Rotary service connects clubs in India, Benin

Children in a school in Benin receive school supplies.

By Vinay Gandhi Billapati, past president of the Rotary Club of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

I’ve known about Rotary since my birth. I am a second-generation Rotarian. My father joined Rotary in the very year I was born, and from childhood, I have witnessed and participated in various Rotary activities — from polio eradication campaigns to fellowships breakfasts at our home. Rotary was not just an organization; it was part of our family’s life.

In 2019, I formally joined Rotary through the Rotary Club of Visakhapatnam in Rotary District 3020. My real taste of Rotary’s internationality came when I was president-elect of our club, while also serving as the district’s social media chair. I manage the official Instagram handle of our district (@RIDIST3020).

One day, I came across a post by a Rotary club in Africa announcing a call for donations in cash or kind for an orphanage in Benin, West Africa. Deeply moved by their plea, I reached out through Instagram, and their president-elect,  Karl, responded. My club explored possible ways to support their cause, and finally agreed to send financial assistance.

But then came the real challenge — how do you send money from India to Benin? After multiple attempts through India, the UK, and the USA, a solution came via a friend in Australia who helped us send the funds. What touched me the most was Karl’s sense of responsibility. He meticulously purchased the required items, shared every bill, sent pictures of donations being made to the orphanage, and kept me updated throughout.

When I later shared this story in our district, many were surprised that our club had supported a project in Benin from right here in India. That is the power of Rotary — service beyond borders.

And the story didn’t end there. When I became president of our club, and Karl became president of the Rotary Club of Cotonou Fidjrosse, we joined hands again. This time, the project was to provide school bags and stationery to children in a local school. Karl shared videos of their needs assessment, almost like a project report, which impressed us immensely. Our club’s charitable trust came forward to wholly support this project. What made it even more special was Karl’s thoughtful gesture — with the savings from the school project, he carried out yet another community service activity for a home in Benin.

This is just one of the many friendship stories I have been blessed to develop through Rotary. Another memorable moment was when I had the honour of inviting 2024-25 Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick to address our club meeting via Zoom. The presence of the RI president was deeply appreciated by many present and past district leaders, and it further strengthened the pride and joy of being part of Rotary.

We need such Rotarians, and such moments of fellowship and service. That is truly the Magic of Rotary.