Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Rotary International World Convention via a video message.
Calling the Rotarians a “true mix of success and service”, the Prime Minister said that “every Rotary gathering of this scale is like a mini-global assembly. There is diversity and vibrancy.”
Noting the two mottos of Rotary, “Service Above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best”, the Prime Minister said that these are important principles for the welfare of humankind and resonate with the teachings of our saints and sages.
“We are the land of Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi who showed in action what living for others is all about”, he added.
The Prime Minister quoted Swami Vivekananda and said, “We all exist in an interdependent, interrelated, and interconnected world.” That is why it is important that individuals, organizations, and governments work together to make our planet more prosperous and sustainable.
He praised Rotary International for working hard on several causes that have a positive impact on the earth.
He said India is leading in efforts for environmental protection. “Sustainable development is the need of the hour.
Inspired by our centuries-old ethos of staying in harmony with nature, the 1.4 billion Indians are making every possible effort to make our earth cleaner and greener” said the Prime Minister.
He also listed India’s initiatives like International Solar Alliance, ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’, and LIFE – Lifestyle for Environment.
He also informed that India’s commitments to Net Zero by 2070 were also appreciated by the world community.
Appreciating Rotary International’s work on providing clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, the Prime Minister talked about the gains of the Swachh Bharat Mission, such as near-total sanitation coverage in five years.
He also talked about movements like water conservation and Aatmnirbhar Bharat that have taken shape due to new awareness and realities. He also talked about the vibrant startup sector in India.
He said that as India is home to one-seventh of humanity, on such a scale, any achievement by India will have a positive impact on the world.
He cited the Covid-19 vaccine story and efforts to achieve the elimination of TB by 2025, 5 years before the global target of 2030, as examples.
Shri Modi invited the Rotary family to support these efforts at the grassroots and also asked them to observe Yoga Day all over the world in large numbers.
Rotary Convention
On 15 August 1910, Paul Harris convened the first Rotary convention. At the time, there were 16 clubs in the United States. They shared the Rotary name and had similar objectives, but no central office or constitution.
Since 1910, the Rotary convention has combined fellowship with Rotary business and inspired attendees with notable guest speakers and entertainers, workshops, and messages from Rotary leaders.