▲What is Rotaract ?

Rotaract is an international organization for young men and women between the age group of 18-30 who believe they can make a difference. Rotaract club provide an opportunity to young adults to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, the address the physical and social needs of their communities and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.

▲ROTARACT HISTORY
Source: RI Website

In the late 1960s, noting the success of the recently formed Interact program, the RI Board realized the need for a program of service, activity, and fellowship for young adults no longer of Interact age (14-18). The name Rotaract (Rotary in Action) was selected to show the program's close affiliation with both Rotary and Interact clubs.

RI President Luther Hodges inaugurated Rotaract in 1968, with the Rotaract Club of the University of North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, (now called the Rotaract Club of University of North Carolina-Charlotte) being the first club. The club received its charter on 13 March and had 21 members.

Within a day of the certification of the Rotaract Club of the University of North Charlotte, the Rotaract Club of the University of La Salle was chartered in Tacubaya, Mexico. The Rotaract clubs of Florence, Italy; Gaston College and Sylva both in North Carolina; and Secunderabad, India, were all certified in the following weeks. Since the 1950s, many Rotary clubs had been starting unofficial clubs for young adults, so this fueled Rotaract's rapid growth in its first few years. Rotarct grew from 21 clubs in 1967-68 to 289 clubs a year later. There are now 7,000 Rotaract clubs in 163 countries and geographic areas.

Rotaract clubs were originally open to young men and women ages 17-24. Since 1971, young adults ages 18-30 have been welcomed.

Learn more about World Rotaract Week, observed this year 10-16 March. Contact Rotary history and archives for more historical information about Rotary.
 

▲A brief look at Rotaract

Rotaract was founded in 1968 by Rotary International. on 13 March 1968, when the first charter was granted to the Rotaract club of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The event is commemorated each year with the celebration of the World Rotaract Week. Today there are over 6,000 Rotary sponsored Rotaract clubs with more than 160,000 members in some 151 countries around the world. Rotaract clubs are either community based or institution based.

Rotary Club of Calcutta - the first club of India (1-Jan-1920) and now the longest running club in Asia, has been sponsoring the Rotaract Club of Calcutta.

▲Rotaract Club of Calcutta

The Rotaract Club of Calcutta was chartered on 19 June 1969, the second oldest club to be born (after Rotaract Club of South Calcutta) in the then RI District 3291. Currently it is the oldest running club in the District.

The club has an wonderful image in the world of Rotary and Rotaract in this RI District. Philanthropic and generous minded young people are the masterminds behind the holy endeavours taken by the club. Coming from different social, religious, economic and cultural backgrounds these young bloods are united in one mission that is thriving on the well-being of the ignored old men and women, neglected and underprivileged children and hapless women. To say specifically, the Rotaractors personally visit the slum areas of the city and its outskirts and distribute medicine and books among them. Simultaneously by building a strong mass awareness against child abuse the club takes the course of grooming for the needy and seek children. Various cultural programmes are also organized for the sake of strong cultural interactions where notable performers are invited. The rigorous and self-effacing members have also done their bit to found quite a few old age homes and rehabilitation centres for women. Furthermore, to enhance knowledge and understanding of worldwide needs, problems, and opportunities the club develops activities to promote international understanding and goodwill toward all people.

▲Joining Rotaract

The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service. Keeping this in mind Rotaract Club of Calcutta welcomes applications from individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who are interested in community service, international service or professional development. Mapped within these specifics, we are also keen to accept membership applications from students and Interactors. Please click here to join the Rotaract Club of Calcutta.

Membership Fees:

Joining Fee (Payble only at the time of joining): Rs.50/-
Yearly Membership Fee: Rs.2000/- for employed / professionals and Rs.480/- for students / unemployed.

The club accepts cash or cheque drawn in favour of ‘Rotaract Club of Calcutta’.
 

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