Extending humanitarian services worldwide

FOUNDED on February 23, 1905, with four members at Chicago Rotary, the Rotary International reaches over 200 nations, with more than 11.5 lakh members and 36,000 clubs

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Pioneering in seven focus areas of human service in over 200 countries and geographical places around the world, the Rotary International was founded with the vision of one man — Paul Harris.

The Chicago attorney Paul Harris formed the first Rotary Club of Chicago so that professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful and lifelong friendships.

Harris' desire and vision for camaraderie among business associates brought his other three friends- Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele and Hiram E Shorey- together at Loehr's office for what emerged as the First Rotary Club Meeting in the world.

Decision to hold subsequent meetings on the premises of the four enthusiasts, rechristened the first service organisation of the world as 'Rotary'.

Over the journey of 120 years, the Rotary has emerged as one of the largest service organisations, having 36,382 clubs and 1,151,109 members in over 200 countries of the world. 1,27,554 members of 9198 Rotaract Clubs; 3,68,069 members of 15,999 Interact Clubs and 13,776 Rotary Community Corps units are working as nursery social organisations for their respective parent Rotary Clubs.

Mahesh Sharma