Mysuru: In order to foster deep human connections and navigate life transitions, it is important to provide a foundation and buffer against uncertainty through fellowships, meetings and greetings, said S. B. Ravi Shankar, Senior Investment Banker in London. 

Delivering his speech as the guest of honour at the installation ceremony of the President and Board of Directors of Rotary Ivory City Mysuru for the year 2026-27 here recently, Ravi Shankar said such fellowships serve as vital emotional and structural anchors in both personal lives and broader societies.  

Ravi Shankar, who did his higher education in the US about four decades ago under Rotary Scholarship Award, expressed his gratitude to organisations that moulded him — Mysuru’s Ramakrishna Ashram and Rotary.  

Dr. G. L. Shekar was inducted as the President of Rotary Ivory City along with Board of Directors by Past District Governor (PDG)Dr. R.S. Nagarjuna, a leading physician.  

Complementing the Immediate Past President Rtn. Keshav Kanchan and the outgoing Board, Dr. Nagarjuna emphasised that the transition of the presidential collar represents institutional continuity and an enduring legacy.  

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Shekar said that this year Rotary Ivory City Mysuru’s focus will be on health and education. “Our focus on Health will be matched by our passion for Education. We believe that ‘Impact’ is most ‘Lasting’ when it empowers the next generation.” 

On this occasion, Rotary Ivory City Mysuru conferred Honorary Membership to Dr. M.N. Raghuveer, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon and Dr. Deepa Bhat, medical educator and researcher for their exceptional meritorious community service in line with Rotary ideals.  

Assistant Governor Rtn. Rajendra Hubli, Zonal Lieutenant Rtn. K. Shashidhar, Rtn. S.L. Ramachandra, Rtn. S.K. Lakshminarayana Babu, Rtn. Dr. M. Devika, Principal of Sarada Vilas College, Rtn. Amar Chethan and Rtn. Giridhar Sarma from Rotary Bengaluru JP Nagar and Rtn. Srinidhi from New York Rotary Club were among those present.  

The newly inducted Board of Directors are: Director-Club Services – Rtn. S. Balachandar, Director-Vocational Services – Rtn. Mamatha Shashidhar, Director-Community Services – Rtn. Shobha Nagaraj, Director-International Services – Rtn. Manjula Balachandar and Director-New Gen – Rtn. Shabana Ifthekar  

Rtn. B.G. Nagaraj, Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.