Breaking Records, Building Lives: PDG Rtn. AP Kanna’s Rotary Renaissance

Catching a word with PDG Rtn. AP Kanna is like trying to catch a shooting star – blink and he’s off to another city! But between his international flights and virtual meetings across time zones, he graciously shared a treasure trove of insights. From being ‘dragged’ into Rotary to becoming its transformative leader, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. Here’s a candid conversation with the man who turned ‘impossible’ into ‘I’m possible’ in everything he touched.- Rtn. Sashi

From being “dragged into” Rotary to becoming its youngest District Governor, your journey is remarkable. Could you walk us through the transformation that made you fall in love with Rotary?
“You know, transformation in Rotary follows a beautiful path. I was initially dragged in by a major client, and I gave every excuse imaginable – no time, too busy, not cut out for it. But after attending a few meetings at KK Nagar club, I began to notice something powerful: Rotary wasn’’t just an organization; it was a movement with immense potential for change. That’’s when liking turned into understanding. When I took up leadership roles, especially as secretary and president, that understanding deepened into love. But the real transformation happened during my presidency. Seeing our club rise from 16 members to 75, witnessing the impact we could create together – that’’s when Rotary became an addiction. It’’s like climbing a mountain; each step reveals a new horizon of possibilities. The mentorship of leaders like PDG Dr. CS Ramachandran shaped my journey, and before I knew it, I had moved from being a reluctant member in 2003 to president in 2006, and then to the youngest District Governor. This journey taught me that when you open your heart to service, Rotary doesn’’t just change your designation – it changes your entire perspective on what’’s possible in life.”

During your presidency, you led a remarkable transformation in membership development and engagement that made your club an award-winning institution. What leadership principles guided this success story?
“The transformation was never about statistics; it was about believing in possibilities when faced with challenges. When I took on the presidency, I knew we needed a fresh approach. That moment demanded a clear vision and decisive action. But I understood one fundamental truth – no leader succeeds alone. First, I engaged in honest discussions with our fellow members and then with the district officers. Their support became our foundation. The key principle that guided us was perfection in everything we did, no matter how small. We focused on creating an environment where each person felt valued and saw the potential for making a real difference. Our emphasis was on meaningful projects that showcased Rotary’’s impact, which naturally attracted others who shared our vision. Another principle was maintaining authentic relationships – not just adding members, but building genuine connections. We weren’’t just growing a club; we were building a community of committed individuals who believed in service above self. By the year’’s end, we had achieved what many thought impossible – transforming into a vibrant, active institution that swept awards across categories. This taught me that true leadership isn’’t about position – it’’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.”

Your governorship year saw multiple Guinness World Records in Rotary history. What inspired this innovative approach, and how did these achievements impact Rotary’s visibility?
“I wanted our district to do something that would make the entire Rotary world take notice. Breaking a Guinness record wasn’t just about creating history; it was about showing what’s possible when Rotarians dream big. With the incredible support of 8,000 Rotaractors and the expert guidance of PDG Nazar as event chair, we achieved something unprecedented – the first-ever Guinness record in Rotary’s history. This success sparked a chain reaction – the next year, during PDG Nazar’s governorship, we created another Guinness record with ‘‘My Flag My India,’’ adding an emotional connection to our achievement. But we didn’t stop there. We took on another meaningful challenge in Kanchipuram, where we organized a massive drive for eye and organ donation pledges. Through this effort, we got 4,800 people to commit to donation – another record attempt that combined achievement with meaningful service. What truly matters isn’t the records themselves – it’s what they represented. They showed that Rotary could think differently, act boldly, and unite thousands for a common cause. This visibility opened new doors. When we later approached people for support with our cardiac surgery project, they already knew about Rotary’s capability to achieve the extraordinary. The records demonstrated that when Rotarians unite with a clear purpose, there’s no limit to what we can achieve, whether it’s breaking world records or transforming lives through service.”

The story of expanding from 50 planned cardiac surgeries to 853 actual surgeries is incredible. Could you share the “Rotary magic moment” that catalysed this remarkable achievement?
“The magic of Rotary often reveals itself in unexpected moments. We started with a modest goal of 50 cardiac surgeries for children under five, each costing about 5 lakhs. But during our first surgery, something extraordinary happened. When I shared the story of that first child – the transformation from a critical condition to a healthy, smiling face – it touched hearts in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Suddenly, funds started flowing in from all directions. What makes this truly magical is how one story, one successful surgery, sparked a chain reaction of generosity. This wasn’t just about numbers growing from 50 to 853; it was about Rotarians and communities coming together, proving that when you have the right cause and narrate it to the right people in the right way, possibilities become limitless. The same child also needed cataract surgery, and sharing that story led to another miracle – 9,800 free cataract surgeries. This taught me that in Rotary, every single life we touch has the potential to multiply our impact exponentially.”

You’ve mentioned that you’re a “membership person at heart.” How does your philosophy of wanting others to experience Rotary’s joy drive your approach to membership development?
“My approach to membership is deeply personal because I believe everyone deserves to experience the transformation that Rotary brings. When I served as District Membership Chairman during the governorship period of PDG Sampath, we became number one in membership not because of strategies or targets, but because of this fundamental belief. I’ve seen how Rotary can take an ordinary person and turn them into an extraordinary force for good. When I conduct new member orientations, I don’t just recite rules and protocols; I share real stories, practical experiences, and the joy of fellowship while serving others. It’s like introducing someone to a life-changing adventure. My philosophy is simple: if Rotary could transform a reluctant joiner like me into a passionate leader, imagine what it could do for others. That’s why I particularly love new club formations and orientations – they’re opportunities to show people not just what Rotary is, but what they can become through Rotary.”

Your unique method of remembering people and maintaining relationships has helped you know over 5,000 Rotarians by name. How has this personal touch enhanced your leadership effectiveness?
“Relationships in Rotary aren’t just about networking; they’re about creating genuine connections that last. My method of remembering people isn’t just a technique – it’s about showing genuine interest in each person I meet. When I meet someone like you, I don’t just hear a name; I create connections in my mind, linking you with others I know, noting your profession, your club, making it personal. I still wish these 5,000 Rotarians on their birthdays and anniversaries, not because it’s a task, but because each of them has played a role in my Rotary journey. This personal touch has helped me build trust and create a network of friends rather than just contacts. Leadership becomes more effective when people know you care about them as individuals, not just as members. It’s about valuing each relationship without expectation, understanding that every Rotarian has a unique story and contribution to make. This approach has not only enhanced my leadership but has enriched my life with thousands of meaningful friendships.”

As someone who achieved significant success in both business and service, what’s your perspective on balancing commercial networking with Rotary’s service-oriented mission?
“I’ve always believed that service and business are complementary forces, not competing interests. In the past, sharing business cards in Rotary was seen as taboo, but this view misunderstands Rotary’s vocational classification system. When I need a service, I naturally turn to a fellow Rotarian I trust rather than a stranger. My business card proudly displays the Rotary logo, and it often creates meaningful connections – when clients recognize it, they usually know a Rotarian, and that stranger instantly becomes an associate. This creates a beautiful cycle: Rotary helps expand my business network, which generates more resources that I can channel back into service projects. But here’s the key – it’s a two-edged sword that only works when you maintain integrity. You must walk the talk, keep your promises, and deliver excellence in business. When you do that, the trust you build in business strengthens your capacity to serve, and the values you learn in Rotary enhance your business ethics.”

Your approach to speaking at Rotary clubs is refreshingly different, focusing on practical experiences rather than history and protocols. How does this style help in connecting with and inspiring new members?
“When I speak at clubs, I consciously avoid the conventional approach of reciting Rotary’s century-old history or dwelling on protocols and the four-way test. Instead, I share what I call ‘practical Rotary’ – real stories from my journey, tangible experiences that show what Rotary truly means in action. I speak their language, share the fun side of fellowship, and show how service can be both enjoyable and impactful. For instance, when I share how a single heart surgery project snowballed into 853 surgeries, or how fellowship turned into lasting friendships, people connect with these real experiences. I believe in showing Rotary’s practical magic rather than just talking about its theoretical framework. When you speak about actual experiences, about the joy of fellowship while serving society, about the fun moments alongside the serious ones, people don’t just hear about Rotary – they see themselves in it. That’s when transformation begins.”

The success of your District Conference ‘Kurinji’ was remarkable. What innovative approaches did you use to achieve such unprecedented participation?
“The success of Conference Kurinji taught me the power of personal connection combined with systematic promotion. With a district membership of 3,800, we had the unique challenge of making everyone feel personally invested in the conference. When they announced me as conference chairman, people started calling it ‘our Kanna’s conference’ – this personal connection created immediate momentum. We implemented a daily communication strategy – every morning, participants would receive a creative promo through SMS and email. These weren’t just announcements; they were engaging pieces crafted by our Kurinji team. The result was extraordinary – presidents started confirming 100% registration from their clubs, even presenting registration cheques during their installations. Though the Trade Centre’s capacity was only 1,800, we had overflow crowds throughout the event. This success came from mixing personal relationships with innovative promotion, proving that when you make people feel personally connected to an event, they don’t just attend – they become its ambassadors.”

The theme “Engage Rotary, Change Lives” seems particularly meaningful to you. How has engagement with Rotary transformed you as a person and leader?
“‘Engage Rotary, Change Lives’ resonates deeply with me because it captures the essence of Rotary’s transformative power. When we join Rotary, we all have this noble intention of changing others’ lives, but something more profound happens – Rotary changes us first. It reshapes our thinking, broadens our perspective about others, and brings out qualities we didn’t know we possessed. This personal transformation is what makes everything else possible. When Rotary changed me, it made me more compassionate, more focused on perfection, and more committed to making a difference. This internal change becomes infectious – you start inspiring others naturally, creating a positive ripple effect in your community. Projects like our cardiac surgeries for children or cataract operations wouldn’t have been possible without this personal evolution. The beauty of Rotary engagement is that it’s not just about what you do, it’s about who you become in the process.”

Could you share the story of the student Prabakaran and how such moments have reinforced your commitment to education and service?
“Running a school wasn’t something I actively sought, but when the opportunity came to provide free education, I recognized it as a gift from above. During one of our farewell parties, a student named Prabakaran said something that deeply touched me. He said, ‘Sir, I don’t know if I’ll become an engineer or doctor, but I’m sure about one thing – I’ll do exactly what you’re doing now. I’ll help students get free education.’ That moment crystallized everything I believe about service. Here was a young person who didn’t just receive help; he was inspired to become a giver himself. It showed me how our actions can create a legacy that extends far beyond our immediate impact. This is what true service means – not just helping someone for a moment, but inspiring them to become agents of change themselves. Prabakaran’s words continue to inspire me, reminding me that every act of service has the potential to create a chain reaction of goodness that can span generations.”

Having dedicated the prime years of your career to Rotary while managing business and family life, what advice would you give to young professionals considering deep engagement with Rotary?
“Becoming Governor at 40, in the prime of my career, taught me valuable lessons about life’s delicate balances. When you’re managing clubs across five revenue districts, traveling late nights, choosing between your son’s birthday party and an important Rotary meeting – these aren’t just scheduling conflicts, they’re life decisions that shape who you become. To young professionals, I would say this: don’t see Rotary as something that competes with your career or family time; see it as something that enhances both. The leadership skills you develop, the networks you build, and most importantly, the perspective you gain – these are invaluable assets that enrich every aspect of your life. Yes, there will be tough choices. There were nights when I couldn’t make it home in time, and important family moments I had to miss. But looking back today, I can say with conviction that Rotary has made me a better businessman, a more compassionate parent, and a more fulfilled human being. The person I am today, both personally and professionally, has been shaped by my Rotary journey. When you approach Rotary with the right mindset, it doesn’t just take your time – it multiplies your ability to make every moment count. To young professionals, I say: dive in, but dive in with your whole heart. The rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices.”