Shobha De Honored with Citation of Merit by Rotary Club of Poona Back
31 March 2026 Pune, India – Renowned author, columnist, and social commentator Shobha De was recently honored with the prestigious Citation of Merit by the Rotary Club of Poona in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, journalism, and public discourse. Citation was presented by District Governor Santosh Marathe . On this occasion Synergy club presidents of various Rotary Clubs were also present on Dias.

Shobha De is one of India’s most celebrated contemporary writers, known for her bold and insightful portrayal of urban life and society. Her work has significantly influenced modern Indian English writing and continues to inspire readers across generations. Apart from her literary accomplishments, Shobha De has been an active voice in advocating for women’s empowerment, freedom of expression, and progressive societal change.

The Rotary Club of Poona, one of the oldest and most respected Rotary clubs in India, has a long-standing legacy of impactful community service. The club has been actively involved in initiatives across key areas such as education, healthcare, sanitation, rural development, and youth empowerment. The Citation of Merit is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field while contributing meaningfully to society. In her acceptance, Shobha De expressed gratitude for the recognition and applauded the club’s dedication to service above self.
 
Photo caption L R   Irfan Awate (Pimpri Elite) , Anirban Dasgupta(Poona Airport) , Priya Karia (Baner) Rohit Mittra (Poona), Shobha De,PP Kailash Monga, PDG Dr Deepak Shikaprur First Lady Tanuja Marathe, Hema Pande (Pune Cantonment) Lekha Nair (Pune Central),Shani Naushad (Pune Koregaon Park) , Aditi Bhende (Poona Downtown), PDG Vivek Aranha