About Our Club
A century-old idea, practiced locally since 1956.
Rotary began in Chicago in 1905. Fifty-one years later, that same idea – professionals serving their community above their own interest – took root here in Puducherry.
Rotary began in Chicago in 1905. Fifty-one years later, that same idea – professionals serving their community above their own interest – took root here in Puducherry.
About Our Club
Founded by one man who wanted business to mean more.
Rotary International - the parent body our club operates under - was founded in 1905 by attorney Paul Harris, who brought together a small circle of professionals in Chicago with one goal: build real relationships across industries, then use them for good. The name "Rotary" came from the group's early habit of rotating meetings between members' offices.
That idea didn't stay local for long. Today, Rotary is one of the world's largest humanitarian service networks - more than 1.4 million members across 200+ countries, organized into clubs, districts, and Rotary International itself.
Our Charter
Rotary Club of Pondicherry, Charter No. 015880.
Our club was chartered on 25th June 1956, making us one of the long-standing Rotary clubs in the region. Seventy years on, we mark our 71st installation of office bearers in 2026 - a tradition where each year's incoming President, Secretary, and team are formally welcomed into service.
We meet regularly in Puducherry to plan projects, host guest speakers, and coordinate the fundraising and volunteer work that keeps our community commitments moving - from scholarships to sanitation to disaster relief.
"Service Above Self."
The Rotary motto, guiding every club decision since 1905.
Who Joins Rotary
Our members carry their professions into their service.
Rotarians are business owners, doctors, lawyers, engineers, educators, and government officials - anyone who demonstrates leadership and a genuine passion for community service.
Business & Industry
Owners and executives who bring operational know-how to every project budget and timeline.
Healthcare
Doctors and health professionals who lead our medical camps, screenings, and vaccination drives.
Education & Civic Life
Educators, lawyers, and government officials who shape our scholarship and infrastructure work.
How Rotary Is Organized
From one global body down to one local meeting.
| Rotary International | The global governing body |
|---|---|
|
Rotary District |
Regional unit overseeing multiple clubs |
|
Rotary Club of Pondicherry |
Our local chapter |
|
Rotarians |
Members who run our projects |
| Organization | Who It's For |
|---|---|
|
Rotary Club |
Adults (18+) in business & civic life |
|
Rotary Club of Pondicherry |
Young adults, 18–35 |
|
Interact Club |
School students |