Interview/ Rotarian Jeetendra Sharma
JEETENDRA SHARMA, a marketing and management professional with over 33 years of experience across 16 countries, is a second-generation Rotarian and has been associated with the organisation for over 50 years. Sharma has been a charter member of the Rotary Club of Akurdi-Pune since 2006, and was the club president for the first Rotary year of the club in 2007-2008. He tells THE WEEK about the causes that are close to his heart and the lessons that Rotary has taught him.
Q/ Could you describe your journey in Rotary and why you are passionate about it?
Rotary has been a part of my life since childhood. What began as something I inherited from my family became something I embraced as my own. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve in several capacities—as a Rotaract (meant for young adults) club president, Rotary club president, district officer and, more recently, in various mentoring and fellowship roles. My involvement with Rotary has also taken me beyond my club and district, giving me an opportunity to connect with Rotarians across countries and cultures.
What makes me passionate about Rotary is that it brings together people from diverse professions, backgrounds and generations with a common purpose—‘Service Above Self’. It has shown me that meaningful change does not always require extraordinary resources; it requires committed people willing to take responsibility.
Q/ What are the causes that are close to your heart and how has Rotary helped you pursue them?
I am particularly passionate about youth development, education and leadership development. I believe that investing in young people is one of the most sustainable forms of social transformation.
Through Rotary and Rotaract, I have had opportunities to interact with young people, mentor Interact (designed for students aged between 12 and 18) and Rotaract clubs, participate in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) programmes, conduct orientation programmes and speak to students and young professionals on subjects ranging from personality development and careers to leadership and employability.
Education and literacy are also very close to my heart. Rotary provides an extraordinary platform, because it allows an individual passion to become a collective effort. A Rotarian may have an idea, but Rotary provides the network, partnerships, volunteers and global reach to convert that idea into meaningful action.
Q/ What are the three biggest lessons Rotary has taught you?
First, service is not about giving; it is about making a difference. Over the years, I have learnt that service is most meaningful when we understand the real need of the community and work with people rather than simply doing things for them.
Second, relationships are one of life’s greatest assets. Rotary has taught me the power of relationships across professions, generations, cultures and countries. Some of my most meaningful friendships have emerged through Rotary. The Rotary network demonstrates beautifully that you can meet someone on the other side of the world and still discover a shared purpose.
Third, leadership is about enabling others. Rotary has taught me that leadership is not about position or authority. It is about bringing people together, giving them ownership, developing their capabilities and creating an environment where they can contribute.
Q/ Your advice to someone who wants to join Rotary?
My advice would be simple: don’t join Rotary merely for the Rotary pin. Join it for the purpose behind the pin. Come with an open mind and a willingness to participate. After 50 years, I can say that my Rotary journey has never really been about reaching a destination. It has been about continuously learning, serving, connecting and growing.
That, to me, is the real magic of Rotary.
