Beyond Boundaries: A Rotarian’s Quest for Quantum Leaps in Service – PDG Muthu Palaniappan

In this revealing interview with Rtn. Sashikumar, editor of our magazine, Past District Governor Muthu Palaniappan shares his remarkable Rotary journey. From a reluctant new member to an Arch Klumph Society donor, PDG Muthu has redefined service impact. His visionary projects, like establishing 200 vision centers across Tamil Nadu and spearheading the innovative COWIN initiative during the pandemic, exemplify his “think big, act big” philosophy.

A self-made businessman turned Rotary leader, PDG Muthu’s story is one of transformation, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service above self. Discover the mindset that has driven his quantum leaps in Rotary service and inspired countless others.

What initially brought you into Rotary, and how did your perspective on the organization evolve over time?

My entry into Rotary was quite unconventional. Unlike many who join to enhance their business connections, I was compelled to join to retain my existing business relationships. In 1997, I was invited by Rtn. Paul Jacob, an architect, and interestingly, he and one of our major clients  Aircel Group insisted that I, as the contractor working on the project, join Rotary to continue our collaboration.  Initially, I was hesitant due to potential conflicts of interest, but eventually, I joined to safeguard my business. Over time, my perspective dramatically shifted. From being a passive member focused solely on attendance, I gradually became more involved, especially after taking on the role of President in 2009-10. This experience opened my eyes to the true magnitude and impact of Rotary, transforming me into an active, dedicated Rotarian. Today, not a day goes by without me thinking about or doing something for Rotary. It has profoundly changed me, my family, and my perception of life, making me a better person overall.

Your journey with The Rotary Foundation has been extraordinary, from becoming a Major Donor on your installation day to achieving Arch Klumph Society status. How has your experience with the Foundation shaped your perspective on giving, and what would you say to inspire others to contribute more generously?

My journey with The Rotary Foundation has been truly transformative. As a first-generation graduate in my family and a self-made businessman, I understand the value of every rupee earned. It all started on the day of my installation as president when I committed to becoming a Major Donor by contributing $10,000. This decision wasn’t premeditated – it was a spontaneous response to the inspiring environment of our President-Elect Training Seminar in Pattaya.

What I have learned is that giving to the Foundation is not just about the amount, but about the impact. Every dollar contributed to The Rotary Foundation goes much further than you might imagine. Unlike many other organizations where a significant portion goes to administrative costs, with Rotary, 92% of your contribution directly supports our projects.

Moreover, the value of your contribution is multiplied by the volunteer efforts of Rotarians and our partners. In my experience, for every 100 rupees contributed, we see results worth 130-140 rupees in terms of impact. This efficiency and effectiveness make The Rotary Foundation an excellent channel for those who want to make a real difference in the world.

What truly inspires me about the Foundation is how it enables us to think big and act big. Projects like our Orange vision centres across Tamil Nadu or our mobile cardiac screening bus wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Foundation and the generosity of fellow Rotarians.

My commitment to the Foundation grew over time, culminating in my becoming a member of the Arch Klumph Society, which requires a donation of $250,000. As someone who started from humble beginnings, reaching this level of giving was a significant milestone. It reflects not just financial success, but a deep belief in the power of Rotary to change lives.

To those considering contributing to the Foundation, I would say this: Your contribution, no matter the size, has the power to change lives. It’s not just about writing a cheque; it’s about investing in sustainable, impactful projects that address real needs in communities around the world. When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you are not just donating money – you are providing hope, improving lives, and creating lasting change.

Remember, in Rotary, we are known for contributing our time, effort, and money. The Rotary Foundation offers a platform to do this with maximum satisfaction and optimal results. So, I encourage every Rotarian to experience the joy of giving through the Foundation. It’s a decision that will not only impact countless lives but will also profoundly enrich your own Rotary journey

You have mentioned the concept of “thinking big, acting big, and achieving big results” in Rotary. Can you elaborate on this philosophy and how it has shaped your approach to Rotary projects?

This philosophy has been the cornerstone of my approach to Rotary projects. I believe that for a district project to be truly impactful, it should inspire clubs that haven’t done projects and motivate those already doing projects to scale up. A prime example of this was Project Orange, our vision centre initiative. We set an ambitious target of establishing 200 vision centres across Tamil Nadu, costing around 25 crores. This project required partnering with 15 hospitals, identifying 200 locations, and managing manpower – a challenging task for both Rotary and our partners. Despite the obstacles, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we persevered. The project’s scale attracted substantial contributions, even from clubs that previously made modest donations. It also inspired other districts to take up similar initiatives. This approach of thinking and acting on a grand scale not only achieves significant results but also motivates and unites Rotarians towards a common, impactful goal.

The Revive Chennai project during the 2015 floods was a significant undertaking. How did this project demonstrate Rotary’s ability to respond effectively to crises?

The Revive Chennai project was indeed a pivotal moment that showcased Rotary’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to crises. In the aftermath of the devastating 2015 Chennai floods, we recognized that beyond immediate relief, there was a crucial need for revival kits to help affected families restart their lives. We assembled comprehensive kits costing around 6,500 rupees each, containing essential household items, and distributed them at 3,000 rupees per kit. The project’s success lay in our strategic partnerships – we collaborated with Equitas for beneficiary identification and distribution, and with News7 channel for publicity. We also leveraged Rotary’s network to procure materials at cost price, enabling us to provide high-value kits at a subsidized rate. Within a month, we distributed 6,500 kits, impacting thousands of lives. This project demonstrated Rotary’s strengths: our ability to mobilize quickly, form effective partnerships, and deliver substantial aid efficiently. It also highlighted how Rotary can think innovatively to address immediate needs while considering long-term impact.

Can you tell us about the COWIN project and how it exemplifies Rotary’s ability to respond to urgent community needs?

The COWIN project during my Governorship, spearheaded by Project Chairman Rtn. Mahaveer Bothra, is an excellent example of Rotary’s agility in addressing critical community needs. Initiated during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project aimed to provide essential relief kits to those in need. What started as a modest goal of 5,000 kits quickly evolved into an ambitious target of 25,000, showcasing our commitment to thinking big and making a significant impact.

One of the key strategies that made this project successful was our innovative pricing model. We priced each kit at 500 rupees, despite its actual cost being around 1,000 rupees. This approach allowed us to scale up the project dramatically. By leveraging partnerships, such as with Arusuvai Arasu, we were able to use idle catering facilities and employ workers who were otherwise without jobs, thus producing kits at a lower cost.

The distribution network for the project was equally impressive, involving organizations like Equitas and Ramakrishna Mission, which helped reach beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu. The result was remarkable – under Bothra’s leadership, the team managed to distribute an astounding 36,000 kits, valued at ₹3.6 crore, in just 30 days, at a cost of only ₹1.8 crore. This remarkable achievement far exceeded the initial target of 25,000 kits, showcasing the dedication and efficiency of the project team.

This project not only provided immediate relief to thousands of families but also demonstrated Rotary’s ability to mobilize resources, form strategic partnerships, and execute large-scale projects efficiently. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we combine vision, planning, and dedicated teamwork in service of our communities. Rtn. Mahaveer Bothra’s leadership in this project, even before becoming Governor, was instrumental in its success and showcased his capacity for taking on significant roles within Rotary.

How has Rotary’s mobile cardiac screening bus initiative revolutionized healthcare accessibility in Chennai?

The mobile cardiac screening bus initiative has significantly enhanced healthcare accessibility in Chennai. This groundbreaking project, funded by a donation of ₹1.25 crore through The Rotary Foundation to Ramachandra Hospital, serves as a vital resource for community health outreach.

In just two years, this mobile unit has conducted over 20,000 free ECGs and echocardiograms, primarily serving maternal mothers and senior citizens. By bringing advanced cardiac screening directly to the community, we have eliminated barriers to access for many who might otherwise go without these critical health checks.

The success of this project lies not just in the initial donation, but in the strategic partnerships and consistent follow-through. We have collaborated closely with the Chennai Corporation to ensure the bus operates regularly, running screenings every Tuesday and Thursday without fail. This consistency has been key to the project’s impact.

Moreover, Ramachandra Hospital’s commitment has been extraordinary. Recognizing the value of Rotarians’ contributions, they have invested an additional 2-3 crore in consumables and services, effectively tripling the impact of the original donation.

This mobile cardiac screening bus exemplifies how innovative thinking in healthcare delivery can have a profound impact. By bringing the hospital to the people, we are not just conducting tests; we are potentially saving lives by detecting cardiac issues early. It is a model of community service that combines the power of partnerships, technology, and dedicated volunteers to create a sustainable, far-reaching impact on public health.

You have been instrumental in several large-scale projects. What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to Rotary, and why?

While all projects have been meaningful, I consider Project Orange, our vision centre initiative, to be my most significant contribution to Rotary. This project embodies the principle of thinking big and creating lasting impact.

What makes this project stand out is its multifaceted impact. Firstly, it addresses a critical health need, providing accessible eye care to underserved communities. Secondly, it’s sustainable – these centres continue to operate, providing ongoing care. Thirdly, it dramatically increased Rotary Foundation contributions in our district, with clubs and individuals stepping up to sponsor entire centres.

Project Orange is indeed a transformative initiative in eye care industry, and its journey is a testament to Rotary’s ability to think big and create lasting impact.

The idea originated from discussions with Dr. Aravind of Aravind Eye Hospital. We identified a gap in eye care delivery – the lack of easily accessible vision centres in rural and semi-urban areas. While hospitals could conduct occasional eye camps, there was a need for permanent, local eye clinics that people could visit at their convenience.

We set an ambitious target of establishing 200 vision centres across Tamil Nadu, each costing about ₹13-15 lakh. The total project cost was estimated at ₹25 crores. This was a mammoth undertaking, requiring partnerships with 15 hospitals, identifying 200 suitable locations, and managing workforce recruitment and retention.

The project’s unique selling point was its comprehensive approach. Each centre was equipped with a two-wheeler, a four-wheeler, audio-video equipment, and awareness materials. This wasn’t just about treating patients; it was about creating widespread awareness about eye health.

To fund this, we devised a strategy where clubs could sponsor an entire centre for $10,000. This approach was incredibly successful. Clubs that typically contributed $1,000-$2,000 annually to The Rotary Foundation were now giving $10,000 to have a permanent project in their name.

As of now, about 150 centres are functioning. We have conducted close to 7-8 lakh screenings and facilitated 70-80,000 cataract surgeries. The project has expanded beyond our district, with other Rotary districts in India also implementing it.

The impact has been profound. One touching story comes from Rotary Club of Chennai Utsav, which committed to sponsoring eight centres. The club president Rtn.Mohini Sriram shared that if such centres had existed years ago, they might have saved her mother’s eyesight. This emotional connection to the project’s potential has driven its success.

Project Orange has not only improved eye care accessibility but has also significantly boosted contributions to The Rotary Foundation. It has become a model for how Rotary can address healthcare challenges at scale, and we are now exploring ways to expand this model to other states and possibly other countries.

This project exemplifies how Rotary can bring together various stakeholders – hospitals, local communities, and Rotarians – to create a sustainable, large-scale impact in healthcare delivery.

You have emphasized the importance of attending Rotary conventions. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on Rotary’s global impact?

 Attending Rotary conventions has been a transformative experience that has profoundly shaped my understanding of Rotary’s global impact. These events are powerful catalysts for change in how we perceive and engage with Rotary.

Each convention has deepened my satisfaction with Rotary and intensified my desire to contribute more. At these events, you witness the true scale and diversity of Rotary’s global community. You see industry leaders engaging freely with every Rotarian, creating an atmosphere of accessibility and camaraderie that is truly unique.

What is particularly inspiring is the opportunity to interact directly with Rotary leaders from around the world. The Rotary showcase at these conventions is also an invaluable source of ideas and knowledge, exposing you to innovative projects and best practices from clubs worldwide.

These experiences change your outlook, inspire you to think bigger, and motivate you to take on more significant challenges within Rotary. That is why I strongly advocate for more Rotarians to attend these conventions. Once you experience a Rotary convention, your entire thought process about Rotary evolves. You return with a renewed passion, a global perspective, and innovative ideas to implement in your local clubs and districts.

How do you view the role of family support in a Rotarian’s journey, especially for those taking on leadership positions?

Family support is crucial in a Rotarian’s journey, particularly for those in leadership roles. Rotary demands a significant time commitment, and without family understanding and encouragement, it’s challenging to fully engage with the organization’s activities and responsibilities.

In my experience, involving your family in Rotary is key. When your spouse and children understand what you are doing and why it’s important, they’re more likely to support your involvement. Moreover, Rotary offers a wonderful platform for family participation. Whether it’s attending meetings, joining service projects, or participating in Rotary events, there are numerous opportunities for family members to get involved.

For anyone aspiring to take on leadership roles in Rotary, cultivating this family involvement and support is, in my view, essential for long-term success and satisfaction in their Rotary journey.

What advice would you give to a new Rotarian who aspires to make a significant impact through their involvement in the organization?

First and foremost, get to know what is happening in your club. Attend meetings regularly and participate in club activities. It is equally important to understand what is happening at the district level.

I strongly encourage new Rotarians to attend district events. This is where you will learn about the great work other clubs are doing and gain a broader perspective on Rotary’s impact. If possible, attend international conventions. I have found that every convention I have attended has deepened my satisfaction with Rotary and inspired me to do more.

Remember, Rotary is like a 5-star buffet – there is something for everyone. Find your passion within the organization, whether it is in community service, international projects, passion-based fellowships, or leadership roles. Don’t be afraid to think big and take on challenges. Some of our most impactful projects, like Project Orange, started with ambitious goals.

Lastly, involve your family in your Rotary journey. Their support and understanding will be crucial as you take on more responsibilities within the organization. With dedication and the right mindset, you can make a significant impact and find Rotary to be a deeply rewarding experience that changes you for the better.