New Delhi, India | 24 July 2026: Rotary International and the Government of India have initiated discussions to strengthen collaboration on community-led development initiatives following a meeting between Rtn. AKS Er. Muruganandam M., Vice President, Rotary International (2026–27), and Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, in New Delhi.
The meeting explored opportunities to deepen cooperation across several priority areas, including education, public healthcare, youth leadership development, water and sanitation, and broader nation-building initiatives. The discussions highlighted the potential of combining Rotary’s extensive grassroots network and global expertise in community service with national development priorities to create sustainable and long-term social impact.
A key point of discussion was Rotary India’s aspiration to host a future Rotary International Convention. The Hon’ble Vice President expressed support for the proposal, recognizing the convention as one of Rotary’s flagship global events that brings together thousands of delegates from around the world. Hosting the convention in India would further strengthen the country’s position as a global destination for humanitarian collaboration, innovation, and volunteer-led service while fostering stronger international partnerships.
Commenting on the meeting, Rtn. AKS Er. Muruganandam M., Vice President, Rotary International (2026–27), said:
“It was a privilege to meet the Hon’ble Vice President of India and discuss opportunities to further strengthen Rotary’s contribution to India’s development priorities. We are encouraged by his support for our vision of expanding collaborative initiatives that create lasting, community-driven impact. His endorsement of India’s aspiration to host a future Rotary International Convention is an important milestone that reflects the country’s growing role in global humanitarian service.”
During the meeting, the Hon’ble Vice President also acknowledged Rotary’s longstanding contribution to humanitarian service over more than 120 years, particularly its leadership in the global fight against polio through the End Polio Now initiative. He appreciated the organization’s continued efforts in immunization, public awareness, and community outreach, while encouraging Rotary to sustain its commitment towards achieving a polio-free world.
Rotary continues to play a significant role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, working alongside international partners to help reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide. The organization has contributed more than US$3 billion, in addition to millions of volunteer hours, to immunization efforts that have helped protect more than three billion children against the disease.
Beyond polio eradication, Rotary members across the world implement community-led initiatives addressing public health, education, peacebuilding, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, environmental sustainability, and local economic development. Through the Rotary Foundation, the organization has invested more than US$5.5 billion in humanitarian and community development programs over the past century.
About Rotary International
Rotary International is a global network of volunteers committed to addressing humanitarian challenges and creating sustainable community impact. The organization brings together approximately 1.2 million members across more than 45,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country and region worldwide. Rotary members work on initiatives that improve health, expand access to education, support economic development, promote peace, protect the environment, and contribute to the global effort to eradicate polio.
For more information, visit www.rotary.org.
Media Contacts
Karuna Pandita
+91 9311667499
karuna.pandita@gcihealth.com
Jyoti Rai
+91 9650591553
jyoti.rai@rotary.org
