About us
Our Story
The Rotary Club of Chidambaram is a dedicated group of professionals, community leaders, and individuals who share a common passion for service and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. As part of Rotary International, we uphold the highest ethical standards and work collaboratively to address the needs of our community and support global initiatives.
Paul P Harris
FOUNDER OF ROTARY
Paul P. Harris was born to George and Comilia Harris on 19th April 1968 in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. He was raised by his paternal grandparents in Vermont and attended the University of Vermont and Princeton.
After the death of his grandfather in 1888, Harris spent a year working as a salesman for the Sheldon Marble Company in West Rutland and travelled extensively in the USA and Europe. His grandmother encouraged him to work hard and live honorably for his grandfather’s sake. He then spent about a year working at the law firm of St. John, Stevenson, and Whisenand in Des Moines, Iowa. After his apprenticeship, he attended the University of Iowa. After his apprenticeship, he attended the University of Iowa City and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in June 1891.
In 1896, Harris settled in Chicago, where he opened a law practice in the central business district. Harris sought meaningful personal and spiritual relationships in addition to his professional achievements.
Harris met Jean Thomas, the Scottish-born daughter of John and Ann Younson Thomson, during an outdoor excursion, and after a short period, they wedded in Chicago. They had no children. As a young man he was adventurous and inquisitive with a passion to explore life, places, and people. Lonely days of Chicago His experiences in Chicago prompted him to engage in fellowship and share mutual concerns. On 23rd February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.
Paul and his wife, Jean, helped Rotary grow. He confessed to “having no children of our own; Jean and I adopted Rotary.” When Paul died on 27th January, 1947, he left behind him a rich legacy of fellowship and brotherhood for international understanding and service to humanity. Today, the seed he sowed in 1905 has blossomed into a large tree covering more than 200 countries and geographical regions with over 34,000 clubs with a membership of over 1.2 million.
History
Rotary Club of Chidambaram Central is a young and vibrant Rotary Club based in Chidambaram,Cuddalore District,Tamil Nadu,India. The club is a part of RI District 2981, Zone 5 of South Asian Region of Rotary International. RI District 2981 covers parts of Tamil Nadu (Thanjavur,Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore Districts) and Puducherry. The Rotary Club was initiated by Rotary Club of Chidambaram Midtown under the stewardship of Rtn. Sanjeevi. The club was chartered on 02 May 2017 and was inaugurated on 30 June 2012.
In the span of 8 years the club has carved a niche for itself with its captivating camaraderie and soulful service projects. The club with 50+ members and 30+average age is abuzz with sports and fellowship which forms the heart of the club. The heartbeat of the club is the service projects which cater to diverse needs and avenues.
What We Do
Education Support
We provide resources, scholarships, and mentorship programs to support students and educational institutions in Chidambaram.
Healthcare Initiatives
We organize health camps, awareness programs, and support access to essential medical services for underserved populations.
Clean Water and Sanitation
We work on projects to improve access to clean drinking water and promote better sanitation practices in our community.
This Year We Are Going Bigger Than Ever
connect people
Transform communities
Fund sustainable projects
Our Vision
To be a vibrant club with an engaged and diverse memebership by serving the society through projects.
Our Mission
To support rotary international and district by engaging a diverse community of rotarians and others to improve the humanity through service, fellowship and friendship.