Becoming a mindful Rotarian

Sourish Choudhury leads an emotional well-being session for cancer warriors and their caregivers.

By Sourish Choudhury, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Newbies, West Bengal, India

When I joined Rotary, I understood that it was an international organization of clubs dedicated to service that connects people worldwide to make a difference. I admired that reach and impact.

But I eventually realized being a member of Rotary isn’t just about organizing projects or attending meetings. It’s about having an impact. It’s about connecting people. And it’s about being consistent in showing up with a heartful desire to help and a sense of purpose, again and again. That understanding changed everything for me — it gave me new purpose, meaning, and motivation.

Finding mindfulness

In the early days, I was full of energy and ideas but often felt disconnected from the people we served, from my team, and from my own sense of purpose. That all changed when I discovered mindfulness through a course I was taking. Mindfulness involves paying attention intentionally, without judgment, and with compassion. And it transformed how I approach service and leadership.

I began with small steps: taking time to reflect before meetings, practicing mindful breathing during busy days, and truly listening during interactions. Slowly, I started noticing people more deeply — their concerns, emotions, and stories — and connecting with the work in a more meaningful way.

Serving with presence

One of the most transformative experiences was working with cancer warriors and their caregivers. We organized emotional well-being sessions combining sound healing and mindfulness, designed to help caregivers manage stress and cultivate resilience. Sitting with them and guiding these practices taught me that presence and empathy are often more powerful than any material support.

Nurturing young minds

The MindWell club helps students build emotional resilience and well-being.

Another milestone has been developing the MindWell Club, a program for students to build emotional resilience and well-being. Through mindfulness exercises, emotional literacy sessions, and interactive activities, young participants are learning to understand and manage their emotions, cope with stress, and grow with confidence. Watching them engage and reflect has been incredibly rewarding.

The power of mindful service

These experiences deepened my understanding of emotional literacy. By recognizing my own emotions and understanding those of others, I communicate better, make thoughtful decisions, and foster stronger connections within my club and community. Mindfulness also reshapes how I plan projects — pausing to ask, “What does this community truly need? Am I fully present with the people I’m helping?”

A continuing journey

Mindfulness is not about perfection; it’s about noticing when we drift and gently returning to awareness. Each conscious choice — listening fully, acting with intention, showing compassion — adds depth to our service.

Becoming a Mindful Rotarian has taught me that presence, empathy, and awareness are the foundation of true service. When we serve mindfully, we don’t just complete projects — we create moments of trust, understanding, and healing.

Sourish Choudhury is secretary of the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives and Vice Chair of the International Chess Fellowship of Rotarians (ICFR)