Second object of Rotary is “High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

Therefore, when one joins Rotary it opens an opportunity to serve society. For the occupations related to health and education liker Doctor or teacher service to society is inherent. However, many wonders how they can serve society through their business, vocation or profession. Take for example a stationery merchant. If your club decides to help economically weaker and needy students by providing them note books and other educational aids. The stationery merchant can make it available at concessional rates through his contacts. By doing so he has served the society.

I remember when I was a President, I floated the idea to design project based on expertise of club members. A member was an electrical contractor. I spoke to him and a project was conceptualised. At that time many electrical kitchen gadgets had become popular. “Safety precautions for household electrical gadgets” was the subject of project.  It was organised in housing societies during afternoon time, when women get some leisure time. Our member explained various precautions to be taken not only to avoid mishap but to optimise the use and reduce the bill. An electrical gadget manufacturer sponsored it. It was very successful and earned award for functional literacy. 

In recent years the motto is bigger and bolder projects. They are essential for making impact in society. But one must not forget that vocation-based projects are necessary for fulfilling the object of Rotary. What is needed is little imagination. 

It reminds me of words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.

Excerpts from his famous speech are “If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”

August is Membership month. My appeal to all Rotarians if you know someone who is graceful, a soul full of love, then propose his name for membership whatever may be his vocation. It will open him an opportunity to be great and also unparalleled fellowship.  

This article was originally published in the August 2020 issue. This has been republished on account of the 'Vocational Service Month.'