Rotary District 3011 Celebrates World Polio Day A Rally for "Polio Mukt Bharat"

On Thursday, 24th October 2024, Rotary District 3011, under the leadership of District Governor Dr. Mahesh P. Trikha, organized a grand celebration to mark World Polio Day at the Dussehra Grounds adjacent to Dwarka Sports Complex, Sector 11, Dwarka. This momentous event brought together over 2,500 Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and school children, community members, all united by one goal: a future where Polio no longer exists. The day was centered around the theme "Polio Free Bharat," which symbolized India's continued efforts to maintain its polio-free status while supporting the global battle for complete eradication.

The event was graced by several prominent figures, including the Chief Guest, Flt. Lt. (Retd.) K. P. Nagesh, Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) for 2025-27. Other distinguished attendees included representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian National Polio Plus Committee (INPPC). These global partners have been crucial allies in Rotary's decades-long fight to eradicate polio, and their presence emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing this global health challenge. The atmosphere was electric as the participants, including 2000 school children, community members, and Rotarians, came together to spread awareness about the dangers of polio. The event featured an impressive human formation spelling out "POLIO FREE BHARAT" and a 1.5 km awareness rally, both of which underscored Rotary's unwavering commitment to this cause.
One of the key highlights of the event was the human formation of the phrase “POLIO FREE BHARAT” by over 1,500 participants. This symbolic display served as a visual representation of Rotary's mission to rid India - and the world - of polio. Participants stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a powerful and inspiring image that underscored the strength of collective action.

Following the human formation, the participants took part in a 1.5 km walking rally aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination. Led by children and supported by tall men on stilts, the rally was a vibrant and energetic display of unity. The procession was accompanied by officials from UNICEF, WHO, and INPPC, who rode on a trolley, further emphasizing the global nature of the fight against polio. The rally snaked through Sector-11, Sector-6, Sector-110 and back to the venue catching the attention of passersby and spreading the message far and wide.

In addition to the rally, children performed street plays (nukkad nataks) and dances, educating the public about the importance of polio vaccination and the ongoing risks posed by the disease in other parts of the world. These performances were both entertaining and informative, capturing the attention of the audience and driving home the seriousness of the issue. Children were also given T-shirts, caps, and snacks as tokens of appreciation for their participation, further enhancing the sense of community and shared purpose.

District Governor Dr. Mahesh P. Trikha and First Lady Sujata Trikha expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the participants and the community. Dr. Trikha delivered a closing statement that resonated with the spirit of the day: “Let us continue to work for a ‘Polio Mukt Bharat’ until it is eradicated from the face of the planet. Rotary District 3011 will remain steadfast in its commitment to this cause and we will not rest until every child in every corner of the world is safe from polio.”

The event was a powerful reminder of Rotary’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio, not just in India, but worldwide. The combined efforts of Rotarians, Interactors, and Rotaractors, along with the support of global partners like UNICEF and WHO, have brought us closer than ever to a polio-free world. However, as the speeches and displays of the day made clear, the fight is not over.

Rotary District 3011’s celebration of World Polio Day was more than just an event - it was a call to action. The day served as a reminder that while India has made tremendous strides in eradicating polio, the disease remains a threat in other parts of the world. Until polio is eradicated everywhere, no child is truly safe.

Rotary District 3011’s World Polio Day celebration was a powerful and inspiring event that brought together over 2,500 participants in a united effort to promote a polio-free future. With the leadership of District Governor Dr. Mahesh Trikha, Chief Guest Flt. Lt. K.P. Nagesh, and other Rotary leaders, the event successfully raised awareness and demonstrated Rotary’s ongoing commitment to eradicating polio once and for all. The fight continues, but with events like this, the dream of a polio-free world is within reach.

His inspiring speech lauded Rotary's longstanding efforts in the fight against polio, particularly in India, where the disease has been successfully eradicated. However, he reminded the participants that the fight is not yet over.  He said, “India may be polio-free today, but our work doesn’t end until every last case of polio is wiped out worldwide. We must not forget our neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio still exists. Rotary has always been a global leader in this fight, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we stay vigilant and supportive until the entire world is free from this disease”.

Flt. Lt. (Retd.) K.P. Nagesh (RIDE 2025-27) Chief Guest

Delivered a powerful message of hope and determination. “Our journey towards a ‘Polio Mukt Bharat’ has been long and hard-fought, but we must remember that this victory is not complete until polio is eradicated from every corner of the globe. Rotary District 3011 remains fully committed to this cause, and we will continue our efforts alongside our global partners until we see a world free of polio,” 

Dr. Mahesh P. Trikha, District Governor

Emphasized the power of collaboration in addressing global health issues. “Today, we come together not just as Rotarians, but as a community that believes in a world without polio. The formation of ‘Polio Free Bharat’ by over 2,500 participants is a testament to the fact that when we unite, we can accomplish anything. Our mission does not stop here - it continues until no child anywhere in the world is at risk of contracting this terrible disease,”

Rtn. Mukesh Sinha, President Rotary Club of Delhi Govinda

His thoughts on the importance of public awareness in the fight against polio. “Our efforts today are not only about celebrating the success we've had in India, but also about raising awareness of the ongoing battle in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Polio doesn't respect borders, and until it is eradicated globally, we remain at risk. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness, educate the public, and ensure that vaccinations remain a priority,”

Rtn. Ravi Gugnani, DG (Elect)

Echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of Rotary in ensuring that the fight against polio continues beyond India’s borders. “Rotary has been instrumental in leading the global charge against polio. While India is polio-free, we must remain vigilant and extend our efforts to the rest of the world. Polio knows no boundaries, and neither should our commitment to eradicating it. This event is a reminder that our work is far from over, and we will not rest until the entire world is polio-free,”.

DG Nominee Rtn. Ajeet Jalan

“Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of public health. But with that achievement comes great responsibility. We must continue to support our neighboring countries and ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to the polio vaccine. Today’s event is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to that goal, and it inspires us to keep pushing until we achieve global eradication.”

Rtn. Prashant Sehgal, Convenor