The Rotary Club of Bolpur Santiniketan, proudly bearing Club ID 16192 under Rotary International District 3240 and Zone II, was chartered on the 14th of September, 1970. With over five decades of dedicated service, the club has been a beacon of hope, leadership, and community development in Bolpur and beyond. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Santiniketan, the club embodies the spirit of service above self, inspired by the ethos of Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of universal humanism.
Starting its journey with a handful of passionate Rotarians, the club has grown steadily over the years, currently boasting a vibrant membership of 41 dedicated individuals, including 35 male and 6 female members. The diversity within the club has fostered an environment of inclusivity, leadership, and active participation in numerous service initiatives. The commitment of our members is evident from the 18 Paul Harris Fellows (PHFs), 6 Multiple Paul Harris Fellows (MPHFs), and 2 Major Donors who have contributed significantly to The Rotary Foundation, reflecting the club’s strong philanthropic culture. Additionally, the club is proud to have 1 Paul Harris Society (PHS) member, showcasing our continued dedication to Rotary’s global mission.
Leadership development has been a key focus of the Rotary Club of Bolpur Santiniketan. With 2 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) graduates, the club emphasizes training and nurturing future leaders. The club has also made a mark in Rotary leadership, having produced one Past District Governor (PDG) and currently having a District Governor Nominee (DGN) among its ranks, highlighting its significant role within the district’s growth and development.
Over the years, the club has undertaken numerous impactful projects, addressing the needs of the local community through sustainable initiatives. Some of our signature projects include the construction of Low-Cost Shelters for the underprivileged, installation of 11 Water Kiosks across Bolpur to ensure access to clean drinking water, and the provision of Water Purifiers and Vending Machines to promote safe water consumption. These projects have not only improved living conditions but also fostered a healthier and more resilient community.
A major milestone in the club’s journey was the implementation of its first Global Grant Project, which facilitated a Mobile Dispensary Van dedicated to improving vision care for people in and around Durgapur and Sarenga. This initiative has brought essential eye care services to underserved populations, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Additionally, the club’s universal hearing screening program for newborns is detecting infants who require further medical attention at specialized hearing centers. This early detection program is crucial in preventing long-term hearing impairments and ensuring timely intervention.
In response to the community’s dire need, the club donated an Ambulance and Hearse when no such services were available in Bolpur. This initiative has provided essential emergency and post-mortem transportation services, offering much-needed relief to local residents.
Our commitment to public health is further reflected in our free Oral Polio Vaccine initiative, which was launched in 1974—years before Rotary International introduced its first polio project in the Philippines. This activity was later merged with the global PolioPlus program, reinforcing the club’s dedication to eradicating polio worldwide.
In the field of eye care, the club conducts eye checkups and cataract surgeries for nearly 400 patients annually. Over the years, 54 such eye camps have been organized, restoring vision to thousands of individuals in need.
The club has also actively participated in District Grant Projects, implementing multiple initiatives focused on education, health, sanitation, and community development. Our commitment to global causes is reflected through Global Grant Projects like Healthy Kids and the Healthy Kids Follow-Up Project, both aimed at enhancing child health and nutrition. These projects underscore our dedication to Rotary’s areas of focus, particularly in disease prevention and health promotion.
Demonstrating strong ties with the corporate sector, the club has also undertaken impactful CSR Projects, notably the installation of a Dead Body Freezer to support dignified post-mortem care for the community. This project highlights the club’s responsiveness to unique local needs with compassion and practicality.
The Rotary Club of Bolpur Santiniketan continues to thrive, driven by a legacy of service, leadership, and community engagement. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kolkata, our club has built a strong foundation for sustainable impact. As we look towards the future, we remain committed to making a lasting difference, guided by Rotary’s core values of fellowship, integrity, diversity, service, and leadership.