Rotary Club of Cochin Global was inaugurated on 29th June 2004. It has the unique opportunity to be born in the year of RI’s 100th birth anniversary. Therefore our Club has the unique distinction of being a Centennial Club. The name ‘GLOBAL’ was chosen very appropriately in keeping with the times. The name reflects the world wide trend towards globalization and motivates members to broaden their outlook and become genuinely concerned with the constantly aggravating problems of humanity beyond the Regional boundaries of the Club.

This timing in the history of Rotary International gave us the unique opportunity to be born in the year of RI’s 100th birth anniversary. Therefore our club has the unique distinction of being a centennial club. It will take another 100 years to get a similar opportunity. Who among us can hope to get that opportunity again? The name Global was chosen very appropriately in keeping with the times. The name reflects the worldwide trend towards globalization and motivates members to broaden  their outlook and become genuinely concerned with the constantly aggravating problems of humanity beyond the regional boundaries of the club. Modern world is struggling to cope with human tragedies of an unprecedented magnitude. World governments and world organization like the United Nations are becoming silent spectators to natural disasters, violence, newer disease like Aids, environmental pollution, shortage of essential resources like food, water etc. and Rotary’s role has become more relevant now than ever before. With a global outlook we can also try to tap financial resources beyond the regional boundaries, eg. world community services. Our club’s tie-up with FOKANA is a step in that direction. Our club commenced with a delightful and impressive membership representing a cross-section of the cream of the professional and business community in the region. In the first year the efforts were directed towards consolidation of the membership, motivated by the Rotary ideal of service and transforming members into genuine Rotarians.

As a club born in the centennial year of the Rotary movement, we have become a significant part of its history. So it is only natural for us to repeat making history in the Rotary world. we have scored half century in our membership of Rotarians and families of such eminent caliber in profession, business and other activities. The celebration of friendship and fellowship amongst our families is looked upon by many with envy. We have committed ourselves to doing service to society and have
completed many remarkable feats. All these activities have won our club accolades, even from Rotary International. The Globalizes are recognized easily among sister clubs in the city. We have a name and the fame that we need to maintain.

Dear Globalites, we have many more steps to climb to be true Rotarians. A true Rotarian is one who pours his/her heart out in the service to the less fortunate brethren of our society. Service to humanity is indeed the celebration of true love and love is nothing but God Himself. Rotary is spread over 30,000 clubs across the globe with a participation of more than 1.2 million Rotarians and families. The steadfastness and the compassion of the Rotarians alone have taken this organization through world wars, calamities and disease and enabled it, yet to come out stronger colorful and more lovable. The contribution of the members in cash and kind alone has made its voice heard across the world leadership. As love is the edifice of Rotary, the Rotary Foundation is the bedrock of it. Just remember the fact, that, the love for humanity expressed by the Rotarians was instrumental in making available about $600 million to India alone for the polio eradication programme. This is the money raised by the Rotary Foundation from the Rotarians all over the world including India. Can we comprehend the dimensions of this programme? It worked wonders and is working wonders among lakhs of children. Similarly, the Rotary foundation is taking up the fight against, hunger, disease, poverty, illiteracy etc. Clean water project is another thrust area. So, the list goes on and on.

It is true that we need to educate ourselves a bit more about Rotary. We will appreciate it and be enriched by it. We ourselves will becomes better personalities and make others better human beings. We will hold high human values and will work to enhance them for others around us. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be a Rotarian. Yes, we are true members of Rotary. But, let us climb a step higher and become members of the Rotary Foundation. Together, let us celebrate Rotary in true love and spirit. Together, let us serve God and His humanity through the Rotary Foundation.