Mehta: girl children focus

Kolkata-based businessman SHEKHAR MEHTA is the newly appointed president of the Chicago (USA)-based Rotary International (RI, estb.1905) — the well-known international public humanitarian service organisation with a membership of 1.2 million in 200 countries. Mehta is the fourth Indian president of the apex-level RI.

Newspeg. In July soon after taking charge as president, Mehta made his first overseas trip to Nigeria and Uganda to inspect a slew of projects sponsored by RI for the education of girl children from low-income households. He also signed a collaboration agreement with the government of Uganda for RI’s India chapter to construct an eye hospital, and provide free-of-charge heart surgeries for 100 Ugandan children in India.

History. An alum of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata and a chartered accountant, cost accountant and company secretary, Mehta is the promoter-chairman of the Kolkata-based Skyline Group with interests in real estate, and director of Operation Eyesight Universal (India), a Canada-based company. An active Rotarian since 1985, Mehta has led several initiatives in India and South Asia, in particular the Saving Little Hearts project, which has facilitated over 1,500 heavily subsidised life-saving heart surgeries for children.

Direct talk. “I am privileged to lead Rotary’s global network of 1.2 million volunteer-members dedicated to improving lives and bringing positive, lasting change to disadvantaged communities around the world. I began community service way back in 1985 with the Rotary Club of Kolkata. While eradication of polio and maintaining India’s polio-free status remains our most successful campaign, we have launched several other projects in preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, clean water and sanitation, environment, primary education and adult literacy, poverty reduction, peace and conflict resolution. We have also provided financial aid to continue the education of several children who lost their parents to Covid-19,” says Mehta.

Future plans. Mehta has a clear agenda for 2021-22. “I want my fellow Rotarians around the world to focus their efforts on empowering girl children and ensuring their access to education, resources, services, and opportunities so that future generations of women develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed,” says Mehta.

Wind beneath your wings!

Autar Nehru (Delhi)