08/12/2026
Rotary Club Miami Airport Holds First Meeting Under President Lalita Airan
By Hema Sharma
Press Coordinator
On Tuesday, August 11, the Rotary Club Miami Airport held its first meeting under the leadership of newly installed President Lalita Airan, who presented the Club’s plans and priorities for the 2026–27 Rotary year. Twelve members and one guest attended the meeting.
President Airan opened the meeting by proposing that the Club contribute to Columbia Earthquake Relief efforts. At her urging, members approved a $500 Club donation, while individual members contributed nearly $300 more to assist earthquake victims through needed supplies and relief efforts.
President Airan also outlined several projects and activities planned for the coming year, including outreach to people experiencing homelessness, weekly table-game gatherings for fellowship and fundraising, social events, medical presentations, vocational workshops, beach cleanups, and other charitable service projects.
The Club’s program chair announced plans to invite informative and engaging speakers, with members emphasizing the importance of strong programs in increasing participation, attracting new members, and strengthening the Club.
Members also received an update on the Mercy Hospital ICU project in Nagaon, Assam, India, where the Club is supporting development of a fully equipped 10-bed intensive care unit. Approximately $2,000 has already been raised, with an additional $8,000 fundraising goal.
Dr. Nancy Surpris provided an update on the Club’s Haiti school project. School fees for 14 children in Port-au-Prince have been paid for the current school year, and a fundraising event is planned for October 24 combining breast cancer awareness with support for schools in Haiti.
Members were also assigned leadership responsibilities and specific areas of service for the coming Rotary year.
President Airan also initiated 2 new members to the Rotary club, including Dr. Avtar Krishna Ganju, community leader and senior executive (retired) of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Surinder “Sam” Zutshi, Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir NRI Today. Mr. Zutshi said in his closing remarks:
“I am honored to be part of Rotary Club Miami Airport, and I look forward to contributing whenever I can be of service.”
The meeting concluded with Happy Dollars and the Rotary Four-Way Test.
Club members expressed their appreciation for the leadership and service of President Lalita Airan, who is serving as president for the third time in the Club’s 40-year history.
