From Member to Leader: Apeejay Stya University Rotaractors Gain Leadership Insights at ‘Utkarsh’

Student leaders of the Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University (RACASUG) represented the University at “Utkarsh – Presidents’ & Secretaries’ Learning Seminar: From Member to Leader”, a district-level leadership and capacity-building programme organised by Rotaract District Organization 3011 at Crowne Plaza, Okhla, on August 30, 2026.

Representing Apeejay Stya University were Rtr. Philip J. Dolo, President designate; Rtr. Som Sarth, Vice-President designate; Rtr. Aryan Pandey, Secretary designate; and Rtr. Dikshita Sarkar, Joint-Secretary designate of RACASUG.

Designed for Presidents and Secretaries of Rotaract clubs, the seminar focused on strengthening young leaders’ practical understanding of club management, district engagement, reporting and documentation, service projects, international relations, membership development, recognition systems and leadership responsibilities. Sessions were facilitated by experienced district leaders, including PDRR Rtn. Rtr. Sarthak Bansal, PHF Rtn. Rtr. Archit Bhatia, Anmol Chhawla, Himanshu, Shefali and Sarthak Manchanda.

A central message of the seminar was that the true measure of Rotaract lies not merely in organising activities or earning recognition, but in creating meaningful and measurable impact for beneficiaries. The student leaders gained insights into Rotary and Rotaract values, the Four-Way Test, seven Areas of Focus, avenues of service, membership growth and retention, inter-club collaboration, public image, district participation and systematic documentation of service initiatives.

RACASUG Envisions a Larger Role in ‘Mission 3011’

One of the significant outcomes for the ASU team was its exposure to the proposed “MISSION 3011” District Blood Leadership initiative. Under the model described in the official report, RACASUG is proposed to serve as a district-level coordination and ownership hub, subject to the official declaration of results by the District Leadership. The initiative envisages coordinating nine Blood Leadership Circles, connecting more than 70 Rotaract Clubs and 2,500 active Rotaractors, with the collective objective of mobilising and verifying 3,011 blood units.

Importantly, RACASUG’s proposed role is that of a coordination and ownership hub rather than the sole implementing club, thereby providing ASU students an opportunity to contribute to a large-scale collaborative service initiative extending beyond individual institutional blood donation drives.

The seminar also provided the ASU delegation with opportunities to interact with neighbouring and zonal clubs, strengthen professional networks, engage with Rotary and Rotaract leadership and explore possibilities for joint service projects. Discussions on international services introduced participants to avenues such as RIDE, RICE, Letterhead Exchanges and Sister Club Agreements.

Following the seminar, RACASUG identified several priorities for the 2026–27 Rotary year, including stronger project reporting, enhanced district and international engagement, meaningful club collaborations, membership orientation and retention, professional networking and greater emphasis on measurable community impact.

The Club has also envisaged an annual project portfolio aligned with Rotary International’s seven Areas of Focus, including Campus Peace Dialogue, Mission 3011 Blood Donation, WASH Awareness Drive, Health & Wellness Outreach, Teach for Tomorrow, Youth Employability & Entrepreneurship, and the Green ASU Sustainability Campaign.

The participation reflects Apeejay Stya University’s emphasis on nurturing students as socially responsible leaders through experiential learning, community engagement and youth-led service.

“From Member to Leader. From Participation to Ownership. From Projects to Impact.” Student leaders expressed their gratitude to hon’ble Chancellor Madam Sushma Paul Berlia, Pro Chancellor Dr Neha Berlia and Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Vir Singh for their leadership and mentoring