Rotary International President for 2026–27, Inka Babalola, stated in Madurai that $500 million has been allocated for various development projects across multiple countries.
At a press meet held at GRD Hotel near Velammal Hospital in Madurai, Rotary International President Inka Babalola and Rotary International Director and incoming Vice President M. Muruganantham interacted with the media.
He noted that India has the highest number of Rotary members compared to other countries, with people from all age groups, including youth, actively participating. As a result, Rotary is witnessing stronger growth in India compared to countries like the United States.
He emphasized that Rotary played a crucial role in making India polio-free. However, polio cases are still being reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Rotary continues to focus on monitoring and preventing its spread to other countries.
Regarding the tense situation in West Asia due to ongoing conflicts, he highlighted that Rotary plays an important role in promoting peace. Rotary has established “Peace Centers” and set up eight global centers dedicated to peacebuilding, including one at Symbiosis University in Pune, India. These centers are actively working towards fostering global peace.
Rotary International has allocated $500 million for development initiatives worldwide and is implementing projects based on the needs of different countries. In India, special emphasis is being given to education and healthcare sectors.
Rotary’s global polio eradication initiative has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since 1979.
As Rotary approaches its 125th anniversary in 2030, efforts are underway to increase global membership to 1.25 million and to expand Rotaract membership (for individuals aged 18 to 30) to 125,000.
The regional conference is expected to strengthen Rotary’s services by enrolling new members and establishing new Rotary clubs.
The event arrangements were coordinated by Regional Membership Coordinator Kumanan, Deputy Coordinator Ananda Jothi, and the organizing committee. Under Rotary District 3000, Governor Karthik presided over a cervical cancer vaccination drive for adolescent girls, conducted under the leadership of Rotary International President Inka Babalola.
Future district governors including RPS Maniyan (Pudukkottai), Leo Felix, Meena Subbiah, and several Rotary governors from different districts participated in the event.
A large number of school and college students aged 12 to 16, Rotarians, Rotary leaders, and past, present, and future district leaders attended the event.
The overall arrangements were made by Rotary International Director and incoming 2026–27 President M. Muruganantham.