26/03/2026
District Governor’s Official Visit to Rotary Club of Gangtok Strengthens Rotary Activities in Zone VIII
The Rotary Club of Gangtok hosted the official visit of District Governor Rtn. Dr. Kameswar Singh Elangbam (from Shillong) as part of his regular tour of Rotary Clubs across Zone VIII. He was accompanied by Assistant Governor Zone VIII, Rtn. Joyeta Chatterjee Agarwal from the Rotary Club of Darjeeling. The official visit was held at Hotel Elgin Norkhill on 22nd March 2026 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Rotary family.
During the visit, the District Governor held a formal interaction with the Club President, Secretary and Incoming President, followed by a detailed Club Assembly attended by all Directors and Chairpersons. A regular meeting of the Club was also conducted with Rtn. Sherab Choden as the Master of Ceremonies. Members of both Inner Wheel Club of Gangtok and the Rotaract Club of SRM University also attended the programme, reflecting strong fellowship and coordination within the Rotary family. The regular meeting was also attended by Rtr. Pintu Sharma (DRR 2026 - 2027), who attended the meeting as a special guest. It was a proud feeling as Rtr. Pintu Sharma hails from Gangtok.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome address by Club President Rtn. Naresh Agarwal. The Secretary’s report was presented by Rtn. Rajesh Somani, highlighting key challenges currently faced by Rotary Clubs, particularly the scarcity of young members and the issue of attendance in regular meetings. The Club shared two innovative initiatives introduced during the current Rotary year to address these challenges — personally inviting members over phone before every meeting and introducing a “Member Speaker” in every meeting. These initiatives have significantly improved attendance and strengthened bonding among members.
The report also highlighted several impactful service projects undertaken by the Club. Among them, the “UDAAN” programme — organised jointly with the Inner Wheel Club of Gangtok for the past 12 years — remains one of the most significant initiatives. The latest edition witnessed participation of over 1,200 students from more than 120 schools across the state and was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim along with the Hon'ble Minister of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law & Parliamentary Affairs Department & other Hon'ble MLAs and several other dignitaries.
Other major initiatives highlighted included installation of bio-toilets at high-tourist-footfall locations at Kupup, East Sikkim with Rotary branding (which was also featured in the February 2026 issue of The Rotary News), beautification and development of a cremation ground where the area has now been named after the Rotary-built hall, and active participation in various community-based meetings across the region. The Secretary also appreciated the efforts of the Public Image team for publishing the Club’s quarterly bulletin *“DENZONG KHORLO”*, and for regularly updating the press and media as well as the Club’s page with the Club’s activities. The Club continues to focus strongly on public image, meaningful meetings and fellowship.
During the programme, it was informed that a new member had been inducted into the Club a few months ago, and on this occasion another new member, Cdr (Dr.) Gurdaman Lal Sharma (Retd.) from SRM University, was formally inducted into the Club. With this induction, the total membership strength of the Club has now reached 36.
The District Governor and the Assistant Governor appreciated the service initiatives undertaken by the Club and particularly praised the two innovative steps taken to improve attendance and member engagement, describing them as unique and effective. He also encouraged the Club to continue its strong focus on community service and public image.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Rtn. Praveen Somani, followed by the National Anthem, fellowship and dinner.
Kameswar Singh Elangbam fans
