Heart of Service: How a Business Mind Found Its Rotary Soul DGE Rtn. D. Devendran
On a balmy Chennai evening, I found myself in DGE Rtn. D. Devendran’s office, where the aroma of fresh filter coffee mingled with candid conversation. As the city’s rush hour faded outside, inside, we delved into a journey that began with a workaholic’s quest for relaxation and evolved into an inspiring saga of service above self.
For someone who built his business empire from scratch in 1989, DGE D Devendran’s transformation from a 24/7 business enthusiast to a passionate Rotarian embodies the spirit of “Service Above Self.” Over the course of our conversation, punctuated by gentle sips of coffee and hearty laughs, he shared insights from his remarkable 24-year Rotary journey that began in 2001. Here’s what unfolded during our enlightening tête-à-tête.
Can you share the story of how you first joined Rotary and what initially drew you to the organization?I joined Rotary quite by accident in 2001, and it’s interesting how it happened. Back then, I was a complete workaholic running Aadharsh Shipping & Services, a business my brother Vijayakumar and I started right after my graduation in 1989. My life was all about business – 24/7 work with no entertainment. One of my colleagues from the logistics industry, Devadas, approached us about joining Rotary Club of Anna Nagar Aditya. Initially, he offered the opportunity to my brother, but my brother suggested I join instead, saying I needed some relaxation. I was looking for a change of mood and a new set of friends outside the business circle, where conversations weren’t always about clients, transporters, and customs officers. So, I joined primarily for fellowship and enjoyment. Little did I know then how this ‘accident’ would transform my life and lead to such a meaningful journey.
What were some of your most memorable experiences during your early years as a Rotarian, and how did they shape your understanding of Rotary’s mission?
Within six or seven months of joining Rotary, I had my first transformative experience – a friendship tour to Sri Lanka. We had PDG I.S.A.K. Nazar as our tour chairman, and I was fortunate to be in the same bus with distinguished leaders. One of the highlights was participating in a cricket fellowship tournament organized by Rtn. Kittu, our beloved international fellowship chair for cricket-loving Rotarians who is no more with us. What really struck me was the evening when Past Rotary International President KR Ravindran hosted us. I saw successful business leaders and exporters treating everyone as equals – that’s what inspired me to stay in Rotary. While I initially thought there might be business potential, I quickly realized Rotary’s true value was in networking, friendship, and exchanging ideas. That trip showed me how Rotary breaks down barriers and creates genuine connections between people.
Who were some of the key figures in Rotary who inspired you, and how did their leadership influence your own journey within the organization?
If you ask me about inspiration, I must talk about PDG I.S.A.K. Nazar. He became my guru, my guiding light. What’s interesting is that despite him being my mentor, we rarely needed to have long conversations – our wavelengths just synced naturally. You see, in Rotary, as in life, having a guru is essential – they’re the light that guides your growth. Every leader needs such guidance, and I was fortunate to have mentors who shaped my journey without even realizing it.
What motivated you to take on leadership roles within Rotary, and how did your experiences as a member prepare you for these responsibilities?
You know, my approach to leadership in Rotary was quite different from what we see today. Nowadays, people become President within a year or two, and Assistant Governor within four to five years. But I took a different path – I remained a club member for 13 years before taking up the presidency. During those years, I immersed myself in various roles, particularly as International Services Director because of my passion for travel. For many years, I was also the TRF Chairman after making my first $1,000 donation as a PHF. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the district and all avenues of service. When I finally became President in 2014–15, I was thoroughly prepared. I never actually dreamed of becoming District Governor – I simply focused on doing my best in whatever position I was assigned. My philosophy has always been simple: don’t work from your head, work from your heart, with passion and dedication. When you do that, greater heights come naturally.
Can you tell us about a project or initiative you led that you are particularly proud of, and what impact did it have on your club or community?
During my presidency in 2014–15, our DG ISAK Nazar created history with our public image project ‘My Flag, My India.’ It was extraordinary – as a “Light up Year” team we brought together more than 50,000 people, setting a Guinness record that I believe will stand for at least another decade. But what makes me equally proud is how we transformed our club’s operations. We also launched ‘Aditya News,’ our club magazine that was distributed across the district to all clubs – another first for us. I personally donated $10,000 for our Global Grant project, which inspired others to step forward. These initiatives weren’t just about creating records or spending money; they were about setting new benchmarks for what a club could achieve and inspiring others to dream bigger. Every project we undertook was aimed at making a lasting impact, not just a temporary splash.
International service is a significant part of Rotary. Can you share a story about an international project or experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Let me tell you about our remarkable Nepal project during PDG Nandakumar’s period when I served as International Service Director. We chose Nepal deliberately – a destination our district had never explored. Despite Nepal’s unpredictable weather and challenging travel conditions, we managed to lead a group of 120 Rotarians there. What made it truly special was the impact we had on both sides. For the Nepal Rotarians, it was their largest international gathering in 70 years! We facilitated sister club agreements with nearly 45 presidents and hosted a grand international fellowship night at the Hyatt. But the most rewarding part was seeing how this initiative bridged cultures and created lasting bonds. Later, during my role in promoting the International Convention in Australia, we brought 80-plus people to experience the true spirit of Rotary’s global community. You know, I always tell people – if you want to understand the real power of Rotary, you must attend at least one international convention in your lifetime. It’s not just an event; it’s a life-changing experience.
As District Governor Elect, what is your vision for the future of Rotary in your district, and what key areas will you focus on during your term?
For 2025–26, we’re implementing a revolutionary cluster system. We’ll form 5 clusters, each containing 4–5 regions, and each region will have 4–5 clubs. What makes this unique is the intentional mixing of strong, mediocre, and developing clubs within each cluster. This way, clubs can learn from each other and grow together. Our vision is to see every club become active and engaged. In just a few years, we expect our weaker clubs to become stronger, and our stronger clubs to become even more robust. We’re not just organizing district events; we’re creating a support system where clubs can thrive independently. This approach, combined with our focus on peace-building and conflict prevention, will help us create a more vibrant and impactful district.
Peace building is a core focus for Rotary. How do you plan to integrate this into your district’s projects and initiatives?
Peace has become a rare commodity in today’s world, and I’m not just talking about the absence of war. We’re focusing on peace-building and conflict prevention at all levels – within families, communities, and between nations. You see, wars don’t start suddenly; they begin with unresolved conflicts. Our approach is proactive – addressing conflicts before they escalate. We’re planning a major public image project focused on peace, which I’ll reveal more about during year 2025–26. The key is understanding that peace isn’t just about stopping violence; it’s about creating environments where conflicts can be resolved constructively.
How do you plan to encourage clubs to strengthen their internal bonds and create a more engaging and vibrant experience for their members?
Fellowship activities are the heartbeat of vibrant clubs. Looking at successful clubs one can understand – they all have active fellowship programs, whether it’s dance competitions, carnivals, or sports events. In my own club, when we started fellowship activities, we saw remarkable changes. For 3–4 months, we had 30–40 Rotarians consistently participating, which led to membership growth and better attendance. That’s why we’re promoting club-based fellowships rather than district-based ones. During PELS and SELS, we’re giving each president-elect and secretary-elect two minutes to present their club’s fellowship initiatives. We want clubs to take ownership of their fellowship activities, because that’s where true bonding happens.
How has your family supported you in your Rotary journey, and what role do you think family plays in a Rotarian’s ability to serve effectively?
As we say in Tamil, a single tree cannot become a forest. My success in Rotary has been possible because of my family’s unwavering support – my daughter, son, wife, and brothers. During my presidency, my wife Archana attended every Monday meeting throughout the year, helping with photography for our newsletter. We had monthly Annettes meetings with competitions, and our usual attendance of 42 would swell to 120! When your family is involved, your club naturally becomes more vibrant. Their sacrifices and support have enabled me to give back to society effectively. Family involvement doesn’t just supports a Rotarian; it multiplies our ability to serve.
You’ve spoken about the importance of giving back. How has this philosophy shaped your approach to Rotary service and philanthropy?
Look at nature – it’s designed around the principle of giving back. Your body takes in oxygen and gives back carbon dioxide, takes in water and releases it, takes in food and completes the cycle. Everything in nature operates on this principle of giving and taking. When you earn money, you must give back. If you don’t, nature has its way of taking back, often in less pleasant ways. It’s better to give back in the form that nature gave to you – if you earned money, give back through charity. Earn more to give more. This understanding has shaped my approach to The Rotary Foundation and all our service projects.
What advice or message would you like to share with both new and experienced Rotarians to inspire them in their service and leadership?
For new Rotarians, start by engaging with your club members and past presidents. Understand their needs and get involved. For presidents, focus on making your members’ experience a priority – don’t just move with co-presidents, move with your members. For district officers, study your role thoroughly. Knowledge is your weapon – use the vast resources available on Rotary.org. Work towards specific goals in your area of focus. Remember, leadership isn’t about the position; it’s about making a difference. Study, gain knowledge, set clear goals, and everything will fall in line. Most importantly, understand that Rotary is about “service above self” – when you embrace this principle, your journey becomes truly meaningful.
