About Rotary International
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
History
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.
Paul Harris
Rotary founder
Brief History:
First Rotary Meeting
On 23.02.1905 between Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey met at Chicago.
First Community Service Project
Public Toilet by Rotary Club of Chicago in 1907.
First Rotary Convention
On 15.08.1910 with16 clubs in the United States.
First RI President
Paul Harris, elected at the first Convention in 1910.
First Rotary Club Outside USA
At Winnipeg, Canada in 1911-1912.
First Contribution to TRF
$26.50 by Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri in 1917 to TRF (started by then RI President Arch C. Klumph)
First Club in Asia :
Manila, Philippines in 1919.
First Club in India
The Rotary Club of Calcutta chartered on 01.01.1920
First Rotary Club in North India
Rotary Club of Delhi, initially chartered in 1929 (revived again in 1939).
First RI President from India
Nitish C. Laharry in 1962-63.
First Interact Club
In 1961 by Melbourne, Florida U.S.A. Rotary Club
First Rotaract Club
Chartered in North Carolina, USA in 1968.
First Female Club President
Sylvia Whitlock, Rotary Club of Duarte, California in 1987, after US Supreme Court ruled that Rotary Clubs could not exclude women from membership.