Rotary Intl Pres-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola: “Rotary’s Strategic Priorities Include the Global Mission to End Polio"

Zirakpur(Mohali), April 3, 2026: As a mark of collective commitment of Rotaractors and Rotarians, Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola highlighted global priorities, stressing the need for fast-paced inclusive global development. Babalola was sharing his views with media persons along-with KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru & District Governor-Elect (District 3080-India) Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra on the occasion of the 'Srijan 2026 – A New Beginning’, a landmark Presidents-Elect and Secretaries-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS/SELS)' being held at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur.
It is pertinent to state that Rotary International is a global service organization with over 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders in 45,000+ clubs worldwide. Founded in 1905, it focuses on humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and world peace.
Babalola said that Rotary as an organisation works for peace and called for an end of hostilities in West Asia. He said that the political leaders need to decide to end the war for the benefit of humanity. He said Rotary always helps people in war torn areas and works towards rehabilitating displaced communities. He added that Rotary enters after war ends and helps the people ravaged by violence.   
Babalola, a Rotaractor since 1984 and a Rotarian since 1994, told media persons that Rotary’s strategic priorities included the global mission to end polio, expanding membership to 1.25 million members worldwide over the next five years and strengthening Global Grant partnerships focused on environment and sustainability, basic education and literacy, and disease prevention and treatment.
He added that the AI Functional Literacy for Youth project to equip young minds with digital and AI skills is being planned for tricity youngsters. He emphasized the need for innovation-driven service and stronger youth engagement.
Other regional initiatives, and forward-looking projects announced for the Chandigarh Tricity include women empowerment initiatives focusing on digital safety, vocational skilling and entrepreneurship; and the Happy Schools Initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure.
Notably, the two-day flagship leadership event, organised by the Rotary International Districts 3080 and 3090, has brought together over 500 Rotary leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru, said that significant health and environmental interventions were also showcased during the seminar including projects for the elimination of tuberculosis, cervical cancer awareness, mobile screening for non-communicable diseases, waste management drives and the development of Rotary nurseries to promote environmental stewardship.
The seminar, being organised under the leadership of District Governor-Elect Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra (RI District 3080 India) and Rtn. Dr. Sanjay Kalra, along with Past District Governor (PDG) Arun Mongia, focused on equipping incoming Rotary leaders with the skills and vision required for the Rotary Year 2026–27.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rita Kalra said that the event is featuring breakout sessions, networking opportunities, fellowship interactions, and cultural evenings celebrating diversity and unity.
Dr Kalra, reflecting further, said that Srijan-2026 stands as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and impactful service.
Distinguished Rotary leaders including Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) Rtn. Gurjeet Sekhon, Past District Governor(PDG) Rtn. Shaju Peter, Regional Rotary Membership Coordinator (RRMC) Rtn. Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) Rtn. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Regional Web Master Rtn. Narender Rao, and Club & District Support (CDS) Rtn. Daman Bawega, contributed to the sessions, enriching the experience for participants.
In another development, the Department of Posts, Chandigarh Division, under the guidance of the Kumar Sanjeev IPoS Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Chandigarh Division, released a Special Cover at GPO Sector 17, Chandigarh on PELS and SELS of Rotary International District 3080. On this occasion, Shri Brij Bhushan Rana, Senior Postmaster, GPO Chandigarh, Shri Kishori Lal, Incharge Business Parcel Centre(BPC) Chandigarh, and Dr Rita Kalra, District Governor 2026-2027 Rotary International District 3080, were present and released the Special Cover. Notably, the Special Cover will be displayed and made available for sale on 3rd and 4th April 2026 during the Rotary International District 3080 event PELS and SELS organized at Hotel Park Plaza Zirakpur by Rotary International District 3080.