By Pardeep Sisodia, Rotary Club of Chandigarh Mid Town, Chandigarh, India
I grew up in small towns in the state of Himachal Pradesh, moving frequently because of my father’s government postings. Those years taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of connecting with people – qualities that have stayed with me throughout life.
Professionally, I built a career in advertising and sales promotion, serving both government and corporate clients. But deep down, I always wondered: “Is there more I can do for society?”
That answer came in 2019, when I joined the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown. What started as a desire to give back has since become a transformative journey – one that has shaped me as a leader, a speaker, and a person committed to service.
From hesitation to confidence
When I first joined, I was hesitant to address even small groups. Rotary, however, provides a nurturing environment where members are encouraged to lead, speak, and take initiative. Slowly, I gained confidence and learned that service is not just about action – it’s also about growth. Today, I can speak publicly with conviction, a skill I never imagined I would possess.
Serving in multiple capacities
I have had the privilege of serving the club in various leadership roles – youth service, community service, and club service. Working with Interact and Rotaract clubs allowed me to mentor young leaders and create opportunities for their growth. Participating in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for special-needs children showed me how Rotary empowers those who are often overlooked, helping them discover their potential.
As director of community service, I connected directly with local communities and led projects that addressed healthcare, education, and social welfare. In club service, I learned the nuances of administration, teamwork, and planning, guided by the wisdom of senior Rotary members. Each role taught me lessons in leadership, empathy, and the importance of collaboration.
Experiences that left a lasting impact
Among my most memorable experiences was the Rotary Health Mission in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. Serving tribal communities with little or no access to healthcare was humbling. I will never forget an elderly villager who clasped my hand after receiving basic treatment, saying in his dialect, “You have come from so far to heal us. We will never forget this day.” That moment reminded me that service is not charity – it is shared humanity in action.
Beyond service: lifelong friendships
Rotary has also given me something priceless: lifelong friendships across generations and professions. These friends have become more than colleagues; they are a family bound by shared purpose, respect, and compassion. The fellowship and learning that come with these relationships have enriched my life far beyond what I imagined when I first joined.
Looking ahead
Sometimes I wonder if I should have started my Rotary journey earlier. Perhaps I could have touched even more lives. But I also believe that everything happens at the right time. Rotary came into my life when I was ready to embrace it fully, and it has since been nothing short of transformational.
From a hesitant speaker to a confident leader, from a businessman to a servant leader, my journey has taught me that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. As I continue this path, I aim to contribute even more in the key areas of healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and community development. For me, Rotary is not just an organization; it is a way of life – a platform to live the timeless motto: Service Above Self.
Pardeep Sisodia has been a member of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Mid Town since 2019. An advertising professional, he has served Rotary in a variety of leadership roles including as club vice president, and a member of the club’s youth service and community service committees.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/10/30/my-rotary-journey-from-small-town-roots-to-service-above-self/