Bengaluru : Rotary District 3192 ushered in a new chapter of leadership and environmental stewardship with the installation of Rtn. Ravishankar Dakoju as District Governor for Rotary Year 2026–27 and the launch of ‘Dhanyavad’, a large-scale environmental movement envisioned to unite Rotary members across South Asia in restoring and protecting the planet.
The installation ceremony, held at Mangala Mantapa, NMKRV College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, was graced by renowned environmentalist and parliamentarian Smt. Maneka Gandhi as the Chief Guest, while Rotary International Director Flt. Lt. Rtn. K. P. Nagesh attended as the Guest of Honour.
Derived from the Sanskrit word for “gratitude,” Dhanyavad is Rotary’s expression of thanks to Mother Earth through meaningful environmental action. The initiative has been conceptualised as a Rotary Program of Scale, aiming to mobilise more than 43 Rotary districts across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, making environmental sustainability a defining Rotary mission for the coming decade.
The initiative has set ambitious and measurable objectives, including:
- Planting one million native saplings, including three lakh saplings across 1,501 acres within Rotary District 3192.
- Installing one lakh water bowls for birds, stray animals and wildlife in water-scarce regions.
- Supporting 500 Ekal Vidyalaya schools to strengthen tribal education while promoting environmental awareness and forest conservation.
Drawing inspiration from Rotary’s historic global campaign to eradicate polio, Dhanyavad aspires to become Rotary’s most impactful environmental legacy. The movement is guided by the philosophy: “Polio was Rotary’s gift to humanity. Dhanyavad will be Rotary’s gift to the planet.”
The initiative builds upon the environmental work already led by Rtn. Ravishankar Dakoju, whose conservation efforts include the ecological restoration of the KGF cyanide dumps through plantation drives and the creation of the 1,501-acre Rotary Dakoju Forest in partnership with the Rotary Environment Foundation and Sri Dhenabhagath Seva Trust. These projects have contributed to biodiversity conservation, protection of the endangered Amrit Mahal cattle and sustainable livelihood opportunities for over 8,000 tribal families.
Speaking about the vision, Rotary leaders highlighted that Dhanyavad seeks to inspire Rotary clubs across South Asia to collectively undertake afforestation, wildlife conservation, water conservation and tribal education initiatives, creating one of the largest coordinated environmental movements led by Rotary.
Guided by the motto “Seva • Sankalpa • Sadhana,” District Governor Rtn. Ravishankar Dakoju said the Rotary year will focus on sustainable service, environmental responsibility and community partnerships that create lasting impact. The launch of Dhanyavad reflects Rotary’s belief that protecting nature is among humanity’s greatest acts of service.
The installation ceremony brought together Rotary leaders, public representatives, industry leaders, environmentalists and members from across the district, marking the beginning of a Rotary year dedicated to gratitude, compassion and meaningful action for society and the environment.