Bengaluru, August 2, 2026: Rotary Hesargatta Road marked the beginning of its new Rotary year with a grand installation ceremony held at Desimasala, Hesaraghatta Main Road, bringing together senior Rotary leaders, dignitaries, members, guests, and families for an evening of leadership, service, fellowship, and celebration.
The programme was presided over by newly installed President Rtn. Rahul Kumar, along with Secretary Rtn. Nandalal P. and Treasurer Rtn. Sandeep. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of Charter President Rtn. Abhay, Immediate Past President Rtn. Shashidhar M., Past Presidents, members of the incoming Board, and Rotarians from across the region.
The evening commenced with the arrival of members and dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial collaring of Immediate Past President Rtn. Shashidhar M.. The gathering then stood for the Nadageethe and an invocation song presented by Rtn. Jyothi Shankar, setting a solemn and auspicious tone for the proceedings.
The traditional lighting of the lamp formally inaugurated the event. One of the highlights of the evening was the felicitation of the Chief Guest, Dr. M. A. Saleem, DG & IGP, Karnataka. Introduced by Charter President Rtn. Abhay, Dr. Saleem was honoured with the Vocational Excellence Award and inducted as an Honorary Member of Rotary Hesargatta Road. District Governor Nominee Rtn. Renukeshwara Swamy conducted the Rotary pinning ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saleem spoke about his childhood association with Chikkabanavara and expressed his happiness at witnessing Rotary’s growing presence and service in the locality. He also spoke about Rotary’s wider contribution to communities around the world, sharing personal experiences that highlighted the power of service and collective effort.
The outgoing President, Rtn. Shashidhar M., then addressed the gathering and presented an overview of the club’s achievements during the 2025–2026 Rotary year. He welcomed the dignitaries, visiting Rotarians, members, and guests while reflecting on the initiatives and accomplishments achieved during his tenure.
The formal transition of leadership followed with the presentation of the year-end financial report by the outgoing team to the incoming 2026–2027 leadership team.
A significant moment of the evening came with the installation of Rtn. Rahul Kumar as President of Rotary Hesargatta Road for 2026–2027. Charter President Rtn. Abhay introduced the incoming President, after which DGN Rtn. Renukeshwara Swamy officially installed and collared him as the new President.
In his acceptance speech, President Rtn. Rahul Kumar thanked the members for placing their trust in him and sought the active cooperation of the Board and the entire Rotary family. He expressed his commitment to taking forward meaningful service projects and strengthening the club’s contribution to the community.
The installation of the 2026–2027 Board was followed by the induction of several members into Rotary Hesargatta Road. Rejoining members, transferred Rotarians, and new members were formally welcomed into the club. Rtn. Dr. M. A. Saleem and Rtn. Dr. Srinivas Chirukuri were also inducted as Honorary Members.
The club further marked the occasion with the release of important publications. Assistant Governor Rtn. Nagaraju unveiled the official Club Bulletin, while Zonal Governor Rtn. Dr. Nagesh released the Club Roster for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
The Avenue Directors then presented their plans and initiatives for the year ahead. Under Community Service, Rtn. Nagarajaiah launched eco-friendly cloth bags as part of an effort to reduce plastic usage. He also announced plans to donate bedsheets and towels to a local old-age home.
Under Vocational Service, Rtn. Satish G. presented the Vocational Excellence Award to Dr. Srinivas Chirukuri, CEO & MD of Prakriya Hospital. Dr. Chirukuri was also inducted as an Honorary Member of the club. The Rotary Four-Way Test was released and distributed among the members.
Dr. Srinivas Chirukuri, in his address, expressed his willingness to support the club’s community health initiatives. He also offered the boardroom at Prakriya Hospital as a venue for future Rotary Hesargatta Road meetings and events.
As part of its Public Image initiatives, the club also launched traffic-awareness banners, with the DGN and dignitaries participating in the launch. Directors representing Environment, Youth Service, and International Service presented their respective plans and project roadmaps for the new Rotary year.
Another key segment of the programme was the address by DGN Rtn. Renukeshwara Swamy, who praised Rotary Hesargatta Road for its impressive growth and dynamic functioning. He observed that the club demonstrates the maturity and energy of a much older Rotary club. Through an inspiring story, he highlighted how small contributions from individuals, when brought together, can create a significant impact on society.
PP Rtn. Venkatesha Bhatta introduced the DGN, while District Secretary Rtn. Dr. Nagesh later read out the message from District Governor Dakuju. The message encouraged members to actively participate in the upcoming Sagara Sangama and Maitri events.
The formal proceedings concluded with announcements of upcoming birthdays and anniversaries by Secretary Rtn. Nandalal P., followed by a vote of thanks expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, guests, Rotarians, family members, and venue staff.
President Rtn. Rahul Kumar then adjourned the meeting, following which all attendees stood together for the National Anthem.
The evening continued with fellowship, dinner, and entertainment. Members and guests enjoyed a lively session of karaoke performances by North Karaoke Singers, bringing the event to a memorable close.
The installation ceremony not only marked the beginning of Rtn. Rahul Kumar’s leadership for 2026–2027, but also reflected Rotary Hesargatta Road’s renewed commitment to community service, professional excellence, environmental responsibility, youth development, public awareness, and fellowship.
With a new leadership team, new members, ambitious service plans, and strong support from its Rotary family, Rotary Hesargatta Road is set to embark on another impactful year of Service Above Self.
