At the Crossroads of Fellowship and Service: An expatriate and first-time
attendee’s view of the 18th Rotary District Conference in Pokhara
Set against what is usually the breathtaking backdrop of the Annapurna range,
Pokhara promised Himalayan vistas—but nature had other plans.
From the opening flag hoisting and inauguration ceremony to the final valedictory
session, the conference unfolded with both structure and warmth. The inaugural
session, marked by cultural performances and addresses from district leaders and
distinguished guests, set the tone: Rotary here is not just an organisation, but a
living, breathing community.
Across three days, plenary sessions covered membership development, public
image, service projects, youth engagement, diversity and inclusion, and the Rotary
Foundation. Each session blended local insight with global perspective, often
enriched by speakers who bridged professional expertise and grassroots experience.
Threaded through these discussions was Rotary’s current message – Unite for Good
-visible in practice it demonstrated how unity – across professions, cultures, and
generations – translates into meaningful impact.
For the 13 attendees from the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Midtown, the conference
carried an added sense of pride and familiarity. Midtown’s presence could be felt
throughout the programme.
A particularly proud and poignant moment came during the first afternoon of the
conference, when Rotarian Sangita Shrestha signed a Memorandum of
Understanding in her capacity as Chair of the Dwarika’s Foundation, for an award in
memory of her beloved mother and Past President, Rotarian Ambika Shrestha. It
was a powerful reflection of Rotary’s enduring values—where service, remembrance,
and commitment pass from one generation to the next.
Our club’s Rotaracts were honoured with the Yogendra Tulachan Award, proudly
accepted by Rotaract President Swastika Parajuli. The recognition underscored not
only the achievements of the Rotaract club but also the strength of Midtown’s
commitment to nurturing young leaders. Their energy was visible not just in awards,
but in performances, discussions, and leadership roles across sessions.
Similarly, winners of the Dr. Suniti Acharya Award: Dr Milan Maharjan (former
Midtown members), recognised for her impactful eye care project conducted through
the club and Dr Pragya Karmacharya, supporting children with cerebral palsy-
Midtown being closely associated with the centre in Dhapakhel- resonated deeply
during the conference. The legacy of service was further echoed in the Gopal
Kamala Rajbhandari Award, named after the parents of Sanjib Rajbhandari, himself.
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