By Roshan Karki, Rotary Club of Rudramati Kathmandu and the Rotaract Club of Manohara, Nepal
I joined Rotaract in April 2010, without fully realizing how profoundly it would shape my life. What began as a simple desire to serve soon evolved into a lifelong commitment to leadership, friendship, and community impact. More than a decade later, I remain actively involved in both Rotaract and Rotary, carrying forward the same passion that first brought me into the movement.
My journey began with the Rotaract Club of Manohara as a charter member. Like many young members, I joined to learn, connect, and contribute. Over time, Rotaract became far more than a club — it became a training ground for leadership and service. I had the privilege of serving as club president in 2013-14 and again in 2014-15, experiences that taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the power of collective action. Most importantly, they showed me that leadership is not about titles, but about serving others with purpose.
As my involvement deepened, so did my vision. In 2023-24, I served as district Rotaract representative for District 3292 (Bhutan and Nepal). This role challenged me to think beyond individual clubs and focus on nationwide impact. During my tenure, we organized nationwide cleaning campaigns, uniting Rotaractors across districts to care for our environment. Seeing young leaders come together with a shared mission remains one of the most fulfilling moments of my Rotary journey.
Another defining milestone was our nationwide blood donation campaign. Blood donation is one of the simplest yet most powerful acts of service, and the response was extraordinary. Together, we successfully collected 1,385 units of blood. That number represents lives saved, families supported, and communities strengthened. It reinforced my belief that when service is well-organized and driven by passion, its impact can be truly transformational.
While continuing my Rotaract journey, I also embraced Rotary. In March 2019, I joined the Rotary Club of Rudramati Kathmandu, marking a new chapter in my service life. Rotary broadened my perspective, allowing me to work alongside experienced professionals who shared the values of integrity, fellowship, and Service Above Self. I served as club secretary in 2020-21, gaining deeper insight into organizational leadership, governance, and sustainable service practices.
My service journey has since expanded beyond national boundaries. I currently serve as a council member of South East Asia Rotaract Information Center MDIO and have the honor of serving as chair of the Nepal Summit 2025. This role allows me to contribute at a regional level, connecting leaders across South East Asia and strengthening collaboration within the Rotaract movement.
What makes my journey unique is that I never had to choose between Rotaract and Rotary. I remain actively engaged in both. Rotaract keeps me connected to youth energy, innovation, and grassroots action. Rotary provides long-term vision, mentorship, and wider community reach. Together, they form a complete and powerful service ecosystem.
If there is one lesson my journey has taught me, it is this: service does not end with age, position, or title — it evolves. Rotary and Rotaract are not just organizations; they are platforms that empower ordinary people to create extraordinary change.
Learn more about Rotaract and join the global movement of young leaders developing innovative solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/05/05/rotary-rotaract-empower-extraordinary-change/