Lighting Up Rotary with Golden Sparks

Interview with District Governor Rtn. Mahaveer Bothra, Interviewer: Rtn. Sashikumar, Editor – Voice of the District

Q1: Governor Bothra Ji, Golden Sparrow has taken the district by storm. What made you say yes to this event instantly?

Bothra Ji: Well, first of all, when the District Counsellor PDG ISAK Nazar comes to you with a spark in his eyes and a bird in his story – you know it’s not going to be a regular Rotary event! (laughs) But seriously, the idea was powerful. Women are the heartbeat of our homes, our clubs, and society. Golden Sparrow was a chance to honour that energy. It was an instant yes. Also, I like birds.

Q2: What do you think this event achieved beyond the grand celebration?

Bothra Ji: We didn’t just have a program. We built a platform. This was about voices, visibility, and a vision. The real victory is that it sparked confidence in hundreds of women. And we now have an all-women’s club with 150+ members – that’s not just big, that’s world-record big. Now that’s what I call lighting up Rotary.

Q3: You trusted a mostly women-led team to handle the event. Was that a conscious decision?

Bothra Ji: Oh yes! When the First Lady Rtn. Jayashree Bothra pitched the idea herself, it was already in safe hands. Then came Dr. Sujatha Srinivasan as Event Chair, with Rtn. Anees Begam, Lalitha Sriram, and Mohini Sriram – honestly, my job became just to cheer from the sidelines and occasionally crack jokes!

Q4: You’ve always been vocal about engaging every segment of Rotary. How do Golden Sparrow, Kalankarai Vilakku, and Valarpirai reflect that?

Bothra Ji: If Rotary were a movie, these events would be the musical numbers! (winks) Golden Sparrow sang the women’s song. Kalankarai Vilakku spotlighted past presidents, and Valarpirai gave our green Rotarians their hero moment. It’s all part of the same screenplay: inclusivity with a standing ovation.

Q5: You were a Light Up President when PDG Nazar was the Governor. How has that relationship evolved now?

Bothra Ji: We were ‘light up’ Guru-Sishya then, and we still spark ideas off each other. My Governor doesn’t just think out of the box – he recycles the box into something Rotary can use! His support as District Counsellor has been priceless.

Q6: You’ve received rave reviews for your leadership style this year. What’s your secret?

Bothra Ji: Two spoons of trust, a pinch of focus, and unlimited laughter. I take my responsibilities seriously, but not myself, and I trust my team. That keeps the team light and the results bright.

Q7: How do you ensure events don’t become just another day on the Rotary calendar?

Bothra Ji: Ah, the secret sauce – emotion! If your event doesn’t stir a heart or spark a smile, it’s just a meeting. Every event this year had soul. Golden Sparrow? That had glitter in its soul!

Q8: The new Rotary Club of Golden Sparrow is a landmark move. How do you plan to support it post-charter?

Bothra Ji: Like any proud parent, I’ll be hovering nearby but letting them fly. They’ve got wings, attitude, and a world record already. I just hope they invite me to their anniversary party!

Q9: What do you want every Rotarian to take away from Golden Sparrow?

Bothra Ji: That Rotary is for everyone. Not just the usual faces, but the quieter voices too. And when women lead, Rotary dances. Literally – we had a fashion parade and a one-man-woman act. Beat that!

Q10: Finally, what’s next for RID 3233?

Bothra Ji: More light, more life, more laughter. We’ll keep breaking stereotypes, records, and maybe a few stage props. But always with a purpose. That’s the promise of this year – and the Golden legacy we’ll leave behind.