22/07/2026
The District Membership Committee Rotary Year 2026–27 Initiative: Membership Spotlight: Featuring Rtn. Devendra Lal Shrestha, Charter President of Rotary Club of Nepal Mandal. He shares his inspiring Rotary journey, the values that drive him, and his vision for strengthening membership. May his words inspire more leaders to join Rotary and help us Create Lasting Impact together.
👉 What inspired you to become a Rotarian?
✍️ Twenty five years ago, I wanted more than professional success. I wanted to create a meaningful impact in my community. Suddenly, a friend invited me to a meeting focused on chartering a new Rotary Club, where I was deeply inspired by the energy, vision, and mission of the prospective members. But, more than that, two powerful reasons sealed my decision. First, their commitment to hands-on services like, supporting local education initiatives, health camps, and global efforts like polio eradication and recognition of member in worldwide as a Rotarian, showed me that Rotary was far more than a networking group. It was a platform where professionals like me could apply their skills for real, lasting change.
Second, Nepal did not yet have its own Rotary district. We were part of District 3290, based in Calcutta, India. I saw a clear need to expand the number of clubs in the country to establish an independent district. These two causes perfectly aligned with my desire to give back, and I’ve never looked back.
👉 What has been the most valuable benefit or lesson you have gained through Rotary?
✍️ The most valuable lesson I've gained over 25 years is the profound truth behind our motto "Service Above Self". Early on, I joined thinking I'd contribute my time and expertise, but I quickly discovered that the personal growth and relationships I received in return were far greater.
Rotary has taught me the power of collective action how a group of dedicated individuals can tackle challenges from local literacy programs to global humanitarian crises in ways no one person could alone. I've built lifelong friendships across professions and cultures, developed leadership skills through club roles and projects, and gained a broader worldview. The greatest benefit has been the deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from seeing tangible positive change in people's lives.
👉 What would you say to someone who is considering joining Rotary?
✍️ I would say, if you're looking for a way to connect with like minded professionals, grow personally, and make a genuine difference in your community and the world, Rotary is one of the best decisions you'll ever make. It's not just meetings, it's about building friendships, developing leadership abilities, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Over my 25 years, I've seen members' lives enriched through service projects, international exchanges, and the incredible network of Rotarians worldwide. You'll gain more than you give your skills, perspectives, and memories that last a lifetime. The only requirement is to adopt a philosophy "Giving is Living" and a willingness to serve everything else follows naturally.
👉 If you could make one change to enhance the Rotary membership experience, what would it be and why?
✍️ If I could make one change, it would be to further strengthen mentorship and engagement programs for newer and younger members, especially in the first 1to 3 years of membership.
With 25 years of experience, I've seen how powerful early involvement can be, but some new members can feel overwhelmed by the breadth of opportunities or unsure how to plug in effectively. Implementing structured mentorship pairings, more flexible project roles, and targeted leadership training right from the start would help retain talent and accelerate their impact. This would energize clubs with fresh perspectives while ensuring long term members like me can pass on knowledge more intentionally. Ultimately, it would make Rotary even more dynamic and welcoming for the next generation of service leaders.
