Dear Rotarians,

I am pleased to share some wonderful news with all of you. Our recent district conference has received high praise from none other than RIPR Michael McGovern himself. In his feedback, he expressed that our conference stands out as the best he has ever attended among the impressive count of 50 district conferences. This accolade is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion that each one of you poured into making our conference a resounding success. It is indeed a big compliment and I couldn't be prouder to be part of this amazing district.

What a fabulous project Rotary Innovision - Part 1! What can I say? It was really one of the best projects I have ever seen in engaging youth in meaningful ways. A two-day Leadership program was conducted for 400 shortlisted invited youths from 30+ Maharashtra Districts on 10-11 Feb 2024 at Indira Group of Institutes, Pune. Sessions were conducted by Renowned Industrialist Speakers. This will be followed up with a six-month Mentorship program which has been designed by Rotary and will be conducted by Industrial Leaders and Business Tycoons. Kudos to the tremendous efforts by teams & respective club leaders at RCP North, RCP Deccan Gymkhana, RC Nigdi, RC Udyognagari, RCP Shivajinagar, Indira Group of Institutes & Youth Committee. My sincere gratitude to Dr. Tarita Shankar for the huge support in executing this fantabulous project. Look forward to an even bigger Innovision- Part 2 where it would be another two-day residential event for more than 300 students on the campus of GMRT, Narayangoan alongside the science exhibition where more than 25000 school children will be visiting.

I am equally elated to share the record-breaking participation of 3788 individuals in an event, which was an unprecedented success. Men, women from diverse backgrounds & students, faculty of Ajeenkya D Y Patil School of Engineering and Rotary Members came together to take the peace pledge, both physically and online, on the 26th of January in collaboration with Rotary District 3131 Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Avenue.

Another event that deserves rich accolades is Vasundhara-Rotary Ramnadi Parikrama as an effort to save Ramnadi by increasing its awareness and sensitivity of people living around it (Bhugaon, Bavdhan, Pashan, etc.) about its protection. Let’s come together for the larger good of the city.

I am excited to share an important update regarding our commitment to eradicating polio from the world. Starting from the Rotary Year 23-24, existing Polio Donors to begin contributing a minimum of $100 annually towards the Polio Plus Society. This decision, spearheaded by District Governor (DG), District Governor Elect (DGE) and District Governor Nominee (DGN), reflects our unwavering dedication to the cause. Each member's contribution plays a crucial role in sustaining our efforts and bringing us closer to a polio-free world.

I am privileged to announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Rotary clubs of RI Dist 3131 – the establishment of a Rotary Counseling Centre specifically tailored to support the LGBT community. This innovative project aims to provide a safe and inclusive space where individuals from the LGBT community can access counseling, support and resources to address their unique challenges and concerns.

Friends, setting up Rotary Millet Katta is yet another milestone. It is just connecting all the Dots of The Millet Mission. Delicious millet breakfast was served with Amazing Speakers talking on the importance of millets. Really Appreciate efforts of President Rtn Ravindra Prabhune of RCP South, President Rtn Manoj Agarwal RCP Lokmanyanagar and President Rtn Dnyaneshwar Vidhate RC Dynamic Bhosari. The movement is taking shape and looking forward to making Rotary Happy Self Sustained Millet Villages.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to the corporate partners whose generosity and commitment to social responsibility are driving real progress in our communities. We have identified bore well recharge as one of the District's thrust areas, and this infusion of CSR funds accelerates our efforts to safeguard water resources for future generations. I also commend the efforts of Dist. WASH team for implementing bore well recharge projects.

Through strategic initiatives, innovative outreach and a strong focus on member satisfaction, our Membership Team has successfully ensured steady growth in membership within our district. Let us continue to build upon this momentum, welcoming new members into our Rotary family and empowering them to make a meaningful difference in the world.

The Akanksha Education Project undertaken by Dist Literacy team embodies our commitment to empowering youth through education, particularly those from underserved communities. By leveraging technology, we are providing students with an innovative tool, a mobile app geared towards 10th standard curriculum to enhance their learning experience and academic performance.

Friends, as we commemorate the 119th anniversary of Rotary International, it's essential to reflect on the core principles that inspired its formation. Rotary was founded on the belief in fostering ethical business practices, promoting high standards of professionalism and recognizing the vital role of vocation in service to others. The Zonal Vocational Excellence Award serves as a shining embodiment of Rotary's foundational principles, particularly the promotion of business and the profound respect accorded to it within our organization.

I convey my sincere appreciation to all the clubs that participated in this event, as well as to the members of our District Vocational Team for their diligent efforts in organizing such a meaningful and impactful program.

As we journey through this Rotary year, let us continue to embody the spirit of service above self and work together towards a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference that resonates far beyond our district boundaries.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Rotary's ideals. I am honored to serve alongside each and every one of you.

Best wishes,
Rtn. Manjoo Phadke
Dist. Governor 2023-24