Munish Sood
Mandi
The Rotary Club of Chhoti Kashi Mandi formally installed its new leadership for the Rotary year 2026–27 during an impressive Installation Ceremony held in accordance with Rotary protocol at a local hotel on Saturday evening.
Rtn. Akhilesh Bharti was installed as the President of the club, while Rtn. Jaspal Singh assumed office as the Club Secretary.
The installation ceremony was conducted by District Governor Elect (2027–28) Rtn. Vijay Sahdev, who served as the Installation Officer, accompanied by Rtn. Surinder Multani. Assistant Governor Rtn. Saroj Gautam was also present and extended her best wishes to the newly installed team.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of office-bearers from neighbouring Rotary clubs, reflecting Rotary’s spirit of fellowship and collaboration. Among those present were Rtn. Umesh Gautam from the Rotary Club of Sundernagar; Rtn. Rakesh Sen (President) and Rtn. Naresh Kumar (Secretary), Rotary Club of Sundernagar; Rtn Dharmender Rana, Rtn. Tara Sen (President) and Rtn. Jivanand (Secretary), Rotary Club of Mandi; Rtn. Devraj Chandel (President), Rotary Club of Ghumarwin; Rtn. Ashu Gupta (Secretary), Rotary Club of Ner Chowk; and Rtn. Hemraj Jaswal (Secretary), Rotary Club of Suket.
Outgoing President Rtn. Dr. Hemlata welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the club’s major service projects and achievements during the outgoing Rotary year. She also felicitated Installation Officer Rtn. Vijay Sahdev and other visiting dignitaries.
Outgoing Secretary Rtn. Renu Gulati presented the Annual Report, giving a comprehensive account of the club’s activities, community service initiatives and accomplishments during the past year.
Addressing the installation ceremony, District Governor Elect Rtn. Vijay Sahdev said that joining and leading Rotary offers a unique opportunity to serve society and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He urged Rotary clubs to undertake larger, high-impact service projects by effectively utilizing Rotary Foundation Global Grants in collaboration with other clubs. Stressing the importance of continuous learning, he encouraged members to keep learning and relearning Rotary while strengthening fellowship, describing Rotary as “a perfect blend of service and fellowship.”
He also elaborated on Rotary’s core values, organisational structure and humanitarian mission, encouraging the club to undertake a flagship community project capable of attracting both District Grants and Rotary Foundation Global Grants. He observed that while continuing the club’s signature projects was important, executing a landmark initiative would further enhance the identity and recognition of the Rotary Club of Chhoti Kashi Mandi. He also called upon members to actively promote Rotary’s image and create greater public awareness about the organisation’s contribution to society.
Speaking after assuming office, President Rtn. Akhilesh Bharti presented his vision for the Rotary year 2026–27 and reaffirmed his commitment to Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” He said the club would undertake meaningful community service projects aligned with Rotary’s designated monthly themes and would strive to implement at least one major project capable of creating a lasting impact on society. He emphasised greater participation by every member, stating that responsibilities would be shared to ensure active involvement in the club’s activities. He also invited members to recommend eminent speakers for future meetings and announced that regular family fellowship programmes would be organised to further strengthen camaraderie among members.
A major highlight of the evening was the induction of four new members into the Rotary Club of Chhoti Kashi Mandi. The pinning ceremony was conducted by Rtn. Vijay Sahdev. The new members inducted were Dr. Sushil Sharma, former Chief Medical Officer; Mrs. Seema Sharma, retired Principal; local businessman Mr. Yogesh Sharma; and Mrs. Mamta Sharma.
The ceremony was attended by Assistant Governor Rtn. Saroj Gautam and representatives of several Rotary clubs from the region. Among those present from the Rotary Club of Chhoti Kashi Mandi were Charter President Rtn. Munish Sood, Rtn. Anuradha Sood, Club Treasurer Rtn. Kiranbir Singh, President-Elect Rtn. Sudarshan Kaur, Past President Rtn. Anupama Singh, Rtn. Jaipal Singh, Rtn. Ramendra Kaur, Rtn. Akhil Gupta, Rtn. Mohini Sharma, Rtn. Seema Sharma, Rtn. Suman Sharma and Rtn. Amar Kaur, besides several other members.
The members of the Rotary Club of Chhoti Kashi Mandi extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Rtn. Akhilesh Bharti, Secretary Rtn. Jaspal Singh and the entire newly installed team, expressing confidence that under their leadership the club would continue to expand its service initiatives and make a meaningful contribution to society during the Rotary year 2026–27.
