India Leaders

If such a leader appears to be a myth, look no further than PDG Rtn. T.N. Subramanian, fondly addressed as 'Raju' by his friends. "I've never believed that as I have a position, I need to be superior to others. Every position in Rotary is one of service. If the fellowship is the foundation of our organization, we must meet and greet each one at the same level," says the humble leader elected as the Rotary International Director 2023-25.

This is how he has been since his college days; friendly, fun-loving, approachable, and someone who has done it all, from television hosting to student politics, not to mention his exceptional oratory skills that won him intercollegiate and intervarsity competitions. He

has been the General Secretary, Jai Hind College, Government College Students Council, the Bombay University Students Council, and the Senate's first Bombay University student member. Professionally, he practices as a Senior Counsel in the Supreme Court, various High Courts, Tribunals and Arbitrations. His journey with Rotary is studded with achievements and accolades.

Flt. Lt. K.P. Nagesh is a self-made entrepreneur, educator, and social activist hailing from Ramanagara District in Karnataka, India. He graduated in mechanical engineering and joined the Indian Air Force as a Short Service Commission Officer in 1988. The Air Force instilled in him the values of commitment, dedication, discipline, and time management, which have contributed to his success as a leader.

Nagesh founded UNIQ Security Solutions as a result of his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. Over 10,000 people were employed by this start-up, which later became the industry leader and had more than 500 clients in South India. He also established Uniq Skill Development Academy in Channapatna, Ramanagara District. This state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind facility is devoted to providing vocational training to rural youth so they can find employment opportunities with the Indian Uniform services and Corporate Companies.

In the year 2015-16, Nagesh served as the District Governor of Rotary International District 3190, where he set unprecedented records in membership growth, the highest growth of women and youth members, and contributions to the Rotary Foundation. His leadership made him the number one performing District Governor in the world. District 3190 was also regarded as the number one district for the year. Rotary International recognized his talent and appointed him as the Asst Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (ARRFC) for 2016-17 and as the Endowment and Major Gifts Advisor for 2017-18.

Shekhar Mehta, of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, is the President of Rotary International for 2021-22. Mehta acknowledges that current membership trends are a challenge and says that membership development should be Rotary’s highest priority. He believes that focusing on regional plans, successfully transitioning Rotaractors into Rotary clubs, and increasing diversity and female members could yield a 5 percent net growth in membership each year.

“A major brainstorming is needed to find effective solutions suited to different areas of the world”,

He adds that regional ethos and culture have to be taken into account to find localized solutions, as “one size does not fit all.” He believes Rotary can extend to new geographical areas and countries.

As a strong proponent of Rotary’s strategic plan, Mehta says he will encourage clubs to use action plans and reinforce the core values of Rotary.

Mehta says Rotary needs to become more contemporary and adaptable by focusing on partnerships with governments and corporations, expanding partnerships with organizations that specialize in Rotary’s areas of focus, and investing in technology.

Mehta, an accountant, is chair of the Skyline Group, a real estate development company he founded. He is also a director of Operation Eyesight Universal (India), a Canada-based organization.

Mehta has been actively involved in disaster response and is a trustee of ShelterBox, UK. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, he helped build nearly 500 homes for families affected by the disaster.

Mehta pioneered a program that has performed more than 1,500 life-changing heart surgeries in South Asia. He is also the architect of the TEACH Program, which promotes literacy throughout India and has reached thousands of schools.

A Rotary member since 1984, Mehta has served Rotary as director, member or chair of several committees, zone coordinator, training leader, member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, and district governor. He is also the chair of Rotary Foundation (India).

Mehta has received Rotary’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Awards.

He and his wife, Rashi, are Major Donors and members of the Bequest Society.

Rajendra K. Saboo is Chairman of Saboo Business Group which includes Kamla Dials and Devices Limited a leading manufacturer of ornamental watch dials and watch components, Saboo Coatings Limited manufacturing specialised lacquers and surface coatings and ETHOS, high-end watch retail boutique chain.

Having joined Rotary Club of Chandigarh in 1961, he continues to be a member and past president of Rotary Club of Chandigarh. He has served Rotary International in many capacities and to name a few of his formal positions, he has been District Governor, Chairman and/or member of various R.I. Committees in different years, International Assembly Discussion Leader, R.I. Director, R.I. President, Chairman of The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.

Saboo is Past President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier business and industry association of North India. He is also a member of the Managing Committee of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He is associated with many other trade and industrial associations as Committee Member or Special Invitee. He has been founder Chairman of CII (Northern region), and Chairman of All India Manufacturers’ Organisation (Delhi and Punjab Chapter).

Since 1998 he has been serving hands-on as volunteers in Rotary Medicare projects in Africa, and has worked in Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zambia & Malawi, Swaziland, Cambodia, Madagascar and Lesotho.

“Padma Shri” Award, was conferred upon Mr. Saboo by the President of India in March, 2006. During 2005, he had been conferred a Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by H.N.Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttrakhand. During 2007, he has again been conferred a Degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) by Panjab University which is the fourth oldest University in India He has been recipient of several honours, recognitions and awards from Rotary and non-Rotary organizations.