History of Rotary Club of Haripad
Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated human rights purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a secular organization open to all people regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. It is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in our-selves.
Though Rotary International was formed on February 23rd 1905 and the first Rotary club in India, Rotary club of Calcutta was formed in 1920, the momentum of Rotary in India was very slow especially in south India. By the end of 1946-47 there were only 71 clubs with a total membership of 3,121 in India. But after the inauguration of the South Asia Branch Office in Delhi in 1984 more and more clubs started in India.
Inspired of the Rotary International movement, some illustrious personalities in and around Haripad approached Rotary Club of Alleppey and expressed their desire to form a Rotary club at Haripad. Accordingly, Rtn. PHF M. Ramaswamy Iyer the then District Governor, Rotary District 321 appointed Rtn. P.P Sunny John of Rotary Club of Alleppey as the GSR to form a Rotary Club at Haripad. Rtn. Sunny John came to Haripad and contacted some philanthropists and initiated the formation of Rotary Club of Haripad.
Rtn. Royce Abbey, Rotary club of Essen-don of Victoria, Australia was the RI President at that time and the Rotary Theme for the year was “Put Life into Rotary – Your Life”.
In June 1989 Haripad club obtained the Charter No: 26529 from Rotary International. The Charter presentation ceremony of Rotary Club of Haripad was held on 18th June 1989. PDG Rtn. M. Ramasamy present-ed the Charter Certificate to the first president Rtn. MS Joseph in the presence of the galaxy of dignitaries and Rotary Club of Alleppey as the mother Club.
Club Territory
East – Kariphuzha Bridge
West – Arabian Sea
North – Thottappally Bridge
South – Cheppad Church
The club territory includes the famous Sri Muruga Temple, which is the second largest in south India, the Manna-rasala Naga Raja temple (the temple of snake deities) being the most popular in Kerala, 600 year old St. George Orthodox Church, Cheppad, Thrikkunnapuzha Beach, a place which is very famous for after death rituals on the day of “Karkidaka Vavu”.
The club territory constitutes a part of the Revenue taluk of Karthikappaly, of which the head quarters is Haripad.
Charter members
Rtn. M S Joseph was the charter president and Adv. M J Varghese was the first secretary of Rotary club of Haripad. The other charter members are Rtn. Dr. Johny Gabriel, Rtn. Prof. CM Lohithan, Rtn. Dr. S Prasannan, Rtn. Baburaj, Rtn. Vijayakumar, Rtn. Rtn. Dr. M Nazar, Rtn. Rajeevkumarr, Rtn. CDR Pillai, Rtn. Dr. Ravikumar, Rtn. Dr. Madhavan Pillai, Rtn. Dr. Venugopal, Rtn. Krihnamoorthy, Rtn. Babu, Rtn. Reghu R Unnithan, Rtn. Mathai Abraham, Rtn. K.M. John and Rtn. NI John.
Club Flag
The famous Haripad Subrhamania temple is a pinnacle of glory in our area. Snake boat represents the communal harmony and cultural heritage. The club flag comprises the combination of both. In the Rotary year 2020-2021 the emblem was modified with the same theme.
During the initial years of its infancy, the Club was fortunate to have got the wisdom and guidance of the great Rotary.
leaders of the Rotary Club of Alleppey. This support and guid-ance of the mother Club put the Club into the right track and inspired the members of the Club to strive fast for attaining the goals of Rotary.
The major area of operation of the Club has been nor-mally confined to Haripad Assembly Constituency. As Haripad is known for temples and boat races, the Club adopted a logo depicting the Temple and Snake Boat, symbolising the communal harmony and cultural heritage of Haripad.
Evolution of Rotary Dist 3211
There was no Rotary District in India till 1931. In 1931-32 RI District 89 was formed with geographical regions of Afghani-stan, undivided India, Burma and Ceylon. In 1938 the district was bifurcated in to District 88 and 89. District 88 covered geographical regions of Afghanistan, Burma and North India. District 89 retained South India and Ceylon. Thereafter there were periodical bifurcations such as 91, 54 and 55 till District 320 was formed in the year 1958.
District 320 covered the southern part of India and Ceylon. During 1970-1971 the district was further bifurcated in to Districts 320 and 321. District 321 covered the clubs covered the revenue districts of Trichy and southwards in Tamilnadu and the clubs in the revenue district of Kottayam and south of Kottayam in Kerala and all the clubs in Ceylon.
During 1983-1984, District 321 was bifurcated in to viz 321 and 322. Rotary District 321 comprises Revenue districts of Ramnad, Pasumpon, Kamaraj, Chidambaranar, Tirunelveli, Kattabomman and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and Trivandrum, Kollam, Alleppey and Kottayam Revenue Districts in Kerala.
In the year 1991-1992 the district was numbered as 3210. In 2008-2009, the district was bifurcated in to 3211 and 3212 with 3211 retaining the revenue districts Trivandrum, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alleppey and Kottayam.
The roads so far travelled by Rotary Club of Haripad with service and fellowship, from the year of its inception, till date, under the aegis of eminent Rotary Leaders of the Club is chronologically briefed below.
In the year 1991-1992 the district was numbered as 3210. In 2008-2009, the district was bifurcated in to 3211 and 3212 with 3211 retaining the revenue districts Trivandrum, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alleppey and Kottayam.
The roads so far travelled by Rotary Club of Haripad with service and fellowship, from the year of its inception, till date, under the aegis of eminent Rotary Leaders of the Club is chronologically briefed below.
Charter year 1989 – 90
President: M. S. Joseph,
Secretary: Adv. M. J. Varghese.
RI President: Rtn. Hugh M Archer, RC Dearborn. Michigan, USA.
Rotary International Theme: Enjoy Rotary
Theme Logo:
District Governor: Dr. R. Subramanian . Tirunalveli
In the initial years, the club conducted its weekly meetings at Murali Retreat Home, Madhava junction, Haripad. The Charter year had a number of orientation programs for the members, organised by Rotary club of Alleppey, the mother club. The major project of the year was an overhead water constructed at the premises of the Govt. LP School, Kumarapuram. Club conducted few medical camps and given financial assistance for the medical treatment of patients. The Club was also very active in Polio Plus activities of Rotary International, the first and largest internationally co-ordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative, with an initial fundraising target of US$120 million started in the year 1979 to eradicate Polio from the world. The Club got a special recognition for the Polio Plus activities of the Club from the District at the end of the year. The first year of the Club has given the first experience of Rotary to most of the members, as most of them were new to Rotary.
Rotary year 1990 – 91
President: Rtn. Mathew Abraham
Secretary: Rtn. Rajeev Kumar
RI President: Rtn. Paulo VC Costa, RC Santos, Brazil
RI Theme: Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthusiasm
Theme Logo:
District Governor: AI Abraham, Kottayam
The installation ceremony was on 12th July 1990. The DG of the District was Rtn. A.I. Abraham.
The greatest challenge before the President was that, there were only 11 members in the beginning of the year. To bring up the membership strength to the initial status, 7 new mem-bers were inducted during the year. As part of the community service activities, the Club conducted house to house survey for Polio immunization. It also conducted Polio Plus work-shops and a number of medical camps during the year. The Club, in connection with Literacy, supplied 1000 slates and pencils to the Panchayats around.
Club level polio workshop was conducted on 1st December. When there was a threat of gastro enteritis spreading at Kothery Colony at Pallippad Panchayat, a health education class was organised at that place for the residents of the colony. Steps were taken to provide them safe drinking water and educated them the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.
A mega Ayurvedic camp was conducted at the Dr. B.R Ambedkar Colony at Kanjaram Thuruthu of Cheruthana Panchayat, which was a very backward Harijan colony at a remote place without any transportation facility. About 200 Harijans were benefited by this camp. The District Governor Rtn. PHF. A.I Abraham and Leela Abraham visited the Club officially on 18th April 1991 and appreciated the activities of the Club.
The Club got appreciations from the then DG Rtn. A.I. Abraham for its performance
Rotary year 1991 – 92
President: Rtn. Major Donor Dr. Johny Garbrial
Secretary: Rtn. Reghu R Unnithan
RI President: Rtn. Rajendra K.Saboo, RC Chandigarh, India
RI Theme: Look Beyond Yourself
Theme Logo:
District Governor: AVRM V Sankaranarayan, Ambasumadram
Rotarian Dr. Johnny Gabriel and his team of office bearers were installed on 25th July 1991. Rtn. PHF. DGE P. Sukumaran was the chief guest. Many eminent personalities like Shri K K Srinivasan MLA, the famous film star Shankarady, Rev Fr.Varky Attipsrathu, Rev Fr. father Raju Varghese, Brahmasree Pullamvazhi Thirumeni of Bharateeya Adhyatmika Sangam and renowned psychiatrist Dr.S.Raman, visited the club in this Rotary year.
Club service was given the top priority during the year. A good number of members participated in the District Conference conducted at Ambasamudram and in the athletic meet of Rotarians in connection with the district conference, Rtn.Alex Mathew and Rtn. K.K Namboothi of our Club, got the second and third prizes respectively in the 800 metres run. All these strengthened the fellowship among the members of the club during the year.
The District Project for the year was “Functional Literacy and Family Welfare”. It was implemented meticulous-ly by the Club during the year. The club supported various family planning camps organised by the government in this area. The club also extended immunization support to PHCs at Chingoli and Pallippad. Financial AIDS to poor and needy patients where given during this year number of free medical camps and flood relief camps were organised by the Club.
Vocational award for the year was given to the best public health nurse in this area.
To encourage the youth, the club had given financial assistance to the badminton players selected for the National level tournaments from Haripad. The Club also sponsored two candidates to RYLA Camp at Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu. A quiz competition was organised for the students of 14 High Schools in Karthikappally Taluk and cash prizes given to the winners
District Governor Rtn. A.V.R.M. Sankaranarayanan, officially visited the club on 6th February 1922, who expressed his happiness on evaluating the performance of the Club. All together it was a very event full and service-oriented year for Rotary Club of Haripad.