Flourishing future

Bahrain-based philanthropist and environmentalist Renuka Nambiar has been giving back to the kingdom she has called home for more than 28 years in different roles within the Rotary Club of Manama, writes Mai Al-Khatib Camille.

She now hopes to continue driving the club’s focus on growing the island’s environment as well as supporting labourers, Bahraini youth and special needs children, while also welcoming new members as part of her new designation as president.

“There are lots of thoughts and ideas taking shape,” said the Indian expatriate businesswoman living in Riffa Views.

“My focus will be internal, to build fellowship within the club and have a strong external presence by having community service projects throughout the year.”

The Rotary Club of Manama was founded in 1965 and currently has 51 members participating and organising key community projects with the aim of contributing towards societal needs.

Renuka has been associated with Rotary since her childhood. “My father was a Rotarian for more than 40 years,” she said. “When the time came for me to give back to society, what better organisation than the Rotary Club.”

She has served on the board for eight years and held positions as vocational service director, club services director, international service director, treasurer, and secretary.

She is now taking over the presidency following the dedicated work of former president Osama Almoayed and is encouraging people to visit the club and check out the services for themselves.

“Some members of the public have a wrong perception of the Rotary Club. I want them to come to our club meetings every Sunday, between 12.45pm and 2.15pm, at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa. I want them to see the amount of money we collect and spend on the community in Bahrain. The good work we do is our reward.

“Our focus will be on youth and environment. For the youth, we plan to have workshops on career guidance throughout the year. We will also give emphasis on mental health. As for the environment, we are in talks with the government and quasi government authorities to work together on making Bahrain greener and on projects to help control carbon emission.”

Renuka, who is also the director on the board of the Entrepreneurs Organisation – EO Bahrain Chapter, funds organisations for children with special needs.

She also helps Bahraini charities through the RCM and funds the RR Foundation, a registered charity organisation in India that helps underprivileged girls to continue their education in universities.

Also, being passionate about the environment, she has created a web-based application called dZara to encourage the planting of trees to help bolster Bahrain’s reputation as the land of a million palms.

For details, follow @renukanambiar95 and @rotaryclubofmanama on Instagram.