LIGHTS OF FRIENDSHIP: HOW 148 ROTARIANS BRIDGED INDIA AND ITALY THROUGH DIWALI
By Rtn. Arini Ghosh (District 3191) &Rtn. Jenny Elisabeth Bohlin (ICC Italy–San Marino–Malta for India), Event Co-Chairs
On October 12, 2025, as evening descended across two continents, something extraordinary happened. From Bangalore to Rome, 148 Rotarians illuminated their screens—with diyas, candles, and even the soft glow of their phones. For a moment, continents dissolved. What remained was light, shared across 7,000 kilometers, transforming cultural exchange into the foundation for lasting partnership. ✨
This was Lights of Friendship: India–Italy Diwali Connect, a virtual gathering that brought together Rotarians from India, Italy, Malta, and San Marino. With over 190 registrations, the response underscored a simple truth: when given the opportunity to understand each other’s cultures, Rotarians show up.
🌍 WHY CULTURAL DIPLOMACY MATTERS
Diwali—the Festival of Lights—celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. Beyond its spiritual meaning, Diwali offered something Rotary has always understood: shared celebration builds trust. Before clubs can co-create projects, they must first see each other as friends, not just partners.
The evening opened with a breathtaking montage—streets lined with lamps, homes adorned with rangoli, families sharing sweets, children watching fireworks. From artisans shaping clay diyas to temples glowing at dusk, the video captured India as an ocean of light—ancient, spiritual, yet unmistakably modern.
As Rotarians across Italy, Malta, and San Marino watched, the glow transcended distance. Over the next 90 minutes, that light took many forms: a classical Bharatanatyam performance, a spiritual message from ISKCON Bangalore, and a high-energy fusion by Rotaractors blending Bollywood rhythm with techno beats—India’s tradition meeting innovation in real time.
First Lady Rekha Sridhar curated this journey with precision and heart, coordinating performers and personally facilitating the ISKCON temple recording that became the evening’s radiant centerpiece.
This wasn’t entertainment for its own sake—it was fellowship as strategy, an investment in relationships that must precede memorandums of understanding.
🤝 A BRIDGE BUILT BY MANY HANDS
The initiative emerged from collaboration between Rotary District 3191 and the Inter-Country Committee (ICC) Italy–San Marino–Malta for India. District Governor BR Sridhar articulated the vision simply:
“District 3191 is home to vibrant clubs across Bangalore and Karnataka. But we know our impact multiplies when we connect globally. That’s why this evening matters.”
PDG Nathalie Huyghebaert, ICC Executive Board Chair, framed the broader mission:
“To make an ICC effective and sustainable, it is necessary to work together on common projects. But above all, it is necessary to maintain contacts in this way. Going out from your club, your district, your country to discover Rotarians from all over the world—other cultures—is a fantastic adventure and very motivating.”
PDG Deepak Talwar, ICC National Coordinator for India, emphasized the power of understanding:
“When we appreciate the different aspects of well-being which every culture displays, we are working towards unity. Let’s be sure that our togetherness, our understanding, will go on until we feel totally united in purpose.”🌏
Rtn. Alessandro Pastorini, ICC National Coordinator Italy-Malta-San Marino, reinforced this vision:
“The Italy/India ICC perfectly embodies this spirit—building bridges between peoples and promoting mutual understanding. In these challenging times for world peace, we demonstrate that friendship between nations is the path to a more peaceful world.”
WHY INDIA AND ITALY?
The India–Italy partnership offers unique potential. Both nations share rich cultural heritage and deep commitment to service—yet bring complementary strengths: India’s scale and youthful energy, Italy’s craftsmanship and institutional maturity. The commonalities create comfort; the differences create opportunity—forming the basis for partnerships spanning education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, women empowerment, and youth exchange.
✨ FROM CELEBRATION TO COLLABORATION
Following the cultural segment, District 3191 introduced a four-level engagement framework—from initial fellowship to formal twin-club agreements—letting clubs explore compatibility before committing to long-term collaboration. Clubs from both countries are now expressing interest through a post-event collaboration form.
Momentum continues with preparations for a flagship Gala in Bangalore (tentatively late November), bringing together Italian and Indian Rotarians for partnership signings and celebration. Invitations have been extended to the Italian Consul General and key stakeholders.
💫 LIGHT SHARED IS LIGHT MULTIPLIED
As participants held their diyas to the screen that October evening, one truth became clear: when Rotarians dare to bridge cultures, the light reaches farther than we imagine. The India–Italy connection is just the beginning.
This initiative offers a blueprint for ICCs everywhere—cultural celebration as a gateway to collaboration. The model is replicable, adaptable, and above all, rooted in the belief that relationships must come first, projects second, and that fellowship is not a luxury but a foundation.
Imagine if every ICC lit such bridges of friendship. Imagine the world we could illuminate together. 🌠
About the Event:Lights of Friendship: India–Italy Diwali Connect was held virtually on October 12, 2025, from 19:00–20:30 IST (15:30–17:00 CEST). Organized by Rotary District 3191 in collaboration with ICC Italy–San Marino–Malta for India, with support from ICC Executive Board leadership.
