Two Rotary leaders from India take on global leadership roles, strengthening India’s voice in Rotary’s humanitarian work
New Delhi, July 03 – Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, took office as president of Rotary International on 1 July 2026, becoming the second African to lead the global membership organization. Alongside Babalola’s appointment, two Rotary members from India have assumed key positions in Rotary’s global leadership. A.S. Venkatesh began his term as a trustee of The Rotary Foundation (2026–2030), Rotary’s charitable arm, while M. Muruganandam took office as vice president of Rotary International (2026–27).
During his one-year term, Babalola will focus on strengthening Rotary’s contribution to peacebuilding and supporting sustainable, community-led solutions that address local and global challenges and improve lives.
“Rotary gives people the opportunity not only to make a difference in their communities, but also to grow through meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives,” said Babalola. “At a time when many societies face division and uncertainty, I believe Rotary has an important role to play in building understanding, advancing peace, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive. As president, I look forward to highlighting and strengthening that impact around the world.”
As Rotary begins its next chapter under Babalola’s leadership, India continues to play an increasingly important role in advancing the organisation’sservice efforts. As one of Rotary’s largest and fastest-growing region, the country is driving long-term, positive change through evidence-based, sustainable initiatives across cause areas and strengthening Rotary’s humanitarian impact both in India and around the world.
“The Rotary Foundation was built on the belief that lasting change begins with empowered communities and strong partnerships. Today, we are advancing this vision through transformative initiatives such as our Programs of Scale, Rotary Peace Centers, and global polio eradication efforts, while continuing to support community-led projects that respond to local needs and create lasting change,” said A.S. Venkatesh, Trustee, The Rotary Foundation (2026–2030). “As Rotary’s footprint in India continues to grow, we remain committed to reaching more people, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting solutions that improve lives. Our vision is to help build communities that are stronger and better equipped for the future,” Venkatesh further added.
As head of Rotary’s 45,000 clubs worldwide, Babalola will lead Rotary’s top priority of ending polio. Together with its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, Rotary has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent and contributed more than US$3 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect over 3 billion children from this paralyzing disease. He has also been deeply engaged in Rotary’s polio eradication efforts, serving on the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee and advising the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee.
“The true strength of Rotary lies in the people who choose to serve. Every day, Rotary members across India are working alongside communities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by addressing challenges with practical, sustainable solutions. As our movement continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming more people who share our commitment to servicelocally and internationally,” said M. Muruganandam (MMM), Vice President (2026–27), Rotary International.
Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. More than US$5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service – to support these initiatives over the last 100 years.
Comments are closed.