Robin Sharma once said, “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.” Inspiring others and discovering new opportunities, creating impact and leading the youth into a prosperous future is the responsibility of the current leaders. Therefore, as the youth leaders of Rotaract Club of SLIIT, we have strived to create leaders for the future so that they continue the legacy of creating something every day, whether it’s a new piece of art, a piece of writing, a new recipe, or a new idea.

Rotaverse, an initiative started by the by-gone leaders of our club commenced once more the for RI year 2023-24. A day filled with speeches, introductions, team activities, and the promise of new friendships, it marked the commencement of an odyssey that would take us to the farthest reaches of service, leadership, and camaraderie. It will nurture the future of Rotaract and of our entire country in its hands.

The day started off with our madam president, Rtr. Manisha Alwis addressing the young, eager souls present, welcoming them to the club and introducing the world of Rotaract to them. We had had an inspirational speech from Rtn. Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) PP Marshad Barry, a seasoned Rotarian, who reminded us that our Rotaract journey is not only about giving to the community but also giving back to oneself, it is a voyage of personal growth and global impact.

Left to Right: IPP Rtr. Lathushanan Koneswara, Rtn PHF PP Marshad Barry, President Rtr. Manisha Alwis 

One of the most enchanting aspects of Rotaract is the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Rota-Verse consisted of 11 teams, each team equipped with a board member for a team coordinator. Team introductions became our constellations of friendship, our hub of creativity, and our exposure to the world of Rotaract as we connected with fellow Rotaractors from different backgrounds, each star adding a unique sparkle to our journey.

With 11 teams, we embarked on a mission to navigate the vast galaxy of Rotaract. Armed with creativity and camaraderie, we set out on a scavenger hunt. Clues and challenges led us on a cosmic adventure, taking us to unexpected corners of the Rotaract universe and teaching us valuable lessons about teamwork and problem-solving.

The scavenger hunt was a quest for stellar discoveries, both about the Rotaract world and about ourselves. We learned that collaboration, communication, and a dash of creativity are the celestial keys to success. Creating is a wonderful and exciting process that involves bringing new ideas to life. It requires imagination, creativity, and hard work. One must be willing to explore different possibilities and take risks. In order to create something truly unique and meaningful, one must be open to failure, and learn to embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

Through the process of creating, we learn about ourselves and the world around us. We discover new ways of seeing and understanding, and we develop skills and knowledge that can be applied in many areas of life. The act of creating is a powerful way to express ourselves and connect with others, and it is essential to our personal growth and development. As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves amidst constellations of memories. The friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the spirit of service that infused the day left us with memories that will shine brightly in the Rotaract sky for years to come.

Rota-Verse Day 1 was not just a beginning; it was a promise. A promise of new friendships, new challenges, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place. It was a reminder that in the cosmos of Rotaract, each of us is a star, and together, we illuminate the path of service and leadership. This day was the launchpad for an incredible journey through the Rotaract universe. It showed us that in this vast cosmos of Rotaract, the stars of friendship, leadership, and service shine brightly, guiding us as we explore uncharted territories and make a lasting impact on the world.

Penned By:

Rtr. Benushi Rajapaksha

Co Editor 23-24