibility, and joy. It was demanding, yet deeply rewarding, and it taught me some of my most important life lessons the hard way.
During my presidential year, I was fortunate to participate in an 11-day Friendship Exchange Programme in Malaysia. Attending the Malaysian District Conference was a unique and enriching experience, exposing me to Rotary beyond borders. This journey was so impactful that my experience was later published by Rotary International on their official website, a moment of great pride for me.
As I continued to grow within Rotary, I began performing various District-level roles, conducted multiple training programmes, and gained the opportunity to interact closely with President-Elects and President-Nominees from different clubs. Each interaction strengthened my understanding of leadership, collaboration, and service.
This year, I am honoured to serve as an Assistant Governor, a role I truly consider a fantastic opportunity. The clubs assigned to me—Rotary Club of Pune West, University, Deccan Gymkhana, Fortune, and Pune Mid-East—are all unique, each with its own culture, traditions, and spoken and unspoken rules. The training I received through PRE-PETS and PETS has played a crucial role in helping me discharge my responsibilities effectively.
The GML team, led by Rtn. Rishikesh Kulkarni, is doing an outstanding job this year, especially by taking the Club Bulletin Avenue to new heights. Along with my four assigned clubs and my parent club, we successfully executed a Polio Project, benefiting over 16,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, we conducted an employability project at BMCC College, which received wholehearted support and encouragement from District Governor Rtn. Santosh Marathe and the First Lady Tanuja Marathe
Through these two impactful projects, I experienced a true aha moment, reinforcing why Rotary matters so deeply to me.
I would like to share one important reflection from my journey: rapid, unplanned membership growth at the beginning of a President’s year can sometimes create challenges in member retention and engagement. A phased approach to membership growth, along with proper assimilation and involvement of new members, is essential for sustainable club development.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Rtn. Hemant Puranik, Rtn. Yedi Batliwalla, and Rtn. Unmesh Risbud for their constant guidance, encouragement, and timely support throughout my Rotary journey.
Dr Vishwanath Lele
Assistant Governor
