Behind Every Rotarian Is an Ann Holding It All Together by Ann Rohini Sashikumar

When I married Sashi, he wasn’t a Rotarian. Back then, I thought life would be all about movies, dinners, and occasional Sunday brunches. Little did I know that a few years later he’d join Rotary and I’d be on a nonstop adventure as an Ann to a Past President of the Rotary Club of Chennai Crown and now a District Officer in Rotary International District 3233.

Being an Ann in Chennai Rotary with Sashi is like riding a rollercoaster on a theme park – unexpected, exhilarating, and full of surprises. One day we’re at a colourful Dandiya night, and the next, we’re at a Pongal Vizha where I’m trying to balance plates of sakkarai pongal and sugarcane while still looking graceful. Let me tell you, salwar kameez or jeans are much better for these events than sarees – I’ll leave that art form to the other Anns!

Through it all, Sashi’s passion for Rotary is something I admire. Whether it’s hosting events or editing a district magazine, he’s always on the move. And where there’s Sashi, there’s me in the background, cheering him on, making sure he doesn’t leave the house with mismatched socks, and occasionally helping him remember to wear Rotary pins to the meeting. His favourite line to say at club meetings is, “I couldn’t do this without my wife, Rohini.” (Though I wonder if he remembers it’s my turn to cook after all these events!)

The best part of being an Ann? My squad: First ladies from Imagine year. These first ladies are my partners in crime at Rotary gatherings. While Sashi and his friends discuss several things about the fellowship(!!), we’re busy cracking jokes, taking selfies, and sneaking seconds of dessert from the buffet.

Rotary life has been a wild ride, but watching Sashi’s dedication and the impact it creates makes every late night, every rally, and every dandiya step worth it. As I often tell my friends, “Behind every great Rotarian is an Ann who deserves a Service above Self award for patience!”

To all the Anns out there, hang in there! This rollercoaster may have its ups and downs, but the view from the top is always worth it.

As I wrap up this article, I can’t help but wonder if Sashi’s unusually sweet behaviour all week was entirely selfless or just his way of getting me to write this for Voice of RID 3233. If push comes to shove, and he has to choose between the District’s Voice or my Voice, I’m curious which one will win. Oh well, I’m sure he’ll sweet-talk his way out of it, citing Service Above Self – because in Rotary, that conveniently covers everything!

Ann Rohini Sashikumar

Imagine Year First Lady Rotary Club of Chennai Crown