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Reflections on a Five Year Rotaract Journey

August 31, 2025

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June 5th, 2020. That was the date I first set foot into the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid Town.

I had my fears and apprehensions about joining Rotaract, after a long and rewarding journey as an Interactor. Looking back at it five years later, I can safely dispel all of these feelings as I reflect on half a decade of growth, service, and fellowship.

My foray into into the movement happened during the club’s 41st year of service, under the leadership of Rtr. PP Dina Ali (RI Year 2020–21). In all honesty, I had no plans of working my way up the club hierarchy, nor did I aspire to be anything more than a General Member.

All I needed was something to fill the void Interact had left behind, and truth be told, Rotaract did much more than that. One thing led to another, and I found myself chairing my first project in August 2020, ‘Escape Room’. We managed to bring in close to 30 different teams, with a mix of close to 75 participants from across Colombo. Elated by the project’s success, I went on to chair three more projects during the course of the year.

One thing led to another and I was subsequently appointed as the Joint Editor & Co-Director for Professional Development (PD), under Rtr. PP Ahmed Hibshi’s leadership (RI Year 2021–22). I had the dual responsibility of managing editorial duties along with completing the relevant projects under the PD avenue citation. Additionally, I took up managing the club blog, designing PR material, and handling the club’s social media handles. Reflecting on it, I’m baffled as to how I managed to juggle all of this. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another pleasant surprise slotted its way into my Rotaract resume. I was given the wonderful opportunity to come aboard the Rotaract District Media Unit as an Editor. Despite having enough on my plate to deal with already, I knew this was an offer I couldn’t turn down.

Little did I know that this delicate balancing act would catch up to me sooner or later.

After quite a successful year juggling multiple roles within the movement, I was appointed as the Joint Vice President for Club Service & Professional Development for the RI Year 2022- 23, under Rtr. PP Ovin Bimsara’s leadership. It was around this time that I slowly began to unravel. From experiencing intense burnout to developing insecurities about my impact on the club, I had no choice but to withdraw into a cocoon of my own. This went on for about two quarters, until then DRRE Rtr. PP Sathma Jayasinghe opened up applications for the Rotaract District Steering Committee (RI Year 2023–24). I promptly seized the opportunity and applied for the Joint Editor role.

The million-dollar question I ask myself to this day is, “Why did I do it?” and frankly, I found my answer a lot later than I’d expected. What I thought had been a slump for me, was actually a period of chrysalis. The six months spent in hibernation gave me the perspective and understanding I needed to throw myself back out there in the name of service.

I was appointed as Joint Editor to the Rotaract District Steering Committee in due course. Something I can gladly attest to and I say this without any regret: my district year was by far the only year where I truly managed to embrace, understand, and thrive as a Rotaractor. My preceding years in Rotaract were a repetitive cycle of ‘work, work, work,’ and as the adage goes, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’

My district year entailed its own weird twist of risk and reward. From liaising between 04 guide clubs, to working on the quarterly district newsletters, public relations, and most importantly, trying to cultivate a collaborative work environment within the RDSC, it was a task of its own. Internalizing the responsibility and trust vested upon us as District Directors and channeling it towards bettering the volunteer experiences of 4,000-plus Rotaractors was no mean feat.

My greatest joy came from working with my guide clubs, and this feeling of satisfaction is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. After what felt like an eternity, I returned to the club once again — my social batteries drained and badly in need of a jumpstart. I made this decision following a request from then incoming President Rtr. Haneef Mohamed (RI Year 2024–25) to take up duties as Club Secretary, despite facing intense scrutiny from both family and friends. This wasn’t an off-the-cuff decision, as I wanted to give back to the club in any way I could. From monthly reports to project submissions to meeting minutes, to tolerating Haneef’s antics, it has truly been a wild ride — one that I intend to see through to the end.

My key takeaways from the past five years? Face your fears. Oftentimes, we try to downplay who we are as individuals just so we could fit in with the crowd.

Be an outlier. Be the one who went the extra mile to make a difference. Utilize every opportunity that comes your way. Any chance you get to showcase your skills? Do it. Carve your place within both the club and movement alike. And if you feel like you’re ever lacking in any area? Work on honing it to such an extent that it becomes second nature to you.

From coming in fresh after my advanced levels to leaving as a graduate, Rotaract has nurtured me in its own little way, giving me a perspective that reaches far beyond the confines of the movement.

My only prayer is that you aspire to chase after your dreams as a Rotaractor, because from the way I see it, the only thing stopping you is… yourself.

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