The new term of Rotary International (RI) commencing in July 2023 marks a shift in the organization’s primary focus, with a heightened emphasis on mental health and ecological sustainability. This shift comes under the stewardship of the new RI President, Gordon McInally, and Directors Anirudh Roy Chowdhury and T.N. Raju Subramanian.
McInally, who has been a Rotary member since 1984, plans to utilize the organization’s global reach to generate increased awareness about mental health issues and improve access to related services. He is passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health and fostering a culture of understanding and support.
Chowdhury, known for his commitment to promoting literacy, echoes McInally’s commitment to improving mental health. He also advocates for activities that strengthen conservation, protect natural resources, and advance ecological sustainability. On the other hand, Subramanian, a legal expert, is keen on strengthening Rotary’s record on health initiatives, with a special focus on mental health.
“Rotary has a remarkable record when it comes to health initiatives. We’ve helped bring polio to the brink of eradication. The global pandemic has brought attention to another aspect of health that has been overlooked for too long – mental health. The involvement of Rotary clubs will gradually reduce the stigma,” Subramanian stated.