Dr.Avnish Jolly , Chandigarh, April 11: The world president of Rotary International for 2009-10, Mr. John Kenny, of Scotland arrived in the city today to address a congregation of Rotarians.In a meeting organized at the NIPER auditorium in Mohali here today by the Rotary International District 3080 and hosted by the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown, President Elect John Kenny spoke about his vision and his next year’s Rotary theme “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”.John Kenny who had also been the past dean of his local law faculty and a judge, also earned the Medal of Merit for helping form new scout groups in Eastern Europe, and would be taking over as the world president of the world’s largest voluntary service organization, Rotary International, on 1st July 2009.
He spoke about the Rotary’s commitment to eradicate polio from the rest of the world including India, and urged the Rotarians to support the campaign and meet the needs for funds through collective efforts.
Since the launch of polio plus program in the world in 1985, Rotary has spent about US$ 616 million to immunize over 2 billion children in 122 countries of the world notwithstanding the countless man hours that the Rotarians have spent over the years, he said.
He called upon the Rotarians to to continue to focus their service efforts in the areas of water, health and hunger, and literacy.
Earlier, District Governor Satish Saluja provided an overview of the service projects being undertaken in Rotary District 3080 by 72 clubs.
The former world President of Rotary International Rajendra K. Saboo, informed that John Kenny had been a Rotarian since 1970, who also served Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland as president and vice president, besides serving Rotary International in various capacities.
Incoming District Governor Chetan Aggarwal, Past District Governor Shaju Peter, and Event Coordinator Ajit Gulati also spoke on the occasion, which was attended by nearly 400 Rotarians.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are more than 1.2 million Rotary members in 33,234 Rotary clubs in more than 209 countries and geographical areas.