On Rotary Leadership: Be the Change (Part I)

In Hinduism, the lotus flower or its Sanskrit name “padma” primarily represents beauty and non-attachment. The lotus is rooted in the mud but floats on water without becoming wet or muddy. This symbolizes how one should live in the world – without attachment to one’s surroundings. A Hindu teaching from the Bhagavad Gita says: “One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.”

Ideally, in rendering Rotary service we should be guided by time-honored guiding principles, the most popular of course is the Four-Way Test. Sometimes, human nature and its weaknesses get the better of us and we fall into error. Some of us have experienced a falling out with our clubs or club members due to certain issues among which are district politics which have always divided us. That is why in these times, we have to re-examine our rationale as to why we are Rotarians. Our existence as Rotarians should be impelled exclusively by an honest desire to serve and live by Rotary’s ideals. Let us not let worldly trouble get the better of us and remain steadfast in our commitment to serve. Let us focus on the millions of poor local or foreign communities who need our help. Millions die of diseases which can easily be prevented just by raising awareness among those who can do something to create positive change.

We, as Rotarians, have a solemn commitment to help those in need. We know that our existence as Rotarians can be challenged by the many dissensions or conflicts that beset any well-meaning organization like ours. But just like the lotus flower, we cannot afford to be affected by these. Instead, let us focus on the task at hand because it is in seeing the improvement of the life of another human being that we can find fulfillment as individuals.

An honest examination of conscience almost always leads to change. If we are dissatisfied with our present condition, we need to find means to change it. It is an immutable truth that change must always begin within our self. I quote the ever-venerable Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to be in the world.”